Production Photos Love Never Dies Australia

No doubt you've seen these, but in case you've landed upon the page and are not a Facebook guru, here's a link to the official Love Never Dies Australia page with production photos. You can also see them on the official website at Love Never Dies Australia. All I can say is that love it or hate it, you've got to agree the costumes are breathtaking, as well as the sets.

Of course, the naysayers are out posting all the negative remarks they can glean from every possible review. I've posted a variety of good and bad for your reading enjoyment above.

I've also been slapped on the hand by the authorities for offering any reviews from Ticketmaster. I'm apparently ignorant that the favorable Ticketmaster comments are only posted to increase sales and those people are really not a true representation of the audience, as they are "biased" in nature. Ticketmaster guidelines state, " We reserve the right not to post your review if it contains any of the following types of content or violates other guidelines: (a) obscenities, discriminatory language, or other language not suitable for a public forum; (b) Critical or spiteful comments on other reviews posted on the page or their authors."

I think anyone can write an honest review, respectfully, and still have it posted. Checking the reviews on Love Never Dies in United Kingdom there are a plenty of one star reviews posted up to five star reviews. In fact, the first six pages are one star reviews, but overall out of 543 comments, it has an over rating of 4.3. So frankly, that's a bunch of propaganda that bad reviews are never posted on Ticketmaster.

Anyway, I see posted comments on Facebook pages and elsewhere on the web from theater goers who saw and liked the production. Maybe they're just saying that so they can sell tickets under the table and make a few bucks too. There are evil intents lurking everywhere.

In any event, the show is here. The war of words continue, even against me apparently on Twitter yesterday for having a voice. Once again I write useless Phan fiction and don't know what I'm talking about. I've done great harm to the Phantom community for seeing the show and supporting Andrew Lloyd Webber's right to a sequel. I should be silenced, shamed, and spoken ill of so that Love Never Dies can be dragged down to perdition where it belongs and all those who like the damnable piece of theater that ruins the original.

Should I shut up about it? Should I crawl in a hole and not have an opinion? Do I continue to voice my support while I suffer the slings and arrows from the other side? :inserts evil laugh:

Have a great day. Enjoy the pictures. If you like them and the Australian production, make sure to keep your hand at the level of your eyes, because you're going to get strung up if you don't. It's the way in the Phantom community.

I'm in a mood...

The Phantom's Student

P.S. Stay tuned for some guest bloggers on variety of Phantom subjects coming down the line.

Well?

Well? That's the question! What's the answer? How was opening night at Love Never Dies in Melbourne?

As the reviews come in, I'm posting links above under LND AU REVIEWS. I love reading the reviews from the audience on Ticketmaster. If you want to know what the general public thinks, read those. If you wish for the critic reviews, read those as I continue to post when they filter in. Comments on Facebook LND AU page and Facebook LND page are quite positive too.

Since I've blown my wad this year by going to London, I'm sort of sorry I didn't save it for Melbourne!

Fondly,

The Phantom's Student

PS...Interesting to note as the reviews pour in, the women have a more positive spin on their take of the show. The men seem to ditch it. Any psychological explanation for this one? LOL

Judgment Day

My Google alerts were filling my email inbox this morning with stories about the opening of Love Never Dies tonight in Australia. The article from the Hearld Sun has one primo picture in it of the Phantom and Christine. Gave me the shivers, but hey that's just me. (Follow the link below to see and read.)

With all the excitement, the Daily Mail in the UK came out (great timing) with a story about Love Never Dies in London and their woes. Though I've heard a few snickers here and there they are not always the most reliable of sources, certain groups are jumping on the bandwagon having celebration parties. One comment in the article states:

"For a show that should have been a sure-fire hit, it has been beset by some of the bloodiest behind-the-scenes shenanigans seen in the West End."

If I weren't so nice and didn't wish to practice what I preach, I'd probably go off right here about now, but then that would negate my post below. Sigh. :bites tongue:

In any event, I for one continue to support Andrew Lloyd Webber. Kim Edwards recently wrote an editorial that contains a statement I wholeheartedly agree with:

"There is a place for all forms and levels of theatre, and producers, composers and artists have every right to create any new shows they like for the mingled delight and despair of theatre audiences."

Like it or not, I've said from the beginning, it was Webber who gave us Phantom in the first place; and we need to respect him as the creative genius he is and respect his right, without trying to sabotage his freedom of expression, to write a sequel.

