CMW post the first: The original cast recording

*I meant to put this up yesterday, but other family members had prior claim to the computer.

For my first post during Celebrate Musicals Week, I decided to review my copy of the Phantom of the Opera Original Cast Recording with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. It's not the whole musical on the CD, but it came with a booklet containing the whole thing, word for word. Needless to say, I love this cast. Their voices blend beautifully and the whole thing is a work of genius.Here's a little background on Christine and the Phantom:
Christine was written for Sarah Brightman and it shows. She's famous for her role in the musical. Everyone knows who she is because of it. Until Phantom premiered, Sarah was unknown in the world of theater. The producers originally wanted someone else to play Christine's part, but Andrew Webber insisted that only Sarah, who was also his wife at the time, would do. His faith in her paid off!

Michael Crawford had been in several other musical productions before being approached about playing the Phantom. He ran into Webber during the early stages of writing The Phantom, but when he saw the pitch video featuring Steve Harley, he wasn't interested, as the video was more contemporary than classical. However, he also happened to be taking voice lesson with same teacher as Sarah Brightman and one of his lessons was overheard by Webber. As the saying goes, he was called in for an audition and was hired on the spot! 

*Trivia: Who played the Phantom in the original Canadian production?*

Now, on to the songs! All the songs are wonderful, but I think my favorites right now are "The Phantom of the Opera", "Little Lottie","Wish You Were Somehow Here Again", "All I Ask of You", and "Down Once More". And who can forget "Masquerade"?  Michael Crawford's voice flows so smoothly, it sends shivers down my spine. And Sarah Brightman's voice is SO good, it's easy to see why the part was written for her. Why is it that the originals are always so good you can't help but compare all others to them?

And then there's Raoul. Definitely my favorite male character in this musical. Go Team Raoul-Christine! Save the girl you love from the obsessed Phantom! Steve Barton played this role to perfection for both the Original West End and Broadway productions, as did Crawford and Brightman. He also performed as the Phantom from March to September to October in 1990.

The final scene was brilliant. When I listen to the part when they are all singing different lines, I can't help but appreciate their concentration. I would be singing all the lines except mine because of all the confusion! Just goes to show how much dedication is required to stage such a production.

Sorry once again for not getting this up sooner. I'll try to do better this week. I have at least 3 more posts planned and will get them posted ASAP.

Best scene ever! I love how Raoul is willing to die as long as Christine is free of the Phantom. He wants what would be best for her, not himself.

Katelyn