Lessons From The Phantom of the Opera© and Other Phantom Ramblings: The Ride Goes On

Monday, February 21, 2011

The Ride Goes On

Well, news galore, most of what you probably have heard already. However, I can't help but spread the cheer. . . you know me.

First off, CONGRATULATIONS to Ramin Karimloo and Joseph Millson for winning best actor and best supporting actor in a musical on the What's On Stage Awards! Love Never Dies didn't win best new musical category, but as I've cried repeatedly before, the stars of LND really make the show - especially the talented and haunting performance by Ramin. Until you see that man perform on stage the Phantom's character, you haven't lived. The guy's a genius.

The other news out today is the changing of the guard at Love Never Dies in London. A few of the cast are moving on to other roles, but Ramin is staying for another six months. I'm happy to hear he's sticking around. Sierra, of course, is back to Broadway, and Joseph is off to other things. Here's the new line-up posted on the Love Never Dies official website.

David Thaxton will be the new Raoul. I'm sort of anxious to see how he fits the bill, because Joseph's shoes will be hard to fill. Let's hope that great nemesis attitude between the two men keeps in place.

Other news: Looks like the hunt for Gustav is on for the Australian production. Oh, to be a young lad with a good voice and have a gig on stage singing The Beauty Underneath with the Phantom. Priceless.

I may still get to London this April to see the revised production. We shall see....

Cheerio!
Vicki

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Welcome to the Opera House

The blog you've just landed upon has been in existence since 2008. It started as a place to "dump" my thoughts about the story and grew into a monstrosity of over 150 posts to date. For more information about the history of this blog, visit the tab above "About the Blog."

The entire main blog that deals with the characters, emotions, symbols, and other aspects of the story from Leroux to Webber, is in book form for purchase worldwide, as well as eBook format.

This blog is not a literary review of Gaston Leroux! It merely focuses upon the story and and life lessons hidden throughout. I've used all versions to talk about Phantom and have also taken the time to dissect the characters in LND. You can find all posts with drop-down menus below to help you navigate through the various subject matter.

Hope you enjoy the lair! Come back often or sign up for your Phantom feed.

I remain your obedient servant,
The Phantom's Student

Blog/Book Review

"Lessons From 'The Phantom of the Opera' " is a creative and thoughtful approach to pop culture hit. I enjoyed the book because I teach French history at the college level and I have long enjoyed Gothic novels as well as opera. I connect with the story on several levels, professional and personal. "Lessons" takes a personal, reflective approach that asks readers to think about why they react as they do to the musical and novel. Why does such an old fashioned, romantic story have such appeal in post modern society? Simple: young or old or in between, we still respond to the emotions explored in the story. I plan to tell some of my students who are Phantom fans about this book." (Dr. Melanie Byrd)

The Joy of Audio Books

I love audio books. They open up a whole new world of entertainment. They save time from sitting down and reading a book. You can listen while driving to work, during work, taking a walk, running, or working outside and around the house. It's a time-saving opportunity to take a moment and enjoy your favorite books, acted out by talented voice artists, many of which are from television and stage.

The talent chosen for The Phantom of Valletta, has extensive voice experience. My other narrators are from the stage, or are professional voice artists that have done television, documentaries, and commercials.

Why not try out a membership at Audible? It's easy - starts with a free trial, has no long-term commitment, and is filled with entertainment.

Join today, and I'll give you a free code to one of my books of your choosing to get you started.

JOIN HERE AT AUDIBLE

Listen To All Things Phantom on BlogTalkRadio

Vicki Hopkins is the founder and host of All Things Phantom on BlogTalkRadio, which airs Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Each week a new guest is interviewed, a chat room opened, and lively discussions occur with call in listeners regarding the elements of the story from Leroux to Webber. Guests include authors, artists, reviewers, and others who contribute to the Phantom community in some way.

Teresa Stout helps co-host the show each week. Listen here to previous segments or visit or links below to participate live.

Our show is currently on hiatus, but all previous 30 episodes are archived and available to listen by clicking the player above. Over 22,000 shows have been downloaded since we began broadcasting around the world!

LISTEN TO ALL THINGS PHANTOM

All quotations used in this blog are the property of:

The Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux, Pubished by Random House, Inc. 2002 (Quoted with Permission)

Introduction by Anne Perry, Copyright 2002, Random House, Inc. (Quoted with Permission)

Phantom Of The Opera lyrics are the property of their respective authors, artists and labels. (Music Andrew Lloyd Webber/Lyrics Charles Hart, The Really Useful Group, London, UK). Licensing fees were paid to use them in my book, Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera, but have been omitted here on the blog. Artwork is posted by permission of artist.

Writer's icon and other photos used in his blog were purchased from iStockPhotos.com, with rights for use, or are personal photographs taken by Phantom's Student. POTO from Photobucket.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to Anne Perry who has given me permission to quote her from her introduction to The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, published by Random House, 2002, and her good luck wishes.

Special thanks to the Hal Leonard Corporation, who made my experience in getting licensing permission to use Webber's lyrics in my book easier than I dreamed.

Special thanks to my readers that allow me to express my views from behind my mask and keep coming back for more even though I poke at them.

Special thanks to Sadie Montgomery (Author of the "The Phoenix of the Opera" series) for holding my hand through my self-publishing experience and for her faithful and continued encouragement.

References Used