Friday, February 26, 2010
'Phantom' lives to 'Love' again
Variety: "The longest runner in Broadway history and London's second-longest after world record holder 'Les Miserables,' 'The Phantom of the Opera' has amassed global grosses of more than $2.63 billion. With box office revenues higher than for any film or stage play in history, including 'Titanic,' 'E.T.' and 'Star Wars,' it has been seen in 144 cities in 27 countries by more than 100 million people."
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8 comments:
I really loved how this article stated the Weber has done the best job at being a mogul than being a composer. I'd unfortunately have to agree as i myself am really not a fan of Weber's musicals, but he does incredibly do a great job of making them hits and making tons of money. I'm sure love never dies will be just the same formulas as phantom, and probably do very well making money. I'm not sure if it will sustain the lasting power of phantom, but from the fanbase phantom has i'm sure it will do well for at least several years. I just wish the shows that garnered so much praise and excitement weren't such a let down after seeing them.
I agree with Michael. Weber hasnt gone from composer to mogul over the past couple years and is smart to notice the money making ability of a sequel to phantom, but I feel the artist in him has been holding him back to make it right and perfect, as opposed to the first thing to make the money. He is smart in that sense but there also is a sense of artistic detachment I think he has, when the true question of doing a phantom sequel is for money, or for art and theater. That question will be left to the viewers who will "unjustly" tear it apart. But who knows. I am sure it will have some fans.
I feel that when it comes to being a fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber, you either love him or hate him, without much room in between. There's no denying that Phantom is a highly successful show, but that does not mean its continuation will ever reach that level of success, and, as the article states, it has a lot to live up to. I'm sure, and pre-sales are showing, that many will be interested initially to see the follow-up to the famous Phantom of the Opera, but its continued success after the initial intrigue has faded will depend on whether the show lives up to its expectations.
Nooo.... Whyyyy.....
At least they understand that most of us will treat the show with contempt (although that seems like a strong emotion for something like the 'continuation' of Phantom). I don't have high hopes for it. It's gotten a lot of publicity, and the advance is pretty good, but I think the only way I would ever spend money on this show is if there was a big celebrity starring that I loved, or there was some really cool technical element. If they're planning on opening in a smaller theatre, I'm a little doubtful about the technical elements. Certainly nothing with beat the chandelier of the first one.
This industry is not ABOUT making money. It's about doing what you love, doing it well, and if you're lucky a lot of people will also love it and pay you to do it for the rest of your working life. I'm very disappointed that Weber has decided to approach theater as a money-making opportunity rather than a forum for artistic expression. I don't think the Phantom sequel will last; just because something was disgustingly successful the first time around doesn't mean you can do it again and have the same success.
I don't know where I stand on this. Yes, I agree that Webber is out to make money, but does that autmaticaly make him not an artist? Why can't he be both? I feel that Phantom is an amazing production. From thw witty lines to the complex characters to the songs one can't get out of thier head, Phantom has provided a large amount of entertainment for the people over the years. Now one of my hesitations fr this sequel is merely a personal preferance. Personally, I liked the abiguity of the Phantom disapearing at the end and not knowing what happened to him. I feel that if I discover what happens, I will lose some complexity to the character.
I don't know what to think about this article. I will admit that I am a fan of phantom but I cannot imagine how this sequel will play out and on Coney Island of all places. What is up with that? Yes, Love Never Dies will make money but will it be any good. When I first heard of Webber making a sequel I thought it was a terrible idea and I still think that unless by some chance I see the sequel and am convinced otherwise. I do agree with Chapel in that, at least these people know what they are getting themselves into and that the show will be harshly judged. To me the most interesting thing about this article is that Judi Dench was supposed to be the first Grizabella, wow.
First, I agree with elizabeth about it taking place on Coney Island. i dont see how they could make it transition well .
Second, i think the biggest problem with sequels is the fact that they are kind of doomed from the start. the author of the article named two shows, one who only had 4 shows so we automatically think a sequel will do badly. It also hurts the show a lot if there's a lot of hype about it, because if we expect something wonderful and its good, just not as good as we thought it will once again be "bad"
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