Total: 5200 Guests

 

The Michael Crawford Phantom Movie Campaign Guestbook

Total: 100 guests
Friday 05/04/2001 8:34:34pm
Name: Michael Versage
E-Mail: MichaelVersage@webtv.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Hello. I am writing to say that there should not be huge cuts frm the musicial score o Andrew Llyod- Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. So many musicals have be butchered by Hollywood, either by their musical cuts or their casting or both. Why not do the musical the way EVITA, CATS, JOSEPH and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR were done. A new song or two is fine, but the musical is so popular for it's score, so to cut chunks of the score out, would cheat the fans of the true musical show. The most succesful musical movies were WEST SIDE STORY, 1776, OKLAHOMA, CAROUSEL, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE MUSIC MAN, MY FAIR LADY, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Other musicalmovies were okay, but the musical hold of the story gets lost. The above movies had only minor cuts in the score and a few additional songs. I am a music teacher and a musician who works around both theatre and movies. I am from Western New York. If you are going to change the score then call it sonething else. I am not alone with these concerns.
Thank you.
Friday 05/04/2001 8:09:41pm
Name: RICHARD V. BOPP JR
E-Mail: CUSTODN@AOL.COM
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: PITTSBURGH,PA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: MY FAMILY AND I HAVE HAD THE EXTREME PLEASURE OF SEEING THE PHANTOM 7 TIMES AND ENJOYED IT MORE EACH TIME.I ONLY WISH THAT WE COULD SEE IT 7 TIMES MORE.
Friday 05/04/2001 7:25:03pm
Name: Camille Hulsmann
E-Mail: camilleh@att.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Holly Hill, Florida
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Only Michael Crawford can do justice to this role. I for one will not go to see anyone else in HIS role.
Friday 05/04/2001 5:31:04pm
Name: Sondra Pohland
E-Mail: spoland@home.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Dallas. Texas
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I was never fortunate enough to see Mihael Crawford as the Phantom on stage. I have been waiting for this movie to come out so I could finally see him do the Phantom. I am OUTRAGED at ALW. Apparently he doesn't see a need to please the fans of his plays what so ever. Can a play be successful without people buying the tickets??????
Friday 05/04/2001 5:30:33pm
Name: Dukat's Owner
E-Mail: Divasghost@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Shamefully, until a few days ago I didn't even know that there was a Phantom movie in the works. A friend told me about this site, so I came to see what it's all about. I'm sure I'm out of date on everything, but some things truly amazed me. What I don't understand is how Mr. Banderas can say that he's been preparing for a role like this his whole life. I never heard of him auditioning to play the phantom on a stage, I never saw him performing live night after night and putting so much of himself into one character...Mr.Banderas doesn't seem to have a clue what he's talking about, in my opinion. Anyone who's ever heard Mr. Crawford sing will object to the casting, I'm sure of it. Well, thanks much for your time and for reading my little ranting. :)
Friday 05/04/2001 5:17:25pm
Name: Dori
E-Mail: dbruns2@tfb.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: CA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: It appears that the controversy over the casting of the film POTO rises with every utterance Banderas makes about it. His ego does show his character, doesn't it? I recently read that the Anthony Hopkins role in "Mask of Zorro" will be brought back to life for the sequel. The studio apparently lacks the confidance that Banderas can carry the film without the aid of a real star. Therefore, it is amazing that WB still thinks that AB is a big enough draw to get people to come and listen to high-brow music that he can't even sing. Of course, with Lloyd Webber's re-writing, the score can be lowered to the level of punk-pop, if that is what is required. As far as I am concerned, he can throw out MOTN and have Antonio sing a Spanish flamenco ditty. I have no intention of seeing the film without Michael Crawford reprising his multi-award winning performance. I'll continue seeing every concert he does in CA and buy every new recording he makes. The best that WB can hope for with this fiasco is a huge tax write-off.
Friday 05/04/2001 2:53:56pm
Name: MFVaden
E-Mail: mfvaden@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Please more of Michael as the Phantom
Friday 05/04/2001 10:08:00am
Name: Julie
E-Mail: thephantomoftheopera@boxfive.zzn.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: the US of A
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Michael Crawford is the only one that can make this musical take flight! Without him as the Phantom, it just wouldn't be worth the time or money to make the movie. Say you'll let him sing the part of Phantom...
Friday 05/04/2001 9:09:13am
Name: Lillian
E-Mail: libi00@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Austrailia
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: There is only one Phantom
Thursday 05/03/2001 11:49:29pm
Name: Margot Daven
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Hoboken, NJ
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: If Michael is not in this movie, Webber will lose his reputation forever!
Thursday 05/03/2001 10:25:41pm
Name: Jil Wojnarowski
E-Mail: moonpiejil@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Philadelphia, PA USA
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: The only true Phantom is the Irreplaceable Michael Crawford. To replace this legend with a "Hollywood Superstar" would not only be a mistake, but also an embarrassment.
Thursday 05/03/2001 7:31:13am
Name: Alexandra Elizabeth
E-Mail: 5er@walton.staffs.sch.uk
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Stafford, Brocton
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: i love Micheal and would do anything to see him as the Phantom again. he inspired me to take up performing arts starting at the age of five,when i watched him as the Phantom, and i believe that by becoming the Phantom again he can inspire others to.
Wednesday 05/02/2001 8:00:22pm
Name: Jessica
E-Mail: phantomslady@gurlmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Michigan
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments:
Wednesday 05/02/2001 10:41:16am
Name: Sam Vongardenburger
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: USA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Michael Crawford has THE best voice for the movie. No doubt about it.
Wednesday 05/02/2001 10:39:49am
Name: alissa
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: usa
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I just saw Antonio Banderas the other day on the Regis and Kelly show and could hardly understand a word he ws saying! How are we supposed to put him in such a great SINGING role if it is so difficult to understand the man talking let alone singing?????????
Tuesday 05/01/2001 10:04:57pm
Name: Joe Pascale
E-Mail: furrballs60@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Phila.
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: My wife and I enjoyed the musical so much, we bought the CD the next day.
We both were looking forward to a sequel although it looks as though that wont happen. We hope to see a movie created, we would absolutely love that.
Tuesday 05/01/2001 8:22:35pm
Name: mandy mcgawley
E-Mail: mandy_mcgawley@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: i admire the talent that michael showed us all, i wanted to take the family to see him in the show but due to financial problems this didn't happen. i'm sure there are many people out there that wanted to see him, but couldn't make it. please warner bro, give us this chance, can you really gamble on a top hollywood star taking the role, when your constantly being told by the world we want michael, surely this will decide if your film will be a box office hit or flunk
Tuesday 05/01/2001 4:39:33pm
Name: Emily Warren
E-Mail: rosecrestduelist@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Jeff City MO
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: I think every Phantom fan would agree with me that Michael Crawford should be the Phantom in this movie. He has a splendid voice, his acting skills are phenomenal, and he is everyone's favorite Phantom. Please tell me that there is NOT going to be a LATINO PHANTOM!!!!!
Tuesday 05/01/2001 1:48:45pm
Name: Robert J. Hammen
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Red Lion, PA
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: My suggestion is a compromise. ABSOLUTELY Michael Should be the Phantom...NO DOUBT ABOUT IT !! But Antonio Banderas could play the part of Raoul !! Everybody wins !!!!!!!
Monday 04/30/2001 11:12:16am
Name: Rob
E-Mail: treborde@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Australia
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: Its a great shame that the movie proposed 10 years ago never happened. The cast was brilliant and the sample script looked fantastic. True to the original work but it made suitable use of the fact it was for film. If you haven't already looked at it, read it now. Just imagining it got me excited. The film would be able to introduce more of the mystery of the Paris Opera House and I think the bits of the script on this web site indicate the makers had worked out some neat ways of doing it. I know you guys are primarily pushing to get Crawford in the movie but I would really like it if the movie stayed true to the original work.

