The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)

---

---

Editorial reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
What's left to be said about Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera a decade after its premiere? That it's maddeningly ubiquitous? A stitch-up of various themes shoplifted from the Italian operatic repertoire? A critic-proof crowd pleaser that's probably being staged somewhere in the world as you read this? A megahit that will likely outlive Titanic in the pop-culture pantheon, Phantom has largely redefined--for better or worse--the manner in which modern musicals are conceived, staged, and marketed. Its influence has reached far beyond the traditional confines of London and Broadway. A favorite example: an abridged version that was the centerpiece of Los Angeles's longest-running transvestite revue, replete with 14-inch chandeliers and a man-playing-a-woman-playing-a-man in the title role. --Jerry McCulley

---

Customer reviews

review by: date: 2008-08-13 rating:
Original cast is better
Had just finished watching the film version and realized how much better the original cast sounded.

---

review by: date: 2008-08-02 rating:
well worth purchasing
I chose to purchase this after my 4 year old became obsessed with the Highlights of Phantom of the Opera CD. We both like this one much better. I had forgotten some of the songs over the years since the Highlights CD does not cover them all. The 'new Phantom' as my son calls it is wonderful. My son listens to it every day during his rest time and I often catch him humming songs from the CD around the house!

---

review by: L A Teacher date: 2008-06-12 rating:
A Phantom Fan's Perspective
The Phantom Of The Opera soundtrack by Andrew Lloyd Webber is the best and most meaningful music ever created. The music provides story with a catchy tune and still provides a powerful theme. Throughout the songs you can establish a story about a young opera singer named Christine, and how she has encounters with the Phantom. The song, "The Point of no Return", is the most meaningful because it has the Phantom giving Christine a decision to spend her days with him, or watch her boyfriend, Raul, get hung. This part is very suspenseful and is presented in a very awesome way because it has all of the characters singing in a trio.
The theme of The Phantom Of The Opera is that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. The Phantom wears a mask over his face so people won't see how ugly he is. When the mask is on people don't think he's unattractive at all, but just mean. When Christine rips the mask off of his face, she sees how disgusting it looks and she freaks. Then she realizes the theme of this story and she gives him another chance by going back and looking for him so he'd teach her, but mysteriously all she sees when she goes back is his mask lying on a table before her.
At first riding in the car to see the show, I thought that I would hate it because it was opera but then my mom slipped in the CD and my thoughts about opera totally changed. That's when I finally realized that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover because you never know. Someday you might try deep fried banana.

---

review by: "Grobanite" date: 2008-05-22 rating:
Phant-abulous!!!
I purchased this CD because I have heard so much about 'Phantom of the Opera' being an avid Josh Groban fan. I have heard the songs 'Music of the Night' and 'All I ask of You' but never experienced the entire musical score. Once I heard the whole thing I was immediately taken over by the beauty of it all!!
I am lucky enough to live in New York City where 'Phantom' is still playing on Broadway and I took my family to see it, we all loved it! Even my teenage Jonas Bros. fan is asking to hear more of 'Phantom'.
If you've never seen the show or have seen it twenty times this is one CD you MUST have! It brings back all those wonderful memories! I still get teary eyed!


review by: voxox date: 2008-02-15 rating:
Must appreciate Opera to enjoy
I felt it was a "must have" after seeing the play live and I enjoy most of it. However, I find myself having to listen to it alone, because I'm told you need to have a like and appreciation for Opera in order to like it. I would not buy this as a gift for someone who has not seen the play or you don't know for sure likes Opera.

---

Similar products

Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast)
The Phantom of the Opera (Full Screen Edition)
Les Miserables Original London Cast
Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)
Evita (1978 Original Broadway Cast)

---

Similar categories

Music . Styles . Pop . General
Music . Styles . Pop . Vocal Pop . General
Music . Styles . Broadway & Vocalists . Musicals . General
Music . Styles . Broadway & Vocalists . Musicals . Contemporary Musicals
Music . Styles . Broadway & Vocalists . Traditional Vocal Pop
Music . Styles . Broadway & Vocalists . General
Music . Styles . Soundtracks . General
Music . Specialty Stores . Custom Stores . Formats . Box Sets . Broadway & Vocalists . Broadway & Musicals
Music . Specialty Stores . Custom Stores . Formats . Box Sets . Pop . General
Music . Specialty Stores . Music Specialty Stores . The Decca Records Store
Music . Refinements . Format (binding) . CD . CD Album
Music . Refinements . Format (binding) . Box Set
Music . Refinements . Edition (format) . Main Album

---