The Phantom of the Opera experience

I'm officially a "PHAN".

Yesterday was the last day of The Phantom of the Opera. I was able to watch the performance, and it was BEYOND AWESOME! From the set design, the costumes to the songs! Although there were jarring parts, I still enjoyed the musical! I wanted to cry on the last scene, but can't.

It was also my first time at the "Stage Door", where artists come in and out after every performance. I went there twice, after the matinee performance and after watching the evening performance. I actually went there early to see Claire Lyon, since it was her last performance. Jonathan Roxmouth even peeked from above for the second time, since he was not allowed to go out for make up. So we were like, "He's there, the Phantom of the Opera!"

After the evening performance, I hurriedly went down the stage door. To my surprise, a lot of people have been waiting for the actors to come out. Luckily, due to some "tactics" *wink*, I was able to have pictures with the principal actors! Plus, I met new found friends - and a schoolmate!

And I had my souvenir program autographed - I sent my program to one of the people working there to have it signed by the cast members. Not all gave their autographs, but at least I got from the four main roles.

Here are my photo-ops after the matinee performance:

With Emilie Lynn, who played Christine in the last evening performance. She's such a doll, very positive and perky!

With Jordan Pollard, who played a marksman and an understudy of Raoul. I heard his Prada bag got stolen by "salisi gang" members, but I admire his positivity. Not to mention, he's cute. You agree?

CLAIRE LYON! I love her. Sad that I wasn't able to see her sing, but I've heard her. Well, at least I have a picture with her.

With Thabiso Masemene, who played Piangi. He was so funny as Piangi. Ubaldo, andiamo!

With Andrea Creighton, who played Carlotta. She was sick, but she did a good job hitting the notes, as if she wasn't sick!

As I've said, I hurriedly went down to the stage door for my second round of photo-ops:

With Anthony Downing, who played Raoul. He's so hot. Sad that I didn't get to talk to him that much. Oh well.

OH MY GOSH, JONATHAN ROXMOUTH. Before I had a picture with him, he called me by my name BEFORE I introduced myself.

Jonathan: Alrenz! Nice to meet you!

Me: Nice to meet you too! (shakes hands) How did you even remember my name?!

Jonathan: You've been tweeting me lately. Thank you so much!

Me: Really? Nice! Can I have a photo with you?

Jonathan: Sure!

after photo-op

Jonathan: How did you even manage to have cold hands?!

Me: (laughs)

So there you have it, my first Broadway musical play viewing and Stage Door experience.

For me, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA IS AWESOME and the Stage Door experience has been fun. Totally worth the wait on lines and the pushes.

The "PHAN"-tom in me.

I recently fell in love with The Phantom of the Opera, since the run is ongoing here in Manila. It will end on the 14th, on which I'll watch the final show.

It's still running at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), so go buy your tickets now! Either at the CCP Box Office or TicketWorld.

I've watched the 2004 movie version as well. Emmy Rossum and pre-Leonidas Gerard Butler were awesome. I also loved the 25th anniversary performance of the play in the Royal Albert Hall. Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo's performances were very brilliant. I wanted to have Ramin Karimloo's singing voice.

My favorite songs are the title song, "Angel of Music" and "Think of Me". Makes me want to sing opera. I kid.

Anyway, on to the meat of the post. Although I haven't watched my scheduled performance, I "interacted" with the main cast of the Manila run of the play - Jonathan Roxmouth and Claire Lyon.

 

Jonathan Roxmouth as The Phantom

 

Claire Lyon as Christine Daaé

Little did I know that they reply to people's posts on Facebook. They really do.

You want proof? Here:

 

I love how they personally reply to their fans.

And one way to meet them:

 

I recently discovered that you can meet them at the Stage Door, which is a little walk away from the audience entrance. I previously thought that you can't interact with them... perhaps they're tired or something. But yay to that! I also heard they make it a point to interact with their fans. I get envious actually when I see people having photo-ops with them.

Speaking of, I joined a Phantom-related promo - 2 orchestra tickets and a meet and greet with the principal cast of the play. Today would be the deadline. Fingers crossed!

For me, I'm looking forward to watching this musical play. Time to check my bucket list after watching this, since this is my first time to watch a Broadway musical.

I can't wait to see you, Angel of Music!
 

Photos courtesy of The Phantom of the Opera Manila page.

One down, and more to go.

Another normal outfit, which is part of my everyday fashion.

Nothing like going back to basics

The simple white top and black pants.

Utilizing an empty area in school

Looking for a location for an outfit shoot can be hard... Oh look, an area in the second floor is empty!

Yay for (new) shoes!

Yay for new shoes, and what better way to celebrate is through an outfit post!

A few weeks left

Video shoots, interviews, thesis. You name it.

I'm actually not supposed to take these subjects since I'm technically a third year student. Well, the perks of being an irregular.

So yeah, I have been busy doing projects for our News Production and Media Ethics subjects, not to mention doing Chapters 2 and 3 of our thesis. Plus having problems with my Biology class. I know, I can't believe I'm taking it.

I'm now feeling the pressure, the stress and the lack of sleep. But hey, it's only a few weeks left.

For me, I want to sleep after all these... of course after watching the last Performance of The Phantom of the Opera here in Manila.