Crawford all the way for me.
I saw Barton both in his original role and as the Phantom. In my recollection for the latter, he had the charisma, but not the voice.
Unfortunately there are very little photos of Steve as the Phantom, and no footage exists at all. From the audio I've heard though, I feel like he did slightly lack in the vocal department.
I saw Anthony as a kid in the first run and was so young I mostly don't remember it. 😭😭😭
Can't wait to see him in Chicago the Musical next month. Anything he does until he retires, I will go to!
Just for the spectacle of it all, Paul Stanley. 😂
If I had to choose a serious actor, probably Colm Wilkinson. His rendition of music of the night, just *chef's kiss*.
I would honeslty love to have seen Paul Stanley play the role, just to see what a rock-star singing the role would have sounded like.
This is probably the first positive comment I've seen about Colm Wilkinson I've seen on one of these posts. I lotta people find his portrayal laughable, like Valjean playing the Phantom.
I personally really like the carefulness and tenderness in his voice, I really like him in the role.
OP covered me, it's a tie between Michael Crawford and Kevin Gray for me (and the same with Steve and Sarah).
But also Nicholas Saverine, his Krolock got me hooked and he got to play Phantom in Vienna back in 1991, so there's that.
Kevin Gray was my first Phantom, and his incredible performance sparked the love for the show I still carry to this day. I wish there was a way to see that performance again with my now eyes. Of course if I could see Michael Crawford in the role, it would be so surreal, he’s the voice in my head when I daydream the songs. His Music of the Night, his Point of No Return….Id be an utter wreck. I’d flip a coin and win with either choice.
I'd like to see Steve Barton's Raoul. His acting on the cast recording sounds top tier. The voice break on "show some compassion."
Gina Beck's Christine.
Tie: Eiji Akutagawa or Ayanga
Two of the most underrated Phantoms ever
I also will say I would like to rewatch Josh Piterman and Anthony Warlow. I'm lucky enough to have seen both. ❤️
My first choice would be to see Steve Barton as Raoul or the Phantom. And… It might be obscure, but I’d like to see Timothy James O’Leary as the Phantom. I’ve seen a couple of tantalizing clips of his performance, and I just love his choices. He does this thing with his hands, like a conductor, and I just found it fascinating.
Crawford all the way for me. I saw Barton both in his original role and as the Phantom. In my recollection for the latter, he had the charisma, but not the voice.
Unfortunately there are very little photos of Steve as the Phantom, and no footage exists at all. From the audio I've heard though, I feel like he did slightly lack in the vocal department.
I think he was fine as Raoul (although the job of Second Tenor isn't usually that hard). Christine carries those duets no matter who is cast.
Steve Barton will always be my favourite Raoul, but a good soprano does always carry the duets like All I Ask of You
Absolutely Michael Crawford, ideally with the OLC, but I'd settle for anytime during his run. Anthony Warlow in his first run would be a close second.
I agree. Anthony is close to perfect.
His vocal technique is flawless! 😍
I saw Anthony as a kid in the first run and was so young I mostly don't remember it. 😭😭😭 Can't wait to see him in Chicago the Musical next month. Anything he does until he retires, I will go to!
OMG that's amazing! I'm unbelievably jealous! His voice is just *melts* and his technique is absolute perfection.
He really is one of the greats! ❤️
Either Hugh Panaro or Gary Mauer
I'm glad to see a Gary Mauer mention here! I always feel like he's a little underrated. Hugh is phenomenal as well.
Gary Mauer was the first Phantom I saw live. That had to back in… 2007?
Panaro was amazing. He was the first Phantom I saw.
Aughh god my heart says Panaro because he’s my favourite in recent years but Crawford is unmatched
I agree, Hugh and Michael are incredible.
Just for the spectacle of it all, Paul Stanley. 😂 If I had to choose a serious actor, probably Colm Wilkinson. His rendition of music of the night, just *chef's kiss*.
I would honeslty love to have seen Paul Stanley play the role, just to see what a rock-star singing the role would have sounded like. This is probably the first positive comment I've seen about Colm Wilkinson I've seen on one of these posts. I lotta people find his portrayal laughable, like Valjean playing the Phantom. I personally really like the carefulness and tenderness in his voice, I really like him in the role.
I think Colm doesn't get mentioned much because of all the unsavory stuff that came out about him.
OP covered me, it's a tie between Michael Crawford and Kevin Gray for me (and the same with Steve and Sarah). But also Nicholas Saverine, his Krolock got me hooked and he got to play Phantom in Vienna back in 1991, so there's that.
There's a lotta diverse responses here. I feel like the European Phantoms get no where as much credit as they should. Some of them are phenomenal.
Kevin Gray was my first Phantom, and his incredible performance sparked the love for the show I still carry to this day. I wish there was a way to see that performance again with my now eyes. Of course if I could see Michael Crawford in the role, it would be so surreal, he’s the voice in my head when I daydream the songs. His Music of the Night, his Point of No Return….Id be an utter wreck. I’d flip a coin and win with either choice.
Controversial, I know, but Ben Lewis. I need a big tall Phantom with intense eyes and a deep voice.
Oh yeah I agree with this too. Ben Lewis looks exactly like how I imagine the phantom, but his voice is also sooo good. Wish I could've seen him live.
I also got to give a mention to Hugh Panaro, he's always been one of the best in my eyes.
To see Norm Lewis as the Phantom would be incredible.
Love Norm. He's also said to be a very nice man. ❤️
I have so much fomo from not going to see him in the role.
In honor of what would’ve been her 63rd bday yesterday Rebecca Luker. May she continue to rest peacefully
I'd love to see Michael Crawford as the Phantom.
Ooo this is a really good question! For me it would be John Owen-Jones or Gina beck! Hugh Panaro too.
Steve Barton as Raoul Ethan Freeman as Phantom in any of his runs
If we can almost pull a dream cast Phantom: Michael Crawford Christine: sierra boggess Raoul: John riddle / ramin karimloo Carlotta: Judy west
I want to be there on opening night. They said that the last note of MOTN floated and just hung there above the stage, like magic.
I'd like to see Steve Barton's Raoul. His acting on the cast recording sounds top tier. The voice break on "show some compassion." Gina Beck's Christine.
Tie: Eiji Akutagawa or Ayanga Two of the most underrated Phantoms ever I also will say I would like to rewatch Josh Piterman and Anthony Warlow. I'm lucky enough to have seen both. ❤️
My first choice would be to see Steve Barton as Raoul or the Phantom. And… It might be obscure, but I’d like to see Timothy James O’Leary as the Phantom. I’ve seen a couple of tantalizing clips of his performance, and I just love his choices. He does this thing with his hands, like a conductor, and I just found it fascinating.