And although WB is having trouble working out who to pitch the movie to I think the original work is marketable. Ben Elton may be right in saying the story isn't the best but he is also right in saying that ALW music holds some magic. It captures the dark, mysterious, kind of gothic setting well. And of course lets the impossible love story unfold naturally. I find the power of the Phantom's mind the most captivating part of the whole thing and that's what I want to see in the movie. His ability to hold the Opera house in his command, to hypnotise Christine and to strike fear into others is the magic. A movie about a brilliant outcast, in love with a girl from a world that feared and loathed him. Try that for a marketing angle. The appeal of POTO is not unlike the appeal of the "Hannibal" movie, although probably a little easier to sit through at the movies. So maybe pitch it at a similar audience. The obvious difference is that Phantom is a musical and the audience probably isn't quite as 'hard' as the Hannibal crowd but certainly the same type of curiousity which got bums on seats for Hannibal could work for Phantom. "His genius undeniable", etc. And "Hannibal" had no trouble making money. So I don't see any great need for a big reworking because having read the bits of the the script on this web site I have already imagined an Oscar winning movie (with an Oscar winning actor). That said, and as you've probably noticed I am not a marketing person. I just want to go along to a good movie.

One last thing. Having listened to Antonio Banderas sing in Evita I doubt he has the voice for Phantom. The Phantom's voice is part of his power. Crawford can do it (obviously) but not AB. And Anthony Warlow could most certainly can do it, but that's my Australian bias coming out. Crawford is the original but Warlow is the best (in my opinion, but I am biased).
Sunday 04/29/2001 7:09:20pm
Name: K W Spitler
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: southern calif
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: 2 votes for Michael for the movie... Myself and wife
Sunday 04/29/2001 10:13:01am
Name: Juanjose Gutiérrez
E-Mail: juanchete@wanadoo.es
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Barcelona, Spain
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: It's true, When I heard the first time POTO, it was incredible and I like very much, in part for Michael and Sarah.
Thanks to sing for me
Sunday 04/29/2001 9:46:41am
Name: Little Lotte
E-Mail: who_is_erik@excite.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: USA
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: Michael, you are The Phantom. I don-t want anyone else to be in the Movie in your place. Antonio can go fly a kite. YOU ARE ERIK!!!!!
Sunday 04/29/2001 7:46:22am
Name: Melanie van Zanten
E-Mail: mvz2610@nl.packardbell.org
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: The Netherlands
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments:
Sunday 04/29/2001 7:18:38am
Name: Damion Broadley
E-Mail: damobroadley@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Bradford, England
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I think it would be brill to get Michael and Sarah to do the movie. It would be good to see him in the roll of the phantom once again but really get with it.
Saturday 04/28/2001 10:35:55pm
Name: Christian Pahua
E-Mail: trynyty909@cs.com
Homepage Title: compuserve main menue
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Morelia Mexico
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I believe that Antonio Banderas is a good actor but does not have the experience that Michael Crawford has, If Warner Brothers would think about it when Michael receives a Life Time Achievement Award the fans will see and thank everybody that did something in his behalf.
Saturday 04/28/2001 10:12:15pm
Name: Denise Bennett
E-Mail: dbennett@arcom.com.au
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Australia
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: At present Michael is over in Australia for the Logie Awards and there was a special night with him being interviewed, and my friend and I said it would be great if a movie was made of the Phantom with the original cast. I was just looking up his birth date when I came across the issue about the movie. I hope you are successful.
Saturday 04/28/2001 9:38:24pm
Name: Maureen
E-Mail: mmusic2005@cs.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: To Whom this may concern,

I am an avid fan of POTO, though I've only seen it once, and that is when
they toured in Cleveland a few years ago. I am 18 years old and I have
fallen for the hypnotic appeal of Phantom, especially when Crawford starred in the original London production. I am borrowing the soundtrack.

I am a new visitor to this website, so please bear with me. Has it been
predicted around what time this POTO movie will come out? The thought of
big-name, Hollywood star like Antonio Banderas being Phantom, makes my
stomach churn. The Music of the Night is TRULY over if anyone in their right
mind casts him!!!!

I'm also curious why everyone resents the idea of a sequel to Phantom. If I
remember correctly, did the Phantom just disappear at the end?

In the future, it seems imminent that there will be a movie. I pray Michael
Crawford expresses an interest in this. He is the only, crucial person to
make the movie decent.

If you could, please give me more info on this campaign and other Phantom
related info. Thank you very much for your time.

