Well, it's me again.
The music in the background is Gary Mauer and Marie Danvers, by the way. I think she's as good as Sandra Joseph. Hey, who needs to go all the way to NY when you have this awesome cast, as it is.
And with Hugh Panaro gone, why even bother going?
-sighs- God, I love that man. Truly an Angel of music.
I think I'll write a review of Atlanta, because I simply feel like it.
Overture: The explosion was huge, as always. The overture wasn't as loud as I had hoped, but seeing as to how I was on the 4th row, and the Chandelier went right up over my head, and was hung above me, let's just say it was... exciting. Something I'll never forget.
Hannibal/Think of me: Oh Kim Stengel, how I love you! Kim was the best Carlotta I've ever heard. Everyone was laughing so hard. I was eyeing the slave girls.. *cough* I mean.. the ballet chorus. Obviously trying to figure out which one was Christine. I knew what Marie looked like, but God, they all looked like Clones!
When Marie did take center stage, she had the most frightened and naive look on her face. Her think of me was very weak at first, and showed that she was scared to death. She tried to run off stage, but didn't. After John Cudia stepped in and sang his line, Christine's confidence rose and she hit notes I didn't think possible..
Marie had the most gorgeous Soprano voice. And her Christine was so vibrant and innocent. And she looked the part too, unlike Beth Southard.
Little Lotte/The Mirror: Well well well.. looks like John Cudia's left broadway! Not that I'm complaining. John is an amazing Raoul, but I still think Tim was better. Tim sounded so sinister. more so than most Phantoms I've heard. a Sinister Phantom and an equally sinister Raoul would have been better than a foppish and boring Raoul, but.. way to go John. I gave him a standing ovation.
When I heard Gary's voice however... WOW. his 'Insolent Boy' was very forceful. Marie looked so frightened and scared. Thinking "Oh God, what have I gotten myself in to?"
there was such energy flying around. Marie sounded and looked so intoxicated.
The Phantom of the Opera: Clearly all recorded, but who cares... this is my favorite scene. Not as much fog as on broadway, I'll admit. On broadway, there were at least 7 inches of blue-ish fog. Here, there was only like.. 2 inches of white fog that didn't even cover the stage floor completely. And since the Fox wasn't built for the classic raising candelabras, they slid in through the sides of the stage and stayed there, instead of coming out of the ground, and being so close to them, that they could literally reach out and touch them.
But back to Marie and Gary..
gorgeous harmonies. What more can I say?
Music of the Night: Ah.. "touch me, trust me.. Savor each sensation" Gary's voice made me melt. I preffer Hugh Panaro's MOTN to his, however, Gary did an excellent job. He and Marie had great chemistry and the whole thing was so spell binding.
I remember/Stranger than you dreamt it: he chased her.. all around the stage. And he looked and sounded absolutely horrified. Best rendition of the scene I've ever heard.
Magical Lasso: hmm.. nothing much to say here.
Primadonna: Kim Stengel was amazing.. as I said before. but it's not exactly my favorite song.
Il Muto: Haha.. Marie had a "fashion malfunction". Hilarious song
All I ask of you: *sniffle* Marie and John sounded wonderful. I am now officially Marie's number one fan. I love that girl! They had good chemistry, and showed their affection very well. I love the way Marie would act horrified and happy at the same time. John was very soothing and comforting. God, I wish a man was looking at me like that..
All I ask of you (reprise): The angel started to.. sway. I couldn't really get a good glimpse of Gary. Being on the 4th row, and everything. but his falsetto was INCREDIBLE. It made me cry. I was sad that it was the end of act one, though..
Masquerade/Why so Silent: Marie was beautiful here. She danced well, and twirled around in that gorgeous Masquerade dress of hers. (revealing her legs by the way.. now I know how all those women dragged their husbands to the show with them) The chorus was wonderful, and it was so beautiful.. I noticed some of the dummies on the staircase, too.
It was a very beautiful scene. Marie and John said their vows, just as red death was about to make his entrance. Gary sounded threatening.. in other words "GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY WOMAN YOU FOP!" Hehe.. way to go. the explosion was... blinding, and loud. and then, he was gone.
Notes/Twisted every way: Marie told Carlotta and everyone else, off! She was wonderful here, and made it clear that she wasn't going to sing it, no way, no how. Kim was very insulted here. they had a little cat fight.. it was cute ;) and John was very over protective and loving, and all that.
Wishing you were somehow here again: Marie's best song.. it brought me to tears. Best rendition of the song I've ever heard. Her voice was filled with pain, and longing, and she portrayed her character very well. Bravo, Marie.
Wandering Child: How the hell can the Phantoms hide behind that thin little cross!? Well, Gary and Marie had good chemistry here. It was all well until Raoul came in. Then he threw fireballs at him. One nearly hit Marie's wig, and one nearly hit John right in the face..
it was scary. And after that, flames came out from the stage, and I was afraid I'd get fried on the 4th row..
The point of no Return: IT WAS HOT! Marie looked like she was having so much fun. It was so passionate, and erotic. Everyone started giggling..
Gary's "Anywhere you go let me go too.." was breathtaking. How could she possibly refuse?
The final Lair: Drama, drama, drama.. but I don't need to explain it much. Hear Gary and Marie for themselves, since they're my background music at the moment
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