Total: 6000 Guests

 

The Michael Crawford Phantom Movie Campaign Guestbook

Total: 100 guests
  Friday 12/07/2001 10:40:24am
Name: Robert Garnett
E-Mail: robgarnetthome3@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Every so often a performance appears that enamours and claims the people who see it. Here was an actor that was one of the most acclaimed in theatrical history. It's incomprehensible that he will join the list of musical performances lost. Crawford was something out of the ordinary to see and I feel fortunate that I saw him in New York City. Thanks Michael for the memories and you'll always be histories phantom. God bless. Rob
  Friday 12/07/2001 10:20:19am
Name: Jacqueline KEECH
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Perth, Western Australia
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: There really is nothing I can add here that hasn't already been said. Please lets get on with this film. The world has waited sooo long. POTO is undoubtedly the greatest musical ever written and MUST be given to the public. There has only ever really been one Phanotm, Michael Crawford who breathed life and soul into the role as none other has been able to do, as much as there have been some brilliant performances by other great singer/actors. Surely the cheapest, easiest and most memorable way to film 'Phantom' would be in a 'theatre mode' as seen in its original and HUGELY successful format. Please dont delay much longer, the world it waiting. Thank you so much.
  Thursday 12/06/2001 9:48:14pm
Name: William H. Longino, Jr.
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Gulfport, Mississippi
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: My wife and I have seen the Phantom of the Opera 6 times (5 in U.S., once in London 8/01) and have ALWAYS left wishing we had seen Michael Crawford as the Phantom. NO ONE COMPARES TO HIM. Just listen to the CD. Please cast Michael as the Phantom in the movie. We have all been patiently waiting for this. Don't spoil the movie by having anyone else play the part!!!
  Thursday 12/06/2001 9:38:26pm
Name: Doris A. Longino
E-Mail: DorisLongino@AOL.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Gautier, Mississippi
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I agree wholeheartedly. Please add my name to the list. Michael Crawford is the ONLY Phantom of the Opera as far as my husband and I are concerned. Thanks for starting this petition.
  Thursday 12/06/2001 9:28:30pm
Name: Dolores Thomas
E-Mail: LLTCal@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: san diego, Ca USA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Michael is THE Phantom. I will accept NO SUBSTITUTIONS!
  Thursday 12/06/2001 2:31:51pm
Name: margaret huffman
E-Mail: margarethuffman/baltsun/tmc@baltsun
Homepage Title: the michael crawford phantom movie campa
Homepage URL: http://www.phantommovie.com
Where are you from?: pasadena, maryland
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments:  
  Thursday 12/06/2001 9:01:31am
Name: Pete Farlington
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Dayville, CT
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: I can tell you what will happen if Banderas is given the role of the Phantom. Warner Brothers, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Antonio Banderas will be severely criticized and mocked; no one will see the movie; and after a little while the whole thing will be forgotten just like all other stupid movies. Meanwhile Michael Crawford will live on in our memories as the legendary Phantom (and I'm sure there are more than enough bootleg videos to preserve his memory for posterity). He is the one who will be remembered whether you like it or not. WB may choose to use that fact to their money-making advantage or they may make fools of themselves--that is their own concern, but Michael Crawford will be remembered with or without their help.
  Thursday 12/06/2001 0:28:10am
Name: Rory
E-Mail: rory@luridmusic.com
Homepage Title: Lurid Online
Homepage URL: http://www.luridmusic.com
Where are you from?: Buffalo, NY
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I never had the pleasure of seeing Michael Crawford play Phantom, but he blows away the actor I saw in Toronto. Crawford IS Erik, and it should be no other way.
  Wednesday 12/05/2001 10:25:32pm
Name: Robin Whittington
E-Mail: Whittir@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Olive Branch, Ms. 38654
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I have seen this play five (5) times and each time I leave wishing I had been able to hear the original cast. Michael Crawford is the Phantom and I would not want to see the movie without him.
  Wednesday 12/05/2001 2:27:10pm
Name: Kathy Collis
E-Mail: kathycollis@onetel.net.uk
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: UK
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Dear Michael Crawford

