Top Ten Actors Playing the Phantom of the Opera says: March 17, 2012 at 1:29 am Who made up this list? Someone’s who’s deaf? Butler can’t sing AT ALL. And how completely irresponsible of you to omit Hugh Panaro. Hugh is the BEST BROADWAY Phantom ever. Shame on you. says: March 17, 2012 at 1:57 am I think the reason they probably posted Gerard Butler up there, is that I’m sure his role in the 2004 movie peaked a lot of interest in PotO in people that didn’t already have interest in it. Which, I think is a good thing. And, I wouldn’t say his singing was bad, it just wasn’t classically trained as everybody expected it to be. I used to really think that nobody could and would ever outdo Michael Crawford, but I do have to admit I’m entirely smitten with Ramin’s take on the Phantom. He puts so much emotion into that role, as they say, I’m surprised he has any left after each show. His singing actually makes my heart ache at the sad parts.

Wondeful job to all the Phantoms on the list, especially my dear favorites ranked #1 and #2. Katherine says: March 17, 2012 at 12:09 pm Michael Crawford will always be my favorite. I never even got to see him on stage because the show came out when I was both (haha) but the amount of emotion I can hear just from the CD tells me he was amazing. But I definitely agree Hugh Panaro should be on the list! I finally got to see it in Broadway and his performance blew me away. Even the description for Butler you guys put for him describes why he shouldn’t be on this list. All of these Phantoms are experienced in their art and Butler didn’t even sing before the movie. He did decent, but definitely not on the top ten. Lindsay says: March 18, 2012 at 12:05 am Colm Wilkinson definitely deserved a top three spot, but I am SO happy to see you put Ramin up there in second… he deserves it!! Aside from his absolutely stunning voice, he has been one of the very few who managed to re-define the character (so well)!

Katie says: March 18, 2012 at 1:19 am What about Davis Gaines?? He played the role both in LA and NY and totaled more performances than Michael himself. Having seen Michael, Davis and now Ramin, my top 3 are Ramin, Davis and Michael. Monique Hennessy says: March 18, 2012 at 1:45 am How is Gerard Butler 3rd and Anthony Warlow on 9th??!! What the?? Why is Gerard Butler even on this list? Kay says: March 18, 2012 at 3:03 am Come on, the favorite Phantom could be the acting as well as the singing. I think Gerard Butler was very good in the style of the original, Steve Harley. This was originally a “rocker” part until Crawford changed it up. Doing it on the big screen with closeups is a lot different than the stage versions so acting wise, I think Gerard excelled at bringing the “sexy” back and making most of us choose Phantom over Raoul. I know all the arguments, he was supposed to be a lot older, etc.

but the fans of Ramin can’t agree with that. I thought Ramin did a great job of the stage version. I haven’t seen JOJ do the part on stage, but his voice in the 25th anniversary “blew me away”! Bobbie March 18, 2012 at 3:07 am Why has JOJ been left out and he’s much better than Gerry Butler Haley says: March 19, 2012 at 4:33 am Okay, I am pretty content with this list. Except for the addition of Bowman and Butler. Really, I never liked Bowman as Chris, and I didn’t even know he at one point even played Phantom, really he is not nearly as liked as other Phantoms. Gerard, really?!? I give him the benefit that his acting was pretty good, and that he gave international awareness to the musical, but really not top 10 material. I do say we need to have some more Broadway Phantoms up there! I would also switch Ramin with JOJ, even though I believe they are almost as equally good!

But at least they got the basic and the most important thing right on this list, and that is making Michael Crawford #1! He created the role, and he embodied the Phantom with his voice, his acting, and his soul! Pretty good list overall! Gabrielle says: March 21, 2012 at 1:01 am Gerard beat John Owen Jones and Earl Carpenter. Tisk Tisk. And I personally do not like Micheal Crawford. Ramin should of been 1 hands down. Natty says: March 21, 2012 at 1:37 am really hoped John Cudia would be on this list as like #3 (he’s one of my favourites!) I do agree with most of this list though.. (: Christine Daae March 21, 2012 at 6:35 am Davis Gaines!!! March 22, 2012 at 2:44 pm What’s wrong with this ranking?