So tonight as it opens, I yell Chookas to the cast. Why? Because it's the right thing to do to bless individuals who have put their lives on the line, given their talent, time, and energy to a show, that will actually bless some people in their seats, even if it doesn't bless everyone in the Phantom community.

Hearld Sun

Sincerely,

The Phantom's Student

P.S. Don't forget to check back and read our upcoming guest blogger's take on the show.

UPDATE: You gotta see these pictures!

The Irreparable Breach

UPDATE:  6/1/11

I'm happy to report that a group of fans on both sides of the fence have started a new Phantom forum under the name of Love Should Not Divide.   Kudos to their efforts for attempting to create a safe haven for fans to have intelligent conversations that are non-judgmental in a safe environment.  Everyone should be able to express their opinions regarding matters of the Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies without the fear of retribution.  It's a step in the right direction to calm this flaming war.  Please visit and support their efforts.  Thanks.

The Phantom community is in trouble. We're in the final lair scene, and for some odd reason this picture paints a thousand words. What I'm about to write is from my heart. Like it or not, it's what I feel. It's what grieves me, and there's nothing that can be done about it. At least it certainly doesn't seem that way.

When I was first introduced to the Phantom of the Opera it held for me a bucketful of lessons, as you can see from this blog. It represented the heartache of one man, who wanted nothing more in life than to be loved. Was he a perfect man? No, he was a damaged man. Damaged by his appearance; damaged by the lack of compassion shown him; and damaged in his ability to relate to others without the use of violence to get his way.

The Phantom (aka Erik, the Opera Ghost, Angel of Music) also represents for many the psychological pain that we as humans feel as we hide behind our masks we wear every day. The story touches us. We relate to it. We relate to him. It's a timeless masterpiece that grabs hold of our heart and won't let go.

We forgive the Phantom for his indiscretions and accept him as he is. After all, he is a product of his circumstances. Until, of course, one simple kiss in a dark lair, as he's about to kill his rival, breaks the barriers of his hardened heart. It's at that moment he not only tastes Christine's lips, he tastes the meaning of unconditional love. It is the crux of the story. The murdering madman is redeemed. The show ends, and we are left to ponder where to go from here.

Well, as most of you know, Webber decided to take the story further, much to the disgruntled distaste of some fans who have become very vocal. I'm not going to point fingers, call names, or discuss tactics used, but I am going to express my feelings regarding the irreparable breach that now exists in the Phantom community over the sequel. If you're not part of the inner circle of Phantomdom, count yourself lucky. Let me enlighten you of the current state of affairs - it's war. Sides have been taken; the lines have been drawn. Most of the fire power of both sides is relegated to weapons of words, though shamefully some have stooped to using actions in the battlefield.

What's the fight about? Well, Love Never Dies, of course. What else? It began as a matter of opinion pro or con regarding the show; but now it's turned into a war between fellow fans that were once lighting candles together in the lair. We no longer have anything in common with each other. You're either for it or you're against it. The fellowship is broken. How sad. How very, very sad.

The world of Phantom for me these days holds little joy. The story that I once loved, and frankly still do, seems somehow hypocritical in many ways. The compassion is gone; the acceptance is no longer there; and the words spoken by Erik in Leroux, "I have tasted all the happiness the world can offer!" has somehow lost its joy. The tears that Christine wept over Erik have dried folks, and like this picture she's in the middle trying to keep the peace between the angry Phantom and Raoul or in this case the lovers and haters of the sequel.

Will the lair of fans ever be the same again? Will we ever stop bitching at each other in forums, Facebook, or Twitter battlefields? Will this continue for years and years as Love Never Dies keeps opening in other venues worldwide? I have little hope that anything will change, and because of that reason I sometimes wonder why bother to stay in this strife-filled environment day after day that frankly grieves me to the core. It's draining.

What happiness I once tasted in this story has somehow turned bitter in my mouth, and I don't know what to do about it. There's an irreparable breach in the Phantom community that I don't think will ever heal.

Did it have to happen? I don't believe it did, frankly. I think things could have gone down differently had we remembered to keep the entire meaning of the story in our hearts as we dealt with each other through our disagreements. Somehow though the message got lost in translation. The unconditional love that Erik wished for, isn't there anymore guys. It died somewhere along the way, because we felt our opinions were more important than the message. Erik has reverted to his old self of getting what he wants no matter who gets hurt in the process.