Most sincerely,

Maureen
Saturday 04/28/2001 10:14:31am
Name: Sue Gleeson
E-Mail: genepit@satlink.com.au
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Australia
Referred By: Newsgroup
Comments: G'Day everyone,
It is 0.06am so we will just post to let everyone know that the Michael Crawford interview with Ray Martin here in Melbourne went to air and has finished only a while ago. What a wonderful interview, we had 90min.
Apparenty MC had been staying with Ray Martin at his house, they have become very good friends over the years.
It was the best interview, with lots of laughs, as you can imagine. He talked about Phantom, and was very gracious, nothing was mentioned about the Movie at all. He mainly spoke about the funny things that had happened to him in his life, and even talked about his "postrate barium meal"lol.
The Disney CD is No. 17 already in in the album charts here in Oz. plus of course with Mothers Day coming soon, no doubt it will even get to No. 1 He is so loved here by everyone, and always seems to enjoy coming here, and having fun. He did mention his daughter Lucy doing a 26 mile marathon last weekend for one of his charities, and got very emotional. Truly I wouldn't be surprised if one day he doesn't buy a house here. I can transcribe most of the interview if I find out where exactly to post it.
Cheers from the Land of Oz. Susan
Saturday 04/28/2001 9:04:59am
Name: sharon
E-Mail: jcann@vtown.com.au
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Australia
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Being Australian I have seen the Aussie production many times, (this starred Anthony Warlow who in my opinion would be a fabulous choice also. But if "Hollywood" are going to choose how can they go past Michael? The Phantom will be ruined if they use the likes of Travolta or Banderas (can hardly understand him when he speaks let alone sing)
Saturday 04/28/2001 8:09:37am
Name: Robert James Rudland
E-Mail: robertrudland@excite.com.au
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Victoria Australia
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Don't compromise on Quality there's only one Phantom Micheal Crawford
Saturday 04/28/2001 5:58:59am
Name: Becca Kanold
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Tampa
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: The voice of Michael Crawford is God's gift to The Phantom of the Opera. Webber rejects it at his own peril. Whosoever diggeth a ditch shall fall therein.
Saturday 04/28/2001 2:28:24am
Name: Gen Smith
E-Mail: jellybeangen@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: brisbane, australia
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Michael Crawford is the only one born to play the Phantom!!!
Friday 04/27/2001 9:42:52pm
Name: Robin
E-Mail: rusty3609@gateway.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Texas
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: To be honest, I never knew that this whole controversy was going on. I have loved the Phantom for years, and I collect everything I can find that has anything to do with it. The film is exactly what I've been looking for, since its highly unlikely that I'll ever get to see the real performance. Crawford SHOULD get it, cause I really cannot begin to picture Banderas in the role. I'll see the movie with zeal either way, but I do think that the voice of Michael Crawford would be critical to the success of the film.
Friday 04/27/2001 3:23:55pm
Name: Morgane
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: SWEDEN
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Just wanted to say that Michael would make a great movie Phantom.
Friday 04/27/2001 1:22:14pm
Name: Lisa Higgins
E-Mail: higbee@voyager.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Ohio, United States
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: It would be a true loss of film history if MIchael wasn't the Phantom on the big screen. That voice! who could top it?
Friday 04/27/2001 6:55:04am
Name: Tom Schmidt
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Michigan
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: Without Michael, the Phantom will not be worth seeing.
Friday 04/27/2001 6:40:35am
Name: John Dommen
E-Mail: jdommen@cwctv.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Worthing England U.K.
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Having had the pleasure and the previlege of
seeing Michael Crawford in the
Original London Production of Phantom
I fully support this promotion.
Thursday 04/26/2001 9:40:52pm
Name: Christaline
E-Mail: phantoms_music_of_the_night@yahoo.com
Homepage Title: Christaline's Phantom Masquerade
Homepage URL: http://www.geocities.com/phantoms_music_of_the_night
Where are you from?: North Carolina
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I adore this musical, Phantom, along with others of ALW's such as CATS. The CATS video was wonderful and I HOPE against hope that Phantom will be the same. With the original cats. Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Without these two wonderful performers Phantom would not be what it is today. The role of Christine would probably be incredibly simplistic and the Phantom not nearly as complex and wonderful a character as he is today. If RUG, ALW, and anyone else affiliated with the filming thinks otherwise.. ahem excuse me... THEY ARE ABSOLUTE IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you.
Thursday 04/26/2001 5:14:57pm
Name: Daniel Snodgrass
E-Mail: zarei@juno.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Michael Crawford has always been a hero of mine; not just his talent, but his decision to put so much of his soul, his emotion, into his acting. From him you can see the way it should be; a good actor gives the musical as a gift to the audience that a mere opera ticket could never merit.
Thursday 04/26/2001 3:58:36pm
Name: Timpha
E-Mail: Tim_DC_Katie@Hotmail.com
Homepage Title: Fantomen på operan
Homepage URL: http://www.angelfire.com/pa4/thephantom
Where are you from?:
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Hey...

I most say that THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA IS the best in the world.....
i love it...its wonderful....
Thursday 04/26/2001 8:22:31am
Name: Marcia Kubick
E-Mail: marci_kubick@yahoo.com
Homepage Title: Yahoo!
Homepage URL: http://Yahoo.com
Where are you from?: Indian Head, Maryland, USA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Ever since I first heard the original cast recording, I was sold. MICHAEL CRAWFORD IS THE PHANTOM. There are no exceptions. I was not lucky enough to have seen him perform in "Phantom" but I did see him in concert in Washington, DC, and with or without the mask, he WAS THE PHANTOM!!!! I did see the production twice at the Kennedy Center here in DC, without Michael, and it was a great show, but it would have been even more magnificent with him in it. There is only man for the job in the Warner Bros. movie of "The Phantom of the Opera" and that man is Michael Crawford!!!!!
Wednesday 04/25/2001 9:50:09pm
Name: Elyese Fonseca
E-Mail: chachismija@netscape.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: CA
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: I hope that this Michael Crawford guy gets the part.
Wednesday 04/25/2001 8:58:30pm
Name: Claudia Richards
E-Mail: richards_claudia@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: SD
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: They may make this film with someone other than Michael Crawford, but he will always be the Phantom. NO ONE can take that away from him. Unfortunately only from us. Hoping they change their minds.
Best wishes,
Claudia
Wednesday 04/25/2001 2:28:25pm
Name: Rob Cordery
E-Mail: kashmir3181@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Somers Point, NJ, USA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Long Live King Crawford,The Phantom Phantasm!!!!!
Wednesday 04/25/2001 10:40:58am
Name: Billy Nobel
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Toronto
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: The instant popularity of "The Phantom of the Opera" was due to the beautiful music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and those original cast members that sang the music. Crawford's voice struck me as being so unique and extremely fitting for the role, and there can be no other person that is more appropriate for the role of the Phantom than he. To have a Hollywood movie star play the role in a film version simply for a box-office draw is ludicrous and highly outrageous. Michael Crawford is the voice we want to hear, for he helped bring the show a large portion of it's fame.
Wednesday 04/25/2001 3:18:16am
Name: Audrey Aucott
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Texas
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: There was once a time when I wanted to own every object, ever put up for sale, which related to ALW's Phantom of the Opera. I simply couldn't get enough of it any more than I could get enough of Michael Crawford's wonderful albums.