Barbara says: March 22, 2012 at 2:47 pm Oh my ……as a non-English audience, I have to say that there must have some mistakes and misunderstandings in this list. I don’t think this list is fair and objective. First of all, how can you put actors of musicals and movies together to compare ? What they needs of performance are very different.!!! And, what’s the basement of this rank? The acting? Or singing? I just think that some actors not deserve the ranking. As other comment said, this list miss some better actors, especially the Broadway’s. POTO is not a musical that you can write a review in a casual way. I think this article’s writer should tell that why he ranked like this. Ed says: April 8, 2012 at 3:00 pm Scott Davies should be on the top 10 list, as should Mark Mckerracher.

You can get rid off Ramin Karimloo, he should never have been cast in the role, and John Owen Jones, he was a good Jean Valjean in the early days – late 90’s, but over time became complacent and stale. His portrayal of the Phantom is vocally powerful, but that’s the only positive. DottieV says: April 13, 2012 at 11:01 pm You are all wrong. Dave Willetts who took over not long after Michael Crawford in London was the best phantom ever. His voice and portrayal of Phantom through his voice and acting was brilliant. He also played Jean Valjean in Les Mis. Anyone out there agree? Dominic Bartolone says: April 23, 2012 at 4:55 am I was able to see your #1, #3, and #10 selections perform the Phantom. I must say none of the other performers have anything on Anthony Crivello. He performed the role of Phantom with memorable grace and elegance. Also I do not think you should compare a movie actor’s role to a live performer.

Again Anthony’s performance (acting and singing) was every bit as moving and more entertaining than even your #1 choice Michael Crawford. Duffy Tarantino says: April 23, 2012 at 3:38 pm I saw #1 and #10 an I loved both. I nust say you cannot understand how good a job they did until you see another performer do this role as i did when Anthony Crivello was out sick. Then you realize the difference of a top ten performer and some who is just ok. I agree that while I loved the movie Gerard Butler doesn’t belong on ANY list of Phantoms. vincent jerosa says: April 24, 2012 at 2:43 am Really?! I mean really?! You listed Anthony Crivello as number ten! Are you kidding? Or, did you not proof read the numerical order before you posted your list? I’ll tell you what, with no disrespect to the many actor’s who have played the role, I believe a more accurate list would be Anthony Crivello (first place). Michael Crawford (second place). the remaining actor’s are tied for third place. Mr.

Crivello, mastered the role of the Phantom. When he is on stage you can’t help but to give him all of your focus. His movements on stage are precise and with emotion. His voice is impeccable. He is the reason many audience members see the show multiple times! Sally says: April 25, 2012 at 9:43 pm No list of 10 can include all of the fine, deserving Phantom actors, but to have Gerard Butler in the place of one of them is ridiculous. Billie Eaton says: April 26, 2012 at 9:08 pm Gerard Butler should not be on the list. Michael Crawford, THE BEST is rightly #1. When we saw Anthony Crivello in Vegas we sat in the front row. His grimacing and teeth gnashing were iritating-not good theatre, in my opinion. BTW, when we were in the hotel and also outside in the parking area, whose singing did we hear? Michael’s POTO’s cd, not Anthony!

Mike Heisler says: May 20, 2012 at 4:57 am I have not heard all of these Phantoms so I cannot really say if most of them deserve to be on the list, but one thing I can say is that Anthony Crivello should not be at the bottom of the list, more towards the top of the list. Anthony has the intensity that role needs, not to mention an amazing singing voice. I put Anthony Crivello at number one since it was his performance that made me the Phan I am today in addition to that of all the ones I have seen, he is the most believable in that role. And my guess the reason you hear the recording from Michael Crawford is that was the only recording at the time the play opened. Erin says: May 20, 2012 at 8:01 pm See Anthony Crivello this year before the Vegas show closes. You are in for the treat of your life! His voice is perfectly suited for one playing the role of an angel of music and the passion and emotion he brings to the role is unequaled! He is definitely the number one talent on this list. S.