I felt the need to express my feelings about the current state of affairs, but I don't feel the need to open this post up for comments. The damage is done in the lair. Perhaps what we need is a repeat of the final scene in each of our lives. If that were the answer, I'm sure Christine would gladly run to all of you and plant a kiss on your lips, because we've become that "pitiful creature of darkness" and remind you that love is stronger than hate.

Will the Phantom community redeem itself? Well, that my friend is up to you.

Sincerely,

Vicki

Roller Coaster Previews

I've been avidly surfing the web since  Love Never Dies previewed in Melbourne on Saturday, May 21.  The world didn't end; the show goes on.

Anyway, from what I've gathered here and there on Facebook, Broadway World Forums, and Phantom of the Opera forums, comments range from Phabulous all around in story and presentation, to kudos to the Australian staff for the visuals, but the story still sucks. You can read comments below on a few sites, I've placed links.

What will the critics think?  Well, we have seven days to wait to find out.

In the meantime, I didn't want to leave my audience hanging without giving you a chance to hear from someone who actually saw the show either (since I haven't won the lottery to go myself).  I have a guest blogger lined up, who will be writing his thoughts about the show after he sees it on May 29th.   Make sure to check back for his comments from an actual body that has witnessed the event.

In the meantime, here are a few:

Facebook Comments Disbursed Through LND AU Page

Phantom of the Opera Forum Comments

Chookas!

The Phantom's Student

Broadway In Concert - California

BROADWAY IN CONCERT - June 10th - Camarillo, CA
 
On June 10th James will be perfroming Broadway in Concert at The Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo, CA.
 
This is an exclusive event at one of the finest Country Clubs in California. 
 
You'll enjoy an incredible dinner and then join in a beautiful evening of music with James. 
 
He'll be debuting some of the songs from his new CD at the event so you won't want to miss it.

Please call: 805-388-5000

Humor Me, Please.

I'm doing a survey off to the right. Please take a moment and answer the question. I'm taking a poll out of the hundreds of new visitors each week and all of you repeaters whether you've read Gaston Leroux's original work.

Thanks!

Love Never Dies TV Spot - Australian Production & New Set Pictures

Below is the latest TV spot for the new production in Melbourne. At first glance, I can tell you the staging, sets, and costumes are absolutely nothing like the London production. They have really revised it quite a bit.

It will be interesting to see the reaction, because one of the comments I made when I first reviewed the production in London back in March of 2010 was that there was a lot of bare stage and the costumes were not spectacular compared to the original POTO. I'm happy to see the creative team in Melbourne has infused new life, and it will be interesting to see if these changes will impress the critics.

UPDATE 5/19/11: Andrew Lloyd Webber visits the Australian Production. See pictures of the sets. CLICK HERE

Defenders of the Faith

"If they had read the original book they would have noticed . . ."

". . . suggests to me that the author herself has not even read Gaston Leroux's novel."

"This book cannot be 'legit' if the author clearly has no strong background on Leroux."

Where did those quotes above come from? Reviews on Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera and The Phantom of Valletta posted on Amazon in the US and UK. Interesting, huh?

If any of you know me and know this blog, it's filled with references and quotes from Gaston Leroux's work. Shall I take a picture of my ear-dogged paperback penned with notes in black ink and highlighted in yellow to prove I've read it? So why are all these scathing comments coming my way? I have my suspicions, but it mainly turns the spotlight on an increasing problem in the kingdom of Phantom.

I am not posting to bemoan one-star reviews from three narrow-minded readers. I'm posting because their comments finally pushed me over the edge to write a post I've thought about for some time. I've put it off because I didn't feel like getting strung up with a Punjab lasso. However, sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. Apparently, in the eyes of some, there is a Golden Rule one must follow when writing anything Phantom - "Do unto Leroux, as Leroux has done unto you."

After receiving these three comments, it solidified for me once again that the majority of the die-hard Phantom community is strongly polarized into groups. In the lair, fans who love the story pretty much stake their allegiances in one camp or the other. I realize there are plenty of other versions, but these three appear to carry the biggest bucket of overly zealous fans.