But these days resisting the Phantom merchandise is much easier. All I have to do is remember how stupid, unnecessary and downright unimportant my taste and opinions are considered to be by the people at RUG and WB. I then find it easy to pass their collectables by.

As for Michael Crawford, I will never stop buying his albums and tickets to his concerts and whatever shows he chooses to do in the future.

I hear his album for Disney is wonderful. I can hardly wait to buy it for myself and for all the ladies on my birthday list.

Perhaps history will repeat itself and Disney will give Mr. Crawford a movie role much like they once did for Julie Andrews. I think they know a gold mine when they see one.

But to be honest, I still want Mr. Crawford to star in the Phantom Movie.
Nothing and no one will ever change my mind.

If that happens, then maybe I will allow myself to be tempted once again by Phantom dolls and ornaments and music boxies - especially those which feature Mr. Crawford's voice.

Until then there are always his albums, book stores and all those lovely Disney Figurines.

Cheers,
Audrey Aucott
Tuesday 04/24/2001 9:27:19pm
Name: coco
E-Mail: mina_mina36@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Mexico
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I want to join to you in this campaign. I love Crawford's interpretations. It was his voice wich make me love the phantom. I want to see him in the movie.
Tuesday 04/24/2001 7:55:46pm
Name: Clifford Hudson
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Tempe AZ
Referred By: Newsgroup
Comments: Appreciate the hard work. Save us from Bandaras PLZ
Tuesday 04/24/2001 10:36:18am
Name: Heidi Dugmore
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: South Africa
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: I love your voice and the way you sing (your style) You sing with so much feeling from the heart!
Tuesday 04/24/2001 9:41:11am
Name: Rich Rieth
E-Mail: thehappygilmoreofgolfing@alwaysgolfing.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: This is a brilliant site. I think that the phantom of the opera should be named the greatest play ever! The song called The Phantom of the Opera is one of the greatest songs i have ever heard.
Tuesday 04/24/2001 5:42:45am
Name: José Díaz Góngora
E-Mail: jdiazg@avantel.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Mexico City
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I live in Mexico city, and a few days ago I read in a newspaper than AB would be the Phantom. Is it true? What can I do? What the MC POTO movie ch. can do? I want to help!
Monday 04/23/2001 9:13:57pm
Name: Sherri
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: USA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I have been a Phantom Phan for quite a few years now, and a diehard one at that. I have never had the chance to see the show---but trust me, had I the /slightest/ chance, I would've been there in a flash.

I have listened, however, to many different recordings of singers in the past, over and over. I have listened to Colm Wilkson, Anthony Warlow, Paul Stanley and several others on foreign recordings among others. However, out of all those, only one gave me absolute chill repeatedly.

Admittedly, Warlow is very good and he does give me chillbumps--every once in a while, when I'm listening very closely.

However--only ONE has given me chillbumps and shivers EVERY time I listen to his voice ring. And that is Michael Crawford. His voice seeps into you and lifts you without your immediate knowledge. He creeps up your spine and entangles into your mind, holding you at his absolute will. And I know my memory has not failed me this time--that's exactly what Erik himself did to those that heard him.

I have also heard Antonio Banderas sing the theme song from the "Celebration!" video. And I honestly remember sitting and staring at the screen, completely unmoved. Truthfully, and no disrespect intended, I cannot imagine Banderas singing "I gave you my music..." with the emotional impact and tear staining that Crawford did. It is beyond me.

Crawford's "Sing for me, my Angel of Music!" is VERY powerful and drawing. I remember the very first time I heard it too. I was in my eighth grade choir class, and we were listening to the recording. Now obviously in Middle School, you're only going to notice the major things in a piece, such as Christine's operatic vocal notes at the end of the song. Everyone, including myself, was amazed by it.

But I was also even more amazed by something else.

It's so clear to me... I remember being completely startled by Crawford's (for it was the OLC we were listening to) "Sing once again with me, our strange duet..." and not being able to move a muscle. This was the first piece of musical theatre I had ever really listened to and the first piece of POTO I had ever heard. I was stiffened by Erik's total power over me, even the person sitting beside couldn't figure out what was wrong. I wouldn't say a word. Total power.

From that moment forth I have become a lover of musical theatre and the musical, POTO. No one has stopped me since. From there I went to other's as "CATS" and "Jekyll & Hyde" and "Miss Saigon" and others too, but Erik still holds that mysterious power over me, and always has.

It was your music.
It was Crawford's voice.

Please, Lord Lloyd Webber, listen to your public as they are telling you what they desperately want. Millions and millions are shouting at you pleas, and are hoping that you will keep your 1990 promise. You promised the "original integrity would be maintained." That's what we all want. We do not want anything else.

Please Lord Lloyd Webber, don't shove us away. We keep asking over and over, you can't be mistaken on what we want.