Kate November 9, 2012 at 11:13 pm Gerard Butler should not be on this list, let alone ranked above John Owen Jones. Uncool. Definitely approve of the top 2. Have only heard Michael Crawford sing, as opposed to watching Karimloo. Very different voices. They both win. CarolLynn says: July 30, 2013 at 3:03 am Davis Gaines was only mentioned one other time in all these postings?!! Wow. He really belong somewhere on this list. He was excellent in L.A. and I understand he did a great job as Raoul in New York. I was a Michael Crawford snob when I bought The Phantom DVD. It took a while but you ride Butler kind of grew on me but he doesn’t belong here. How about making a Top-20 list and just leave room for more great singers? pony says: August 11, 2013 at 12:45 pm brad little should be in.

he is precise on the words when singing with lots of emotion Bob Raab January 3, 2014 at 4:03 am I attended only 17 performances of Phantom in Los Angelas. I heard an interview with a woman who has attended 135 and that was two years before Phantom closed in LA. Michael Crawford was, well, enthralling. Robert Guillaume was an interesting Phantom but, for me, didn’t have the voice or the passion. Then came Davis Gaines. He had the voice. He had the passion. Wow, did he have the passion. The final scene, when Christine has left with Rouel, and the Phantom is in agony. Well, I saw it 5 or 6 times and it brought tears to my eyes. It was the heart break we have all experienced at the end of a love that we wanted to keep forever. I have watched videos of other Phantoms, none come close to Davis Gaines. But then that opinion comes from my life experiences.

JACK says: January 20, 2014 at 8:03 am DAVIS GAINES IS THE BEST I HAVE SEEN…HE MOVED ME TO TEARS……& A GREAT SINGER & ACTOR…….JACK ENGLISH…HOLLYWOOD guest says: February 27, 2014 at 10:23 pm Okay I honestly have to ask this for the people that have seen a fair amount of different versions of the Phantom. I’ve only seen the 2004 movie and the Royal Albert Hall performance. So why do people hate so much on Gerard? I personally liked his portrayal and his singing voice is my favorite of all the Phantoms I’ve heard sing (which is about 5 of the portrayals.. yeah. small amount, I know). It’s not as operatic. I find his voice really moving and it takes me out of reality whenever I listen to the 2004 soundtrack. I also really enjoy Ramin’s performance. 🙂 Kent says: May 20, 2014 at 7:44 pm How many Phantoms have you seen?

If hundereds of actors have played the role, how many do you need to see to be even mildly qualified to pass judgement? We saw Colm Wilkinson in Toronto, and he was marvelous. He ranks well ahead of the (unknown, but good) actor on the first(?) tour, and ahead of Gerard Butler. Brian says: June 16, 2014 at 7:15 pm The list needs to be updated as Cooper Grodin is performing as the phantom on the traveling Broadway tour. He is without a doubt, in the top 10. Maria E says: June 21, 2014 at 4:59 am Where is Hugh Panaro’s name? Is this list a joke? He’s is undoubtedly the best Phantom. Hannah R says: June 29, 2014 at 5:21 am Ramin is the best phantom ever!!! Have you seen him on broadway? He’s gorgeous , he’s an amazing singer and , he just IS the phantom! I love him so awesome! Kevin says: July 24, 2014 at 5:23 am How did you miss Frank D’Ambosio.