Gaston Leroux's Original

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Stage Play

Webber/Schumacher Movie

The Leroux camp of late are the greatest defenders of them all. Why? Well, it's the root of their faith. He is the creator of Phantomdom. His writing is worshiped and revered, and those who have been enlightened by its words will protect it at all costs, even if it means crucifying fellow fans outside the gates to make a point. It's obvious by the comments above that my worth as a Phantom fan is being described as minuscule, because I apparently failed to show the proper homage and intelligence when it came to Gaston Leroux's Le Fantôme de l'Opéra.

The only analogy I can give to the original by Gaston Leroux, is that it's becoming akin to a religion. It's canon law in the Phantom kingdom. It's been deemed by the council of competent authoritative fans in the Church of Erik, that Gaston Leroux is the way and the only way. Those who deviate from the original are heretics. Apparently, that's my problem according to the comments above, because I don't focus merely on Leroux. Therefore, I am an amateur who knows nothing. I have not seen the light. I have not been born again by Erik's touch. I'm tainted by the hypocrisy and false teaching of Andrew Lloyd Webber's various versions; therefore I deserve to be excommunicated.

Like any religion in the world today, those who believe they are the only way have little tolerance for those who deviate from the path of puritanical righteousness. It's almost uncanny folks how this is happening in the Phantom community in many areas. It's not just in Leroux vs. Webber. The grievous part is that some fans seem to think it's their job to attack another fan in order to protect what they deem is the "right" way. There is no respect - no compassion - no tolerance - no acceptance. It's a sad state of affairs indeed that reminds me of a narrow-minded religion out to either convert the masses or destroy those who do not hold the same beliefs.

I will be the first to agree that without Gaston Leroux, we would have no story of Phantom. When I first read the text, I cried. I loved the story and still do. Webber would never have written the stage version if not for the book. There would have been no Music of the Night. What a sad thought indeed to never have seen or heard that masterpiece. We owe the man much, but it's a book ladies and gentlemen. Whether you believe Erik really lived or not, it's a book. It's not the Bible. It was not written by the finger of God, but by a mortal man who drank, gambled, and had a mistress.

It's not a law in the Phantom community that all must bow down to Leroux as the absolute in all things Phantom. It's the root of the story and our heritage that we need to respect in a healthy manner. As far as I'm concerned, I've done that again and again in all of my Phantom works, including this blog and my novel. However, when we start attacking others, then it becomes a religion of obsessive fans out of control who feel they are better and hold some type of sainthood due to their love and deep knowledge of Leroux. "Lerouxism" at its extreme is a form of prejudice or discrimination against those fans who hold other versions just as dear to their heart.

I'm not writing this just because of three stupid statements posted on Amazon. You can probably tell by the tone of this post, I'm a bit irritated. I'm irritated on your behalf more than anything, and am writing it because I've read comments elsewhere directed at other fans in the community worldwide who have been ridiculed as ignoramuses, because they held a preference to a different version or never read the original work.

That's were I get up in the pulpit and start to preach my protestant Phantom beliefs, even if I may get burned at the stake by the end of this blog. I preach it because I know the people that visit this blog come from a large spectrum of fans and countries worldwide. All of you have been touched by the story in a variety of ways and by the various versions. You have a right to love the version that inspires you the most - whether it's Leroux, Webber, Yeston and Kopit, 2004 Webber/Schumacher movie, or the controversial sequel. The irony of it all, is that most people who are introduced to Phantom through other means, end up being directed back to the original book that they probably would have never bothered to read beforehand.

The beauty of the story is the message it contains. "All I ever wanted was to be loved for myself." Great words written by Leroux. They are words by which I dedicate all my Phantom books. Profound and touching indeed, and it's the cry of every human's heart.

People often say Leroux is tossing in his grave over Love Never Dies. Well I think he's tossing in his grave because the people who revere his work haven't been able to live the message he left between the pages. I'm sure his intent when he wrote the book was not to be worshiped 100 years later as some type of Phantom god. No doubt he merely envisioned writing a good story, with a poignant message, that would bring him some measure of success and nothing else.

In closing, if you're love Leroux, great for you. If you love Webber and other adaptations, great for you too. With that love, show an ounce of tolerance, please, to fans who may not hold your same level of devotion to the creator of Phantomdom.

The resident heretic,
The Phantom's Student aka Vicki

Phantom Forums

Hold onto your masks....Vicki is in a mood....