Thank you for your time,
Sherri
Monday 04/23/2001 8:38:13pm
Name: Sorie Bangura
E-Mail: Ritamorlaisanda@excite.com.au
Homepage Title: www.excite.com.au
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Hassall Grove in Sydney Australia
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Michael has inspired me to take up acting. I have been often teased by my friends in high school just because I am very interested in Michael's music and theatre shows from the past but it does not matter me. Michael you have truly been an insperation in my life and also the way I look at life.May God bless you in your life
From Sorie Bangura(age 14)
Monday 04/23/2001 4:05:41pm
Name: Pat Turner
E-Mail: dpj.turner@ns.sympatico.ca
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Nova Scotia, Canada
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: In June of 1988 I saw Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman perform on the Tony award broadcast. I bought the London cast recording so that I could hear the show even if I could not go to see it. I was so thrilled when I saw an interview with Michael Crawford which said that he was to star in a film version of the show. I have been waiting for almost 13 years for that promise to be fulfilled. I do not want to see a totally reworked version. I want to see what I missed seeing on stage, to hear the music that I have come to love and to see the person who made the show come alive for me with just his voice ...Michael Crawford.
Monday 04/23/2001 1:46:21pm
Name: J.P. Guy
E-Mail: bamajuju1@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Montgomery, AL
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: To have anyone attempt to play Phantom other than Michael Crawford would be sinful and unforgivable.
Monday 04/23/2001 12:08:06am
Name: Kelly Marciano
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Quebec
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Webber is double-crossing the theater-goers that made him famous. He is showing himself for what he really is. No longer can anyone believe the lies he spews about popular music theater being so important to him. His inspiration is profit, not music.
Monday 04/23/2001 1:13:24am
Name: Emily
E-Mail: emily_e@juno.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Nebraska
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: How can ALW do this to us?! I really looked up to him, you know, but now that he "denied me and betrayed me" I don't know. I really hope that he realizes it's not too late and recasts an actor that really knows the stuff, and not some guy who's last movie was "Spy Kids".
Monday 04/23/2001 0:20:51am
Name: Mister Shaun
E-Mail: Mister@itookmyprozac.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Australia
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: WHO ELSE COULD PLAY ERIC, BAR THE MAN WITH WHOM THE WORLD KNOWS AS ERIC - "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA". If Gaston Leroux was alive today, I'm sure he'd want Michael Crawford to play his creation as well!!!
Sunday 04/22/2001 10:45:20pm
Name: lasergirl
E-Mail: lasers@laserexpert.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Southern California
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: It would be a travesty to change this in any way. Long live Michael Crawford - the only phantom in my book!
Sunday 04/22/2001 10:03:14pm
Name: Maryann L.Mouton
E-Mail: Mouton,Maryann L@intel.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Rio Rancho,New Mexico
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I was introduced to Michael Crawford as the Phantom in 1990 by one of my 4th grade students who went to New York with his parents to see the Broadway show. This 10 year old child was so excited about presenting the class with an audio tape of the opera and a book purchased at the opera of pictures from the opera.All he could talk about was the phantom and once I heard Michael Crawford sing I knew why. This man takes my breath away when he sings as the Phantom.When I go running I put my Phantom tape in my Walkman and could run for miles just listening to the Opera.
I heard a while back that a movie was going to be made and it is beyond belief that Warner Bros. does not want Michael Crawford to star as the Phantom. What is wrong with these people? Are the tone deaf or what?Please inform as many people as possible as to what is happening.
Thank you for what you are doing.
Sunday 04/22/2001 7:01:04pm
Name: Lexa Wade
E-Mail: phantomgurl6@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: U.S.A.
Referred By: E-Mail
Comments: Michael has a right to the role, he's the one who created it!
Sunday 04/22/2001 6:16:09pm
Name: Stacey Adams
E-Mail: STACEY-1@prodigy.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Kansas City, Kansas
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I would just like to say Thank You so much to the people that have built this website so all of us may be a part of an important issue.
My only thought on this, is the fact that Michael Crawford is THE ONLY PHANTOM and that his performance should be preserved for this generation, and future Phantom generations around the world.
Sunday 04/22/2001 5:32:12pm
Name: Mandy
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: USA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I'm a long-standing fan of Phantom of the Opera, though regretfully I only saw it performed live once. However, I listen to my soundtrack frequently. No, I take that back... "frequently" is an understatement. The cast who I saw perform it live was very good, but I must say that no one can compare to Michael Crawford when it comes to acting, singing, and BEING the Phantom of the Opera.

I'm not biased against Mr. Banderas, but I cannot envision him taking the part of Erik.

