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Hi this is a copy of the letter that I
recently posted to Andrew Lloyd Webber. It's a bit of a marathon - so I have to apologise!
I tried to make it as short as I could.....
Here goes...
Sir Andrew,
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
I decided to write to you because of the unending controversy that seems to surround a
proposed version of your musical 'Tha Phantom Of The Opera.'
Recent reports indicate the film is likely to go ahead, but disappointingly without the
presence of the original 'Phantom' Michael Crawford.
I don't know how much of Michael Crawford's virtue I can extol here, and to be honest, Sir
Andrew, I have been in two minds about writing this letter to you. Firstly, I feel, as
many millions do, indebted to you because of the beautiful and inspiring music you have
given us through the years. Secondly, I trust your judgement and instincts, and I feel
somewhat silly trying to venture an opinion about a project that you would develop based
on your most successful work. However, I do have an incredibly strong and positive feeling
towards both the show and Mr Crawford's performance in it; and I truly believe that if
this film is to be made he should be the one to immortalise 'The Phantom' for future
generations.
I am going to endevour to tell you why.
When thinking about writing this letter, I wondered: what could add that's new? How could
I possibly verbalise a sentiment that has been perfectly articulated by so many people
over the years. Finally, I decided to return to my own personal observations and
experiences.
In 1986 when your 'Phantom Of The Opera' burst onto the West End, it was clear from the
outset that this show was different. I remember even as a child back in Australia hearing
all these amazing things about this show so many thousands of miles away. The show's
appeal was broad and far-reaching: Gaston Leroux's haunting story, your magnificent score
coupled with new and special effects.
But if that's all the 'Phantom' was - great special effects and staging - then it should
have faded away by now. Instead, it's popularity has continued to grow. Quite obviously,
the show's appeal is based on something more profound.
I think the appeal lies not so much with the physical production, but with the underlying
concept: unrequited love, the importance of self-image, acceptance, and the connection
that all of us can share through music.
Perhaps to venture further, on a more personal level, 'The Phantom Of The Opera' does more
than entertain, it inspires. I have spoken to countless people who say that this show,
this story, this music, has moved them to try things they would never have considered
possible. It provides such a unique and interesting insight into the human condition. Your
true achievement was the perfect marriage of story, concept and music. The other great
achievement was taking the gamble and hiring Michael Crawford to bring your vision to
life.
I could spend pages detailing what I perceive to be the nuances of Michael's performance.
However, I don't think that's necessary, you hired Michael and had an initial belief in
him. I wonder where that belief has gone now? And after all, I can only use my imagination
as to what Michael's performance was actually like. But, what I do have, is the privilege
of hearing his fantastic vocal performance on the cast recording.
If I, and millions like me, can come to think of Michael as 'The Phantom' after only ever
hearing his voice, imagine what kind of impact his presence would have on film!
This, of course, leads to the most-asked question: 'Why is Michael Crawford so popular in
this role?' The only answer is, 'Because he created and gave us a character that touches
our inner spirit.' He showed us the difference between acting and showing off - he never
once tried to impose his persona on the role.
To make the role of 'The Phantom' truly work a special kind of performer is needed because
the character is as much much off stage as on. The performer must have a presence, not
just a good voice.
Michael Crawford had, and still has, that presence.
Additionally, you have to realise that we would all rather see an actor capable of
performing this role the way in which it was originally conceived and written, with
special regard to the vocal aspect. 'The Phantom' is not the kind of character you can
compromise with an audience.
Michael Crawford has the vocal skill to sing this role. Michael has the acting skill to
perform this role.
Moreover, he has the commitment.
I qualify all this through a personal observation, on that I was grateful to witness first
hand. Last year I was fortunate enough to see Michael in concert. What made his
performance of 'The Music Of The Night' so incredible was his ability to let us travel
with him through the song. So many performers merely sing that song to us; but Michael
through his intonation and feeling, takes us on a journey. For those five minutes we were
all right there with him - there was no noise, no sounds of chatter, just this incredible
quiet that swept across the stadium. I don't think there was a person there that night who
wasn't moved - and we were all aware that what we were seeing and hearing was unique: not
to be copied and never emulated.
Ultimately, whoever has the final responsiblity of bringing 'The Phantom Of the Opera' to
the screen will hopefully realise that this is more than just another project. He or she
will have the duty above and beyond making money, the duty to capture the heart and soul
of this story and celebrate your vision.
It seems a travesty then that Micheal Crawford's contribution to the role and indeed the
show, seem to have been ignored in favour of trying to appease a set of movie studio
executives, who's mindset lies with Box Office appeal and the financial bottom line. I
realise (as many people out there do) that there are so many factors involved with film
production. All of us understand that compromises have to be made, but the studio
concerned has made it abundantly clear that they are not interested in the quality and
integrity of the proposed film. There even seems to be an 'arrogance' about the whole
conception of this project. Arrogance because those in control seem unwilling to the
engage the public who make this show the continuing success it is today.
Sir Andrew, 'show us just a little of your omnipresent brain' - and cast Michael Crawford
as 'The Phantom Of The Opera.'
Yours Truly,
Rachal Aza |