Was the Phantom in the San Francisco cast for its entire run…at one point, he was the longest running Phantom and one of the best. Stan July 26, 2014 at 9:32 am How about James Romick? says: July 28, 2014 at 9:34 pm I personally believe that Gerard Butler should be taken off this list completely, putting Ramin Karimloo as the best, and I think there are brilliant phantoms (that aren’t at famous as the ones in this list) that have been left out, for example: Gary Mauer is a brilliant phantom, as is Geronimo Rauch. Jorge says: September 14, 2014 at 4:53 am I’m just glad Crivello is in the top ten. I saw him around 10 times (i know, not very impressive) during his tenure in Vegas, I even saw him in the last week he played the Phantom (yes, he was worth it) and he brought tears to my my eyes every single time during the All I ask of you reprise.

Crawford deserves the top spot and I agree Panaro was snubbed, but Crivello is a great actor/singer and deserved at least the tenth spot. He is the reason I’ve traveled all the way to Broadway to watch TPOTO. Mark Sinning says: October 26, 2014 at 5:28 am Brad Little is the best Phantom I have heard. His deep baritone but amazingly high range gave the Phantom a sinister but seductive presence that is unique. He gets my got as the best Dean says: November 1, 2014 at 4:18 pm Gerard butler should not be on there. Can’t act, can’t sing. Hugh panaro was rightly left out, his singing style is boring and his acting is just bland, also he seems really arrogant. Best phantom by far is Ramin Karimloo. He can sing, he can act, and he’s the only actor whose performance has made me cry. He changed the role, which no other actor has done, and people who say that he’s terrible clearly don’t see how he is playing the role. Michael Crawford should be #2, and John Owen Jones should be #3.

margaret yosub says: November 26, 2014 at 7:51 am Just saw Phantom on Broadway with the greatest Phantom ever – Norm Lewis. His performance was breathtaking, fantastic, and most enjoyable singing I have ever heard and seen. Brian Harms says: November 28, 2014 at 12:28 am Jeff Hyslop should be on there. He was in the Vancouver production and was excellent, although I doubt virtually all people reading this would have even heard of him. I’m so happy that Robert Guillaume didn’t make the list – he was terrible. I couldn’t believe A.L.Webber cast him in the role. What was he thinking?.. Dan says: November 30, 2014 at 7:02 pm Geronimo Rauch surely makes the top ten. Peter Karrie is the best I’ve seen, and the late Martin Smith who struggled with the role during his short stint was scintillating when it all clicked for him. To be honest it’s not really possible to create a list of the top ten because there have been so many phantoms, wonderful for many different reasons.

LSG January 3, 2015 at 10:48 pm I agree with the other posters- take Gerard Butler off the list completely. For God’s sake, add Hugh Panaro and Davis Gaines. Annie says: January 5, 2015 at 1:46 am I threw up in my mouth a little when I saw Gerry Butler ranked over JOJ. I personally think JOJ and Ramin Karimloo should tie for first – JOJ for voice and Ramin for acting. Lucy says: February 28, 2015 at 1:49 pm Geronimo Rauch and Hugh Panaro deserve to be on this list, Gerard Butler needs to be kicked off. Ramin is my personal favourite, but I love Michael Crawford too. Michael Yates says: March 6, 2015 at 7:46 pm While I would agree that Gerard Butler is nowhere near the best singing Phantom, his portrayal was more believable to me than some that I’ve seen. So whether or not he deserves to be on a top 10, he certainly was not a bad Phantom.

That said, can’t believe John Cudia, Hugh Panaro and Howard McGillin aren’t on this list. I’d also like to give honorable mention to Gary Mauer, Jonathan Roxmouth, and Norm Lewis. I’m also rather excited to see James Barbour in the role later this month. MJB says: March 7, 2015 at 11:13 pm I’ve seen The Phantom 10 times – San Francisco, NY, London, Las Vegas, LA, Orange County, etc. to put Gerard Butler even into the top 100 is a disgrace. The role is for a singing actor – Butler does not qualify as a singer, and barely qualifies as an actor. The only thing I can say to his credit is that he didn’t try to sing it – he talked it. For my money, the incredible Davis Gaines deserved to be near the top of the list. Right alongside with Michael Crawford. Barrie March 20, 2015 at 1:35 am What about the best of them all – the late Rob Guest nicole March 22, 2015 at 10:48 pm Colin Wilkinson. Hands down.absolutely.