I feel very strongly that if the primary goal of this movie is to make music and tell a story, the producers and "powers that be" should take into consideration the man who is obviously suited perfectly to this part. If the object of this movie has its basis in profit, publicity, or other foundations, I must resign myself to saying "that's the way it is", without supporting or purchasing the movie. That, in itself, shows how futile the attempt to make money at the sake of making music is. Creating music should remain the top priority. This should be perfectly obvious; Those who are in the business of making music should make music! Therefore, Michael Crawford should retain his role as the Phantom.
Sunday 04/22/2001 5:14:57pm
Name: Janet Harrison
E-Mail: passionella@ntlworld.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Hartlepool , England
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: The day I saw Michael Crawford as the Phantom on stage in London will stay with me forever. He WAS the Phantom, and always will be. I have seen the musical many times since because I love the original score but each time that "certain something" has been missing. I wish I knew HOW Mr. Crawford managed to cast his spell. He appeared to have such a strong stage presence which enveloped the entire theatre, not just the auditorium. It made no diference whether he was on stage or not - he was all around. This Erik was everywhere and we loved him for it.
If only he could perform it on screen so that everyone could have the chance to see a REAL master at work.
Sunday 04/22/2001 2:57:47pm
Name: Aileen B.
E-Mail: actrouble_99@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Texas
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I feel a great sadness at the thought that Michael Crawford might not be chosen to play the lead role in the POTO film. This musical is my absolute favorite and I had hoped that a classic version of it would be captured on film to be savored again and again. No one can play the Phantom as well as Crawford and no other music would do. Banderas has his talents but they are not adequate for this role and obviously easier music would have to be substituted for the glorious compositions that the world knows and loves. What can Lord Lloyd-Webber be thinking? Is he really so willing to cheapen his masterpiece? What a shame!
Sunday 04/22/2001 2:52:05pm
Name: Jan Clarke
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Arizona
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Re Michael Crawford AS/IS The Phantom of the Opera: It should be noted that the Phantom was not a young man, nor was he a Spaniard (Bandaras can't get rid of that accent--I've watched and heard him enuf). I've seen Phantom 6 times, 3 with M. Crawford, and there is all the difference in the world. The first 3, with Crawford, were magical, there was depth and feeling. The other 3 with afew different Phantoms, were OK as far as the wonderful music, but as far as the drama, tension and sensuality of the performance, the performances were VOID. Why quarrel with obvious success?? I personally would never go see a movie of Phantom without Crawford, and would certainly never buy the video. I'd stick with the Original Cast Recording and be very content to listen to the music rather than see the story botched up by inappropriate casts. Thank you for your time. Jan Clarke, Arizona
Sunday 04/22/2001 1:38:32pm
Name: Jose
E-Mail: goial_99@yahoo.es
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Spain
Referred By: Newsgroup
Comments: Michael Crawford IS the phantom,and
of course, he MUST play it in the
film. As for Antonio Banderas...he's
a good actor, but he doesn't deserve
yet the honour of playing the fantastic
role of the phantom. Michael, and
only him....he is the best phantom ever!
Sunday 04/22/2001 11:51:50am
Name: Randy Granderson
E-Mail: rgranderson@alltel.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: i've heard lots of voices while growing up...my dad is a choir director, and i've been involved in music since i could talk. i've seen The Phantom of the Opera a few times and i have the original cd with Michael Crawford as the phantom and he has, by far, the most talent i've heard for that role. his voice seems so natural and perfected while others have a tendency to sound strained. the emotion in his voice leads me to believe that he is passionate about the part and would be far greater for the role in the movie than any other person could ever be. why, then, should anyone else even be considered? if he is the best for the part, then he is the best. there's no other intellectual way to say it. generations of people will be watching this movie...wouldn't it be nice to say that you have the man that made the phantom come alive first?
lng, 18
Sunday 04/22/2001 11:01:33am
Name: Brian
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: UK
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I cannot imagine possibly going to see a film version of The Phantom of the Opera without Michael Crawford taking the lead role. Please reconsider this decision as his ommission would be a dreadful mistake.
Saturday 04/21/2001 7:26:36pm
Name: Maurine Taylor
E-Mail: metaylor@korrnet.org
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Knoxville, Tennessee
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: It still strikes me as unbelievable that anyone else would be cast in the movie. Andrew Lloyd Weber's masterpiece deserves nothing less than the man who brought the Phantom life in the first place.

MT
Saturday 04/21/2001 4:26:56pm
Name: lindsey granderson
E-Mail: lucyb1000@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Arkansas
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: i never got to see michael crawford play the phantom, but i have the cd and he's by far the most talented i've heard, and i've gone to see the play several times. it would be a shame to not cast him.
Saturday 04/21/2001 3:34:21pm
Name: Meghan Jones
E-Mail: jonesy_@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: USA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: They are absolutely foolish if Michael is not cast in the movie. As one article pointed out, all of the recent movies Banderas has been in have tanked, and the same will happen with Phantom. It absolutely enrages me to think that songs are being altered to suit an inferior voice. Mr. Crawford IS the Phantom, there is just no room for arguments.
Saturday 04/21/2001 1:44:29pm
Name: Jessica
E-Mail: Jemoore37@cs.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: California
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: See I think Antonio Banderas would be a perfect Raoul but the phantom..no way...Everyone is right though...the movie won't be good without Michael. What does Michael think about all of this? I think we should boycott the movie if Michael is not in it as the Phantom. It would be great. It could be a worldwide effort to prove that Lloyd Weber can't just Hollywood-ize the movie and expect loyalist to like it. Come on let's boycott!!!!!!!!
Saturday 04/21/2001 1:39:13pm
Name: Cherri
E-Mail: jessam5@home.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Seattle WA
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: I will never go to see the film if Michael Crawford does not play the Phantom. I will also boycott all other movies from the studio, as well as keep my children from going to them. It is unbelievable that they would even consider fouling the roll with anyone but him. Who would wish to watch the movie just to feel it lacking the debth he gives? I wouldn't even consider it!
Saturday 04/21/2001 11:59:15am
Name: Arnie & Mary Kuhn
E-Mail: amkuhn@buffalocity.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Buffalo, NY
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: One thing that many of you might not agree with is this. The star of
the movie will not make the movie a success. The movie itself will make
it a success. The movie will spread like wild fire.

However, the only way to make the movie a success and a classic, is to
have Michael Crawford in the lead role. What I'm saying is that Michael
will make the movie the star.

