The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most popular musicals in the history of theater. In addition to being an award-winning musical theater star, he has extensive film experience-a plus for any stage star being considered for a movie. His is the voice heard on the original cast album which has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. He opened the first three English-language productions of the show and spent more than 3 1/2 years in the title role. No actor's name is more connected to this show in the minds of the public than is Crawford's. executive is on record as having said that his casting would help to preserve the integrity of the show. When plans to film this musical were first announced in 1990, Michael Crawford was slated to reprise his multi-award-winning role. The lead in the film version of The Phantom of the Opera should go to Michael Crawford. I"m convinced he could even conquer the worst that Hollywood can do to the film. His Phantom transcends acting, and the camera would love it. My feelings were recently reinforced by seeing Crawford on PBS and in concert: he BECAME the Phantom though just wearing a tux. And having heard Banderas in Evita and in clips from the ALW concert, I think that Antonio Banderas (or, for that matter, any other Hollywood hunk who can carry a decent tune) will make it a travesty. I've long thought that Michael Crawford would make the Phantom film-whatever else its merits or demerits- authentic, moving, real, and well-sung. Just about every time Hollywood has made a musical with inadequate Hollywood stars, the musical was ruined. I"m also old enough to remember the misery of sitting through Man of La Mancha with Peter O'Toole, Paint Your Wagon with Clint Eastwood and A Little Night Music with Elizabeth Taylor. I'm old enough to remember the thrill of seeing Yul Brynner and Rex Harrison and Barbra Streisand and Joel Grey reprise their famous Tony-winning roles (and win Oscars). No one can fill the roll like this man-he created it -the rest are impostors!! Try this test listen to Michael singing 'The Money Kept Rolling In' on the MC Performs Andrew Lloyd Weber CD -then compare it to Banderas trying to sing on the Evita soundtrack- There is no question!!! Michael has the voice -Banderas doesn't !! If AB can't sing the Evita songs - how in the world could he even begin to bring the Phantom to life- he can't- It would be more like a slow agonizing death!!! MC is the Phantom!!Īfter being a HUGE fan of POTO for years and having seen it many times, I must say that Michael Crawford deserves his chance to have his performance preserved on film. MICHAEL CRAWFORD is the one and only true Phantom!!!He is the only one who can bring the sensuality to the roll.He has film experience and has a new album and tour. It would be a travesty to put anyone other than the true Phantom in the movie. It should be the man who knows how to play the Phantom better than another person in this world. It should be the man who brought him to life, who made people all over the world fall in love with the Phantom. There should be no question as to who should play the Phantom in the movie version of the Phantom of the Opera. After seeing him perform this part 6 times on Broadway, I can't imagine I'll watch anyone else attempt his role. Michael C is the clear choice as he IS the Phantom. Playbill On-Line thanks all those who took the time to write. Owing to the huge response, we have created this seventh file of posts. E-mails with just a name will not be posted. You must include at least two sentences on why you think your candidate is best. Playbill On-Line asked readers: Who do you think would be best to play the Phantom? Please send your proposed casting choice to Managing Editor Robert Viagas. But Warner Brothers says no contract has yet been signed. Lloyd Webber's spokesman has confirmed that Antonio Banderas (Che in the film of Evita) is the front-runner to play the Phantom, and Banderas has told film magazines that he's the man. Warner Brothers is seeking a director and star for its forthcoming film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera.
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