transcending. Awakening. Love him as phantom! Nenny March 26, 2015 at 1:01 am Ra-MIN! Ra-Min! Ra-MIN! Deliciously tormented interpretation! Bravo, Ramin, Bravo! HughPanaroPhantomLover says: April 1, 2015 at 10:52 pm How can you leave out Hugh Panaro!?!?!?!?! Best Broadway Phantom next to Michael Crawford! Don’t hate on Gerard, he only had 4 weeks of singing lessons and he isn’t a broadway professional singer. Don’t hate. HughPanaroPhantomLover April 1, 2015 at 10:52 pm PHANTOM FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! April 1, 2015 at 10:55 pm And what about Peter Joback? What, no love for Peter? Gwyneth says: May 14, 2015 at 1:47 am Colm Wilkison is my personal favorite, I am really happy he made this list, kind of bummed he didn’t get 3rd and that Gerard was on this list.

Besides that I think it is pretty good! Would love to see Norm Lewis added and Hugh Panaro but you can’t simply name the top ten phantoms they are so many great ones! Justen says: July 22, 2015 at 10:03 am Gerard Butler may not have the greatest singing voice out of anybody who has portrayed the phantom, but I believe that his voice brought a darkness to the story. The darkness that a murder/ phantom should have. Gerard was never even musically trained and still sounds better then just about everybody who is giving him crap. He may not be my favorite but he definitely deserves some recognition for what he did with the role. Ginny July 24, 2015 at 3:19 pm I loved Gerard Butler’s sensitiv portrait of the Phantom.

Good voice too Jessica says: July 28, 2015 at 10:56 am I am going to be honest as much as I loved Michael Crawford I am going to have to DISAGREE with all of you and say Gerard Butler does deserve his place at number 3 he is the only phantom that I would have actually choose over Raoul and I loved the rawness of his voice. His voice isn’t “classically trained” but let’s not forget this is a musical and NOT an opera and when Webber was casting he wanted a Phantom with no classical training. I grew up listening to the MC and SB POTO CD over and over but I can appreciate what twist the movie had and I have actually retired the original soundtrack with the one from the movie because I LOVE Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossums voice. Say what you want but you want but POTO is not an OPERA it is a MUSICAL!

Cathy August 13, 2015 at 4:24 pm Cieran Sheehan should have been #2 behind Michael Crawford Karen Powell September 20, 2015 at 11:15 am John Owen – Jones wins hands down for me Max September 28, 2015 at 7:25 pm Colm Wilkinson is lucky to be on this list. He was by far the worst Phantom to have ever been cast! With a terrible singing voice and the most “hammy” acting I have ever seen. I’m glad that someone mentioned Jeff Hyslop, from the original Canadian Touring Production. He also performed the role in the final months of the original Toronto Production’s run. I saw him in Vancouver after working on the original Toronto Production, (starring Colm Wilkinson), for a year and a half. When I saw it with Jeff, I didn’t have high expectations. But he and the entire show was incredible. He made it very real. Especially after being saddled with seeing/hearing Colm repeatedly torturing the role and the entire show nightly.

But I should say that I’m quite surprised that no one has brought up even an “honourable mention” for Paul Stanley of KISS who replaced Jeff as the FINAL Phantom in the record-breaking 10 year Toronto run. He was better than I expected and not nearly as appreciated in the role as I feel he should be. It’s just to bad his run was so limited. But at least he has now been ‘mentioned’. Alex October 16, 2015 at 9:12 am Gerald Butler number 3 ? Seriously ? JOJ is top 3. October 23, 2015 at 7:39 am It’s got to be the original-Steve Harley, just ask Sarah Brightman! Ann says: November 6, 2015 at 11:36 am I agree with Dottie V the best phantom is Dave Willetts his voice his acting and interpretation,are brilliant Crawfords voice was not up to it and G Butler should never have got on the big screen as the phantom.