I've been ripping my hair out trying to think about what to post these days now that I'm done slicing and dicing the story. (Which reminds me, if I have one more comment on a book review that I've never read Gaston Leroux, I'm going to slice someone myself.) Well, on with the post now that I got that out.

I realize I've been bombarding you with Love Never Dies news, which some of you probably wish by now it would just die already. Nevertheless, I said when I got done with the blog/book, I'd probably turn to reporting on stuff. However, once in a while, just for the heck of it, I'd post something Phantom related.

Anyway, I've been hanging around a certain Phantom forum of late that I hadn't lit a candle in for quite some time. So I finally got back in, lit the wax stick, and logged into the forum. There are a variety of forums around the Internet for Phantom fans, and I find the forum world a tad bit interesting.

So what is a forum anyway? Well, to add a little humor to the mix, it's a place where Julius Caesar was stabbed to death in Rome.* Of course, Phantom forums are not Roman forums, but sometimes they do take on those characteristics of Roman forums, as well as gladiator arenas. With the divide in the lair these days, it can get pretty bloody. It is not for the faint of heart, and you could very well get stabbed to death should you tick someone off.

Well, they really aren't that bad. I'm just kidding, of course. :snicker: We are all mature adults, hiding behind some really odd screen names, with either recognizable avatars of Phantom something or other, or something really strange uploaded as our picture. Rarely does anyone use their real name. Only fools like authors who want to promote their books do, like me (mistake number one).

We all wear masks. Of course, it's the lair, why wouldn't we? No need to tell the other guy at the other end who you are when you're just trying to express your opinion about something Phantom-related. Right? It sort of feels Phantomy in a way. You get to hide in the catwalks of the opera house and peer down to the stage below. When you're ready to say something, you just let a note filter down to the floor and it gets posted. Viola! You're a phantom and nobody knows who in the hell you really are. You can hide behind your keyboard and boldly make your presence known.

I'm not sure after being back in the forum of the lair whether I like it or not. You tend to find that things are very polarized for the most part right now in many areas. It's not just the Love Should Die versus the Love Never Dies fans, it's the Leroux lovers, the stage lovers, the movie lovers, and the other lovers all thrown into a bowl mixed together. There are threads that you can weave your way in and out of according to various topics from personal news like you got dumped by your boyfriend/girlfriend, or the hot topic of the day about Love Never Dies and how you hate or love the dang thing. You can check out team Erik or team Raoul, or whatever your little Phantom heart desires. There's pretty much a thread for everything.

Unfortunately, like a bunch of toddlers in a playground we don't always play nice, so that's why they have "moderators" who are the keepers of the forum. Phantom fans are prone to strangulation, short tempers, and other personality quirks that Erik possesses. It's a tough job to keep the candles lit in the lair. Sometimes I get visions of them running around saving Raoul's everywhere that have been strung up and hung by another testy Erik. They quickly enter the thread, loosen the grip around someone's neck, and save the day. Peacekeepers indeed enforcing the rules of the forum . . . bravo to you brave souls!

However, if you're looking for fans of like precious faith in any area of Phantom, forums can be useful and a fun place to hang around. It's a place to share your excitement, likes, dislikes, post photos, and be real mysterious behind your avatar and screen name. It is not, however, for the faint of heart. Even with moderators, it can sometimes get a bit volatile, and you might feel like you are sharing Julius Caesar's death scene after expressing an opinion.

If you're looking for a few, here are some links. Pick a name, grab your mask, upload your avatar, and go for it! But remember, people in forums sometimes get stabbed.

Broadway Space - POTO Forum
Broadway World - POTO Forum

Deserted Phans

Erik of Music
Erik's Lair

Fanfiction.net - Phantom Forum

FanPop.com - Phantom Forum

Love Never Dies Forum - Official Website

Music of the Night - Yahoo Group

Musicals Net Phantom Forum

Phantom Collectors - Yahoo Group

Phantom Gerry

Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom's Opera

I am sure there are plenty others out there, so if you're part of one you'd like me to enter another link, just add a comment, and I will put it above.

Regards,

The Phantom's Student or The Student
You'll find me lurking under that name in forums.

* Yeah, I know, on the steps of the portico of Theatre of Pompei. I'm trying to draw an analogy here, folks. Want to clarify that point lest I get another email that I'm a moron for not knowing anything.