Arnie Kuhn
Saturday 04/21/2001 11:39:17am
Name: Joanne Daley
E-Mail: Mrsdaley@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Chicago
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: If Antonio Banderas must be in the movie, the ONLY role he should be considered for is Raoul. That's what his fans would want to see him play.
Saturday 04/21/2001 10:19:11am
Name: Cari Farnum
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Minneapolis
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: OK, let me get this straight. We theater-going folk spend around 80 bucks a pop to see Lord Webber's musicals. Lord Webber takes our money and buys himself a grand estate and palace along with all the accoutrements of the rich and famous that we common folk can only dream about. And how does he repay us? He turns our beloved phantom into a pretty boy, turns the story-line into a God-only-knows-what abomination, and then says that he doesn't care what we, the theater audience, thinks because we are not the audience he's going for. I can only pray that he loses big time in this movie, and that he struggles to keep from bankruptcy by coming out with a new theater production. Just let him try showing his work in theater again! I'll never again waste my money on such a worthless ingrate and I expect others will follow my example. I'm never even going to see POTO again, unless Crawford is in it. From now on I declare a complete boycott of the evil Lord Webber and all his works. Michael Crawford has charities that are a much better use for my money. And there are other theater productions to go see. All Michael Crawford fans should go see LES MIS. a few times each year! Ha, ha, ha, now that would really infuriate Lord Webber--let's do it! LES MISERABLES FOR ALL!!!!!
Saturday 04/21/2001 4:09:18am
Name: Kathleen Capshaw
E-Mail: kittiblue1515@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Germany (dads here with air force)fromNM
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I love the phantom of the opera!! all I will listen to is Andera Bocelli, Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. my Grandma (Donna Londene)and I are crazy about michael and other classical musitions but michael mostly. I am 11 years old and I hope to be christine in the phantom some day. I have been in a choir and many people say "if you were to work on training your voice a little more you would sound maybe as good as sarah brightman" I like to be modest but I needed to tell some one that. so hope to get an e-mail frome my romodle(michael) From Kathleen Capshaw
Saturday 04/21/2001 3:24:49am
Name: Brittney Starr Capriotti
E-Mail: JediBrittney@aol.com
Homepage Title: Brittney's Homepage
Homepage URL: http://home.talkcity.com/oceanblvd/jedimaster-brittney/
Where are you from?: Murrieta, California
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I pray that Michael is to star in this movie. I grew up listening to The
Phantom and his voice and I would not want the movie any other way. I
hear Antonio Banderras is to play the phantom... I mean that's nice
and all.. But it would be nothing compared to, if Michael, the original
Phantom were to star. I hope all goes well and Michael will be choosen
to star.
Friday 04/20/2001 10:59:08pm
Name: Jack Hall
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Ontario
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Nice Variety ad in the Recent News for today. Amen. It is simply unforgiveable that Webber would stab all his theater-going fans in the back like this, after all we've done for him. He wouldn't be where he is now if it weren't for us. Ungrateful, rude, unfair, greedy little man.
Friday 04/20/2001 10:44:14pm
Name: Alisa Welsch
E-Mail: welschpak@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: PA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: The Phantom without the voice would be pointless. Who else has enough talent to pull it off?
Friday 04/20/2001 5:59:55pm
Name: Hayley Baron
E-Mail: hay2k00@hotmail.com
Homepage Title: The phantom of the opera
Homepage URL: http://themusicofthenight.tripod.com
Where are you from?: ,england
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Ive never seen phantom (but going in the summer holidays, cant wait) I dont know alot about phantom. But i have the cd, and i have pictures of what the scenes are like. And the only person that can play the phantom in the new film is the man himself MICHAEL. His voice is superb and the story aboout him being taken to hospital and discharging himself just to perform is sheer dedication...no-one can ever fill michaels place as the PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.
Friday 04/20/2001 3:48:57pm
Name: Mildred L. Valerio
E-Mail: M.W.Valerio@WorldNet.att.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Cameron, NC
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: In 1989, I believe, I took my daughter to see Phantom of the Opera in NY especially to see Michael Crawford perform, he was in California being presented an award for 1000 consecutive performances of Phantom of the Opera and so we did not get to see him perform. The opera was great but not as great as I had wanted. I will be sorely disapointed if Michael Crawford does not get to do the movie. Trying to at least get a video of one of the nights that he performed in NY. Can't find, perhaps have not looked right places. Thank you for your efforts in this matter.
Friday 04/20/2001 3:43:26pm
Name: Jane fairlee
E-Mail: fairlee@epix.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: PA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: It's funny because WB did seem to be taking a lot of care with the Harry Potter movie not to get the fans in an uproar. They were very careful with their casting to get a kid who really fit the part and seemed to be doing a great job trying to keep the fans happy right up until the time some idiot in the legal division decided suing a bunch of kids was a great idea and either didn't run it past PR or PR dropped the ball rather badly.

There is an interesting article by Chistopher Noxon in Inside on fans and fan sites and how the studios handle them. It's mostly about fan films but does have some good quotes on treatment of fans.

"But the studios have learned that aggressive action can backfire, as was vividly illustrated by the PR drubbing Warner Bros took over its prosecution of Harry Potter fan sites. The choice for studios, says lawyer Murray 'boils down to a simple business decision: is it helping me or hurting me?'" [by the way the Potter fans are still not satisfied. WB has paid a huge price in bad publicity and loss of good will and turned a lot of previously highly enthusiastic young fans into disillusioned less enthusiastic fans. Nice going WB]

The article contains a quote from Henry Jenkins, director of the comparative media studies at MIT, about suing fan sites. "If they shut them down now, they won't have them when they need them. GOING AFTER YOUR AUDIENCE IS SUICIDE" [empahisis mine not his] George Lucas is at least smart enough to know that the fans are his core foundation and not the enemy WB seems to think they are. He doesn't have a problem with fan films as long as there is no profit involved.

If I were making a movie that already has a substantial fan base I guarantee you the last thing I would do is antagonize that base. You make sure the people who are most enthusiastic about your project are on board and then you figure out what you need to do to expand that base. You don't write off the base in the hopes that maybe there is a totally different audience out there.
Friday 04/20/2001 3:40:14pm
Name: Maggie Birge
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Owensboro, KY
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Our morning paper carried a story about the forthcoming film trilogy of "Lord of the Rings." It talked about the incredible anticipation of the LOTR fans, who have purchased 90 million copies of the books in 50 languages. Now there is an official movie site that had 1.7 million hits in its first 24 hours according to Gordon Paddison, the VP for marketing of New Line Cinema. To quote Paddison, "I won't say we were stunned because we always knew how popular the books are…. But we're grateful that the fan base has remained so involved."

It looks like New Line understands that the target audience for their LOTR films is the 90 million people who bought the books, and it seems like they want to keep those loyal fans happy. Yes, they will probably attract some new people, but they seem to recognize that the core audience will buy the bulk of the tickets to their films.

I hope Andrew Lloyd Webber and Warner Bros. read this story and understand that the core audience for the Phantom movie will consist of the 58 million people who bought tickets to the stage production. Antonio Banderas might think those people can be ignored, but anyone in the movie business who has half a brain should surely understand otherwise. You take your loyal fan base and build on it; you don't tell it to "bleep" off, which is essentially what Banderas did in his latest interview. According to him, the entire fan base of theatergoers is being written off for the film. What insolence! What out and out stupidity! I'd be amazed if the Warner Bros. executives aren't still cringing over his remarks. He just told the certain source of profit for their film that their support isn't needed. Apparently he thinks that he alone, with his incredible box office magnetism (excuse my laughter), can insure the success of their movie even though the whole world seems to be telling him that he's the one who isn't necessary!