Cindy says: November 12, 2015 at 4:33 am I too agree that Michael Crawford is hands down the best Phantom. Although Gerard Butler was not the greatest, you all must remember that his version was meant for HOLLYWOOD. TELEVISION. NOT BROADWAY, therefore his role was entirely different and directed toward an entirely different audience. He performed as soundly as I think he could have based on that. Ramin is also extremely amazing. Michael J. Lazzeri says: November 18, 2015 at 1:50 am Well ! If nothing else, I get to be the ” fly in the ointment”, the ” pain in the backside” here because having seen the play 4 times with differing Phantoms, I have to say : 1. I was awed by Gerard Butler’s performance & singing. 2. I see a real snobbery here in some comments but for me, Butler was awesome. 3. On stage, Franc D’Ambrosio / Davis Gaines / Brad Little. I saw Mr. D’Ambrosio twice–he was just amazing. M. J.

Lazzeri Janine says: December 9, 2015 at 8:17 pm Michael Crawford forever. I’ve listened to so many Phantoms and absolutely no one can compare. He’s the only one that’s made me cry and still continues to do so. No need to see his acting, no need for a “handsome” face – his magical voice says it all. Ramin is a powerful singer but I didn’t like his interpretation at all and he over-emotes and over-sings at every chance. No comment on Gerard. I was drawn to the Crawford’s Phantom before I knew anything of what he looked like because THAT’S WHAT THE PHANTOM IS ABOUT, PEOPLE – the voice, and what that voice can do alone, in the dark, behind a mask, behind a disfigured man. Michael Crawford will live on as the most haunting, tragic, beloved Phantom of all time. Sherry says: December 15, 2015 at 2:49 am Shame on you for not putting Michael Gaines in at least #2 spot. He moved me in his performance in L.A. like no other. Butler was good but Gaines was great.

I’ve heard Michael Crawford and have seen the performance in N.Y. as well. I love Davis Gaines. RedHun says: December 25, 2015 at 1:46 am Colm wilkinson is by far the best phantom in my opinion. I think he should be at least in the top 3. Carol Kears December 31, 2015 at 4:42 am Michael Crawford’s interpretation so freakin’ beautiful only he could be #1 – n Norm Lewis deserving of a placement b/c he was fantastic in the role n made me fall in love with The Phantom all over again! And kudos to ALW for the best musical EVER! Eomund says: January 12, 2016 at 11:16 pm The hey?!?!?! Gerard Butler definitely deserved a part on this list. He’s one of my top 5 favorite Phantoms.- David Valois January 23, 2016 at 5:28 am Colm Wilkinson was, is and will always be the BEST POTO!

Anne c January 25, 2016 at 8:48 am I would love to see rhydian Roberts play phantom nicholas win says: January 28, 2016 at 5:43 am i wish that these guys could give great advice on how i could play this most memorable role in the greatest Andrew Lloyd webber musical as long as it will still remain to be London’s greatest love story and the brilliant original these actors are amazing bravo good on you mates Michael Crawford | The Phantom of the Opera Michael Crawford The Phantom The Phantom of the Opera is Michael Crawford’s fourth major West End musical, after Barnum, Billy and Flowers for Algernon. Michael Crawford was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire and began his professional career as a boy soprano in Benjamin Britten’s Let’s Make An Opera. There followed television and some 500 radio broadcasts and he was hailed in the 60s for his portrayal of ‘Byron’ in the popular television programme Not So Much A Programme, More A Way Of Life. This was followed by playing Colin in The Knack which won the Best Film Award at the 1965 Cannes Film Festival.

