Phantom - Two Years Later
Well, I've mentioned this on MySpace and a few other places, so I might as well say it here.
Today marks two years since I first saw "The Phantom of The Opera" on Broadway. It was the matinee. It was a mixed experience. Partly because I went in with half-a-lifetime of too-hight expectations.
The rise and fall of the chandelier were great. Awesome Carlotta (Anne Runolfsson) and Piangi (David Gaschen). I didn't care for my Christine at all (Marie Danvers) and I barely remember Raoul (John Cudia).
The Phantom was some guy named Hugh Panaro. Was he any good? I have no idea. The woman behind me chattered away through much of the show. She didn't shut up until partway through "Point of No Return." Just when I was starting to appreciate his performance, this Hugh Panaro fellow spit right in my eye.
After the show, however, I had a chance to hear him sing "You're Already There" on the "Broadway's Fabulous Phantoms" CD and I've been totally enchanted by his voice ever since.
Two years later, though, I've seen the show nineteen times and it never loses its appeal for me.
And a lot of awesome things have happened since I saw it and because I saw it. I've met some interesting people and made some great friends. So many things have happend...from the Lestat premiere to flying for the first time to see "Company" in Seattle.
And then there's that guy...Hugh Panaro. I've gotten to know him pretty well since then. He is, without question, the most beautiful person I've ever met. And I'm not talking about his looks, though he's certainly gorgeous. I admire him for his amazing talent. I love and respect him for the smart, funny, caring wonderful he is. Alice Ripley was right when she described him as a "walking heart."
But he still won't say he's sorry for spitting in my eye. Said it's my fault for sitting in the front row.
Oh, well...I still feel blessed to know him.
Now, back to working.
*****************
And don't forget, Hugh is asking for song suggestions for his CD. Let's get some ideas that aren't Broadway or pop...let's give him a chance to show off that magnificent voice. E-mail me at songs@hugh-panaro.net and I will forward them to him.
Today marks two years since I first saw "The Phantom of The Opera" on Broadway. It was the matinee. It was a mixed experience. Partly because I went in with half-a-lifetime of too-hight expectations.
The rise and fall of the chandelier were great. Awesome Carlotta (Anne Runolfsson) and Piangi (David Gaschen). I didn't care for my Christine at all (Marie Danvers) and I barely remember Raoul (John Cudia).
The Phantom was some guy named Hugh Panaro. Was he any good? I have no idea. The woman behind me chattered away through much of the show. She didn't shut up until partway through "Point of No Return." Just when I was starting to appreciate his performance, this Hugh Panaro fellow spit right in my eye.
After the show, however, I had a chance to hear him sing "You're Already There" on the "Broadway's Fabulous Phantoms" CD and I've been totally enchanted by his voice ever since.
Two years later, though, I've seen the show nineteen times and it never loses its appeal for me.
And a lot of awesome things have happened since I saw it and because I saw it. I've met some interesting people and made some great friends. So many things have happend...from the Lestat premiere to flying for the first time to see "Company" in Seattle.
And then there's that guy...Hugh Panaro. I've gotten to know him pretty well since then. He is, without question, the most beautiful person I've ever met. And I'm not talking about his looks, though he's certainly gorgeous. I admire him for his amazing talent. I love and respect him for the smart, funny, caring wonderful he is. Alice Ripley was right when she described him as a "walking heart."
But he still won't say he's sorry for spitting in my eye. Said it's my fault for sitting in the front row.
Oh, well...I still feel blessed to know him.
Now, back to working.
*****************
And don't forget, Hugh is asking for song suggestions for his CD. Let's get some ideas that aren't Broadway or pop...let's give him a chance to show off that magnificent voice. E-mail me at songs@hugh-panaro.net and I will forward them to him.