Will it take a failure of epic proportions, critical scorn, public ridicule, and financial disaster to get them all to say, "Maybe the fans were right after all; maybe we should have listened to them and given them what they wanted"? Or will they ever do that? Will they just say, as they have in the past, "There isn't an audience for musicals anymore"? How very, very sad.
Friday 04/20/2001 10:03:30am
Name: In Love With Theatre
E-Mail: beyond_the_theatre@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Canada
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: Go For It All The Way TMCPMC....
And
Phantom Fans & Theatre Fans Get M.C In & AB Out !!!
Friday 04/20/2001 5:52:01am
Name: Maria Morse
E-Mail: mms02554@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Rochester, NY
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: The only Phantom is Michael Crawford, I will accept (or go to see) no other.
Thursday 04/19/2001 11:58:53pm
Name: Jennifer
E-Mail: robjen@chariot.net.au
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Adelaide, Australia
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Who else could play the part of Phantom.... only Michael. It makes you wonder what the "big guns" think of when they overlook talent like Michael's and want to put Antonio Banderas in his place.....as someone said, put AB in as Raoul but leave Michael as the PHANTOM!

Cheers from downunder
Thursday 04/19/2001 10:45:13pm
Name: Tamika
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Texas
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: If anyone else plays the part of Phantom in the movie version, it would not be the same. I have several of Michael's albums, and no one has compared to his voice. He can make you laugh, cry, and shudder at the purity of his voice. He has the unique ability to put emotions into his singing and music, which is rare in this day and age. To cast anyone else as the Phantom would be a disgrace to the musical, as well as Andrew Lloyd Webber. To think that he chose Michael as his original Phantom, and then speculate on someone as Banderas, who does not know the role, or the emotional package which comes with it. Michael was born to play the Phantom, and it is his destiny. Webber, if you have any compassion for your fans, who make you who you are, you would cast Michael as Phantom. He deserves this honor. This is all these 5,000 plus people are asking of you.
Thursday 04/19/2001 7:18:43pm
Name: Betty Holmes
E-Mail: bmholmes@home.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Welland, Ontario. Canada
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I have always enjoyed listening to Mr. Crawford.I enjoyed his character on "Some Mother's Do Hav Em", But much more I enjoy his CD of Phantom Of The Opera
Thank you Betty
Thursday 04/19/2001 11:32:47am
Name: Jennifer Huther
E-Mail: djhuther@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Ohio
Referred By: Newsgroup
Comments: I was glancing over the Entertainment news on ABCNEWS.COM and was amazed and APPALLED to see that Antonio Banderas was being considered to play the Phantom Role, in the new Phantom of the Opera Movie! Can you guys be any more stupid!?!?!? How can you replace the man that created the Phantom and was the one true reason for the success as it became??? If Michael Crawford does not get the role that he was destined to get, I can assure you that not only would I protest the Phantom Movie, but I will also protest other movie releases by your studio. You can also consider that I will not be the only one to be doing this. Try hundreds, thousands of protestors. And considering how money-hungery, greedy people you all are....you should be sweating and worried how this is going to effect you. Long live Phantom! Long live Michael!
Thursday 04/19/2001 9:36:32am
Name: Jason Evans
E-Mail: jason.evans4@virgin.net
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Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Bristol, England
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Hi,

I just wanted to write my support for Michael on the casting of Phantom as a film. There is no else that can play this role. This character is his and his alone. He his absolutely brilliant in everything he does, especially Phantom. Please make sure that Michael is the only actor chosen for the role.

Best wishes,

Jason
Thursday 04/19/2001 5:32:04am
Name: Jude
E-Mail:
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Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Argyll, Scotland
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I would love to see a movie made but only with Michael Crawford. I think WB are just trying to stir up publicity as Bandera's would be a joke as the Phantom. C'mon WB get it together and get Michael singing!
Wednesday 04/18/2001 9:10:59pm
Name: Patricia Rowe
E-Mail: KRowe91292@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Portsmouth, RI
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I listen to Michael's favorite love song cd often on my commute to work; love it! I also have the Phantom of the Opera original with Michael.
Wednesday 04/18/2001 7:35:01pm
Name: Jamie Seibert
E-Mail: Rogue30C@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Illinois
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments:
Wednesday 04/18/2001 4:19:12pm
Name: Jane Hoerman
E-Mail: hoerman@fn.net
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Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: South Pacific Review - Picking the right actors/singers

These are highlights from the tv review in the Wichita Eagle Beacon newspaper - Sun. March 25, 2001, by Bob Curtright:

Let's face it: The 1958 version of "South Pacific" was an artsy dud. Despite the glorious Rodgers & Hammerstein music and the Pulitzer Prize-winning story, the movie was basically just a static filmed version of the Broadway stage play overlaid with colored gels that looked psychedelic and somewhat silly. Now, 40 years later, Hollywood--actually, television--has finally done it right. The new "South Pacific" showcases this warhorse of the American musical stage but treats it like a real movie.

For the first time, the casting begins with actors who can sing rather than singers who can act. The result is that the songs become dramatic monologues rather than just hummable tunes. The songs begin easily and naturally, springing from spoken dialogue. That creates an easygoing reality that eliminates a lot of the "hokey" factor that plagues most movie musicals.

Close plays Nellie as older than usual, negating the controversy over the age difference between the nurse and the planter. But that's OK. The age question has little impact these days, and the trade-off to have a performer of this stature is well worth it.

At last! At last! After half a century, "South Pacific" finally gets a movie version worthy of the glorious Rodgers and Hammerstein music. It's the best version I've ever seen (over stage and the disappointing 1958 movie) because Close and company are actors first who can sing rather than the usual singers who may or may not be able to act. They give riveting credibility rather than just pretty songs. Filmmakers also integrate the songs seamlessly into the story so there are no gaps between plot and production number.

--------A personal note: Thought the critic had the right idea regarding casting appropriate actors to sing in musicals.

Jane Hoerman
Wednesday 04/18/2001 8:23:12am
Name: TMCPMC
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Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: We thank and appreciate all who sign this Guestbook in support for the original Tony Award-winning Phantom to be cast in the film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera.
Our Thanks to All,
The Michael Crawford Phantom Movie Campaign