On his return to England from filming A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, he was greeted with the Variety Club’s Award for the ‘Most Promising Actor’ for that year for Not So Much A Programme and as ‘Best Newcomer’ for his performance in The Knack in the Film Academy Awards. This was followed by more television work and the films The Jokers co-starring with Oliver Reed and Harry Andrews, How I Won The War with John Lennon, The Games, Hello And Goodbye, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (as the White Rabbit). He first appeared on Broadway in 1967 with Black Comedy for which he won the Theatre Award for the ‘Most Out- standing Performance’ of that year. It was during this run that Gene Kelly chose him to co-star with Barbra Streisand and Walter Matthau in Hello Dolly! His return to the British stage in No Sex Please, We’re British was followed by the BBC’S most popular television series, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em.

During this same year, 1974, the TV Times readers voted Michael ‘Funniest Man on Television’, the Sun newspaper The Television Actor of the Year’; he was also awarded the Silver Rat Award as ‘Showbusiness Personality of the Year’ by the Water Rats and the Silver Heart by the Variety Club for his performance in Billy. In 1978 he played in Same Time Next Year at the Prince of Wales Theatre, followed by a new series of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em for which he received the funniest Man on Television’ award for 1978 from the BBC. He appeared in the opening plays of the 1978 Play For Today season in a double bill, Private View and Audience, followed by the hit comedy series Chalk and Cheese for Thames Television. He went to Hollywood last year to play a star ‘ role in Walt Disney’s Condorman. For Barnum at the London Palladium he received the Society of West End Theatre Award as ‘Best Actor in a Musical’. Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket, London, UK Phantom of the Opera Original Cast: Where are they now? - Cheap Theatre Tickets Phantom of the Opera Original Cast: Where are they now?

The Original Phantom and Christine When the original London production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘ The Phantom of the Opera ‘ opened in 1986 it quickly became a worldwide phenomenon. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, the show was one of the ‘mega-musicals’ of the 1980s and inspired productions all over the world. The show is now the longest running Broadway musical and has entered its 26th year at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. The show’s success has not been repeated, and the reason for its domination is not exactly known. The original production created much hype due to the casting of the lead roles. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wife Sarah Brightman took on the role of chorus-girl-come-star Christine Daae; a move which lead many people to draw parallels with the author and the chief protagonist. Written as a star vehicle for Brightman, the score included notes which would show off her fantastic range, propelling her into stardom. Rather than take on the role of the Phantom himself, the production team cast Michael Crawford in the lead role, in a move that raised many eyebrows in the theatrical world. Perhaps the success of the show stems from the unlikely pairing of these two stars.

Twenty Six years on, we wondered what had become of the original cast and wanted to know if creating these iconic roles helped propell them into musical theatre stardom… Michael Crawford Crawford was no stranger to the stage when he was picked to be part of the original Phantom cast, although he was most famous for portraying the delightfully camp Frank Spencer in the BBC sitcom ‘Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave ’em’ The show was initially produced between 1973 and 1975 and quickly became one of the channel’s most watched programs. Crawford admired the famous comics of the past, and was committed to doing all of his own physical comedy and stunts himself. On the back of this success he was invited to star as the lead character in ‘Billy’ a musical based on the novel ‘Billy Liar’. The show opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and it was from this production that Crawford began to get more serious about his vocal studies. From this he went to star in the British premiere of ‘Barnum’ at the London Palladium, which ran for 655 performances and was one of the most successful musicals of the season.

His reputation began to build as a singer and entertainer, especially onstage. Sheer coincidence introduced Crawford to Andrew Lloyd Webber, who had already begun working on ‘Phantom’ alongside his then wife Sarah Brightman. Brightman shared a vocal coach with Crawford, and it was at a chance overlap that Lloyd Webber heard Crawford sing, and began to pursue him for the lead in his next musical. After a lot of persuading, Crawford took the role despite many sceptics questioning his emotional ability to handle such a challenging part. Crawford began performances in 1986 at the Her Majesty’s Theatre, before transferring with the show to Broadway in 1988 followed by Los Angeles a year later. During his 1,300 performance stint he clocked up an impressive Olivier Award, Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Drama Critics Circle Award, finally leaving the show on April 29th 1991. After working on a number of albums and solo concert appearances, Crawford’s next full stage show was EFX at the MGM Hotel in Las Vegas, which opened in 1995. When the show began performances, it was billed as the largest and most expensive theatre installation in the world.

