Posted by Robert on 4/20/2008, 9:49:53
70.22.141.194
I went with some of my clients at the school I teach to see Phantom in New York yesterday. The show was of course great as always, though the orchestra was a bit soft and threw some of the performers off a bit. Howard McGillin (the Phantom) also seemed a bit tired. BUT afterwards was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Because we were with students, I went to the backstage area of the Majestic and my fellow colleague asked about seeing Howard after the show. We were told he would think it over and after about an hour, received a call from Andrew, Howard's dresser that he would be happy to see us. After the performance Howard shilled merchandise for Broadway Cares (a very worthy cause I might add) but it was funny to see the Phantom hyping posters and CD's. I picked up two CD's and then hurried back to the theater only to be brought by Andrew on stage for a grand tour.
He was amazed someone had seen the show 29 times (particularly a guy lol) and as he toured us to see how it's all done (Mostly everything is kept hanging above the ceiling as the stage itself is very small) he let me go over to the organ and I found myself actually trembling with a mix of fear and joy. Standing on the that stage definitely made me wish I had been granted a singing voice lol.
And afterwards we were brought to the dressing room area (VERY small, two dressing rooms for 38 people and one for Christine and one for the Phantom) where I marveled at the costumes. We then went up to Howard, who was so amazing, being very generous with both my students and answering all their questions before signing the programs and a picture (he forgot to sign my program though and I was way too starstruck to ask). I did tell him that having seen the show EVERYWHERE 29 times how amazing he was in the role and he was very receptive to that. He confirmed to me that he's going on vacation May 12 and that John Cudia is taking over from him but didn't seem to indicate he was leaving for good. He really is an amazingly generous person. I know it was an experience my students and I will never ever forget.
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