Anybody Seen the 25th Anniversary PotO?

[gothrockrulz]

(Here's a link to the full video, which I can't embed, sadly.)

If so, what do you think of it? I thought it was good, though I still have special place in my heart for the 2005 Emmy Rossum version, flaws and all, because it was the first version of the musical I saw.



Ramin Karimloo was incredible as the Phantom (his facial expressions leap through the mask, and his command of voice and emotion--GAH). However, I still maintain that nobody's prettier in a mask and a waistcoat than Gerard Butler. And I still could listen to his rendition of Music of the Night on loop for the rest of my life.

Wendy Ferguson practically stole the show as Carlotta--she was absolutely hysterical. I actually wished there were more scenes and songs with Carlotta. I've never done that before. XD

Sierra Boggess is completely adorable, both as Christine and as herself, and I really enjoyed watching her--but Emmy Rossum will ALWAYS be Christine to me. I'm still blown away how well she did with the role, considering she was cast when she was so young.

Hadley Fraser was incredible as Raoul, though I was a little annoyed that the character of Raoul was purposely made a little more cranky and controlling, to better fit with the huge transformation of his character in Love Never Dies. (Don't get me started on the mixed feelings of rage and bliss that sequel inspires in me. The music is lovely--but the plot, ugh!)

And . . . I have to confess that whenever he was on stage, I was distracted by his eye-makeup. VERY distracted. I stared at his eyes almost as much as I did at all the AMAZING costumes.

Again, I ask, what say you? Yea? Nay? Don't know, don't care?