Early into the run, Crawford was injured during one of the stunts and had to withdraw from the show. The production cost a record $70million to produce and ran for seven years featuring a host of different stars. Crawford gave it a few years before returning to Broadway in a short lived flop musical ‘Dance of the Vampires’ which featured music by rock legend Jim Steinman. The show had been a huge hit in Germany, although on Broadway it was a miserable failure, closing after 56 performances. Crawford received $30,000 a week to play the lead role, with fans of the show blaming him for its failure. He sprung back onto the West End in 2004 with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical ‘The Woman in White’ where he played the obese villain Count Fosco opposite Maria Friedman. The show was a critical and commercial disaster, and Crawford was forced to withdraw early due to illness brought on by wearing a fat suit at every performance. He moved to New Zealand to recover from the disease and be near to his family.

It was Andrew Lloyd Webber once again that kept him in work, offering him the role of The Wizard in the 2011 revival of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the London Palladium. Starring alongside Danielle Hope, the winner of the BBC Talent search ‘Over the Rainbow’ Crawford played a number of roles throughout the musical, as well as performing two new numbers written especially for the new show. In October 2011 he joined the 25th Anniversary production of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ at the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate onstage with other members of the original cast and crew – the show that solidified his star status still at the centre of his career. Sarah Brightman Despite starring in the original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Cats’, the chorus girl went unknown to the composer for some time. It was not until she took on a number of smaller roles in other musicals that he spotted her vocal potential, writing the song ‘Pie Jesu’ for her, which sold 25,000 copies on the day of release and peaked at number 3 in the UK charts.

Brightman married Lloyd Webber in 1984 and the duo seemed unstoppable, taking over the classical charts and the West End stage. The role of Christine was written specifically for her, and she opened the production alongside Michael Crawford in 1986 at Her Majesty’s Theatre. After initial problems with American Equity, Lloyd Webber demanded she star in the original Broadway production, and she transferred to the Majestic Theatre, helping the show take in excess of $17million in pre-sale tickets. After leaving the show she toured internationally singing classical and musical theatre repertoire, releasing albums all over the world. In 1990 she split from Lloyd Webber, but was still cast as the lead in his new show ‘Aspects of Love’ which failed to capture the public’s attention like the previous hit. After breaking from the composer who had thrust her into the limelight, Brightman was anxious to develop her career herself. She sang on a number of world stages, the most iconic being at the closing of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Singing with Jose Carreras they engaged a worldwide audience of over 3 billion with the song ‘Amigos Para Siempre’ or ‘Friends Forever’.

Her second classical collaboration ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ with Andrea Bocelli was a tribute to Henry Maske and became an international hit, selling over 3 million copies in Germany alone. The song has more recently been known as one of Brightman’s signature songs. In 1998 she had her own PBS special filmed at the Royal Albert Hall, solidifying her presence in the Classical charts. She also guest starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 50th Birthday Celebration singing alongside Antonio Banderas and Michael Ball. Guest appearances and concerts ranged from the 2007 Concert for Diana to Live Earth, along with countless Football cup finals and Royal engagements. She became one of the biggest cross over artists of the 20th century, alongside Charlotte Church and Russell Watson. More recently she has performed at the opening of the Beijing Olympics, broadening her fan base to Latin America and Asia. She has won a string of global awards and has been given the key of the city to both Chicago and Istanbul. Although she has not returned to musical theatre, she remains heavily associated with the musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber – especially Phantom of the Opera. She regularly sings music from the show in concert and it remains in her most popular repertoire.

She is currently the world’s richest female classical performer boasting a fortune of over £30million. For full biography information and to find out where Sarah will be performing next, visit her official website.

Question: Which sit com actor went on to play the original Phantom in the West End and Broadway?
Answer: Michael Crawford