This message is to say a massive Thank you to you as you and your music got me through the dark days when I was recovering from a hip replacement operation and listening to you brought back the very happy memories of when I first met you when you were in Phantom in London.I wish you all the best on Broadway in your new Musical.
Have a brilliant Christmas and a very peaceful new year best wishes from
MISS KATHERINE COLLIS
 
  Wednesday 12/05/2001 2:11:00pm
Name: Dot McAliley
E-Mail: mcalileypad@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Alabama
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Dear Mr. Sir. Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber:
With all those titles, one might think you would want to do something good for the "little people." Well, you can! Get with the PTB at WB and draw up the most lucrative contract available. Then present it to Mr. Michael Crawford, O.B.E, who is ALWAYS doing something for the "little people" and pray your hardest that he will be merciful to you and portray your "Phantom" once again. You will no doubt regret for a very long time making a decision that places anyone other than Mr. Crawford in that role. Many will refuse to see the movie, many will see it and be disappointed, many will see it and laugh, and many--including yours truly--will forever boycott anything else produced by you or the RUG. What will it take to make you see how important it is to so many people that Michael Crawford, who IS the Phantom of the Opera, who BROUGHT HIM TO LIFE, and who has only ten years left of the Biblically "appointed years" of the life of a man, be cast in this role so that future generations can also enjoy the spectacle that millions have already enjoyed. I really think POTO has beautiful music. Sarah sings quite well. But NO ONE can do justice to the role of Phantom but Michael. Please, give us a wonderful Christmas present and see if just maybe Michael would consent to be the movie Phantom as he will always be the true Phantom.
  Wednesday 12/05/2001 1:59:35pm
Name: Mary Anne Faudale
E-Mail: MAFaudale@apexenv.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Maryland, USA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Would love to see Michael as the phantom
  Wednesday 12/05/2001 1:38:34pm
Name: Lenny
E-Mail: webmaster@hihath.com
Homepage Title: hihath.com
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Communitech
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: Diane asked me to sign the Guestbook, Good luck from CT!

*****************************************

Thanks Lenny.... ;) We love our server and appreciate your companies services very much!
Thanks again for signing the Guestbook!
:)
Diane
  Wednesday 12/05/2001 4:48:46am
Name: Dane Anthony
E-Mail: dane_norris@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: NSW, Australia
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Having none-other than Michael Crawford playing the role he made famous would be an insult to all people who admire the genius, passion and music of the Phantom of the Opera.....most of all, it would be an insult to Erik.
  Tuesday 12/04/2001 9:21:45pm
Name: Linnéa Gradén
E-Mail: nopsox@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Sweden
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: The punishment for misusing the message board... is that a punishment? =)

Love your site, love your letters!

Linnéa, MC-fan in Sweden
 
  Tuesday 12/04/2001 3:28:58pm
Name: Ruth Hill
E-Mail: RuthAnnetteHill@netscape.net
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Fort Worth, TX
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: I respect Antonio Banderas' talent, but I do not believe it can best be used in "The Phantom of the Opera." I must say very respectfully that I will not see this movie if he is the Phantom. I know I am only one person, but I believe there are many of us who feel the same way.
  Tuesday 12/04/2001 9:20:07am
Name: Lin
E-Mail: linnarae@juno.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Marietta, GA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I want to see Michael Crawford as the "Phantom"!!! Cast anyone else and you might as well just forget about making the movie.
  Monday 12/03/2001 8:21:02pm
Name: Amy Domm
E-Mail: amydomm@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Rochester, NY
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments:  
  Monday 12/03/2001 7:29:41pm
Name: gail lorber
E-Mail: gailyanks@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: NEW YORK CITY
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: To whom may be concern
I wanted to say I loved Michael since I was very little. And to see him and perform three years in Radio City Music Hall he has voice like an angel.
  Monday 12/03/2001 4:00:19pm
Name: Kimberly Davies
E-Mail: BloodofSlayer@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Medicine hat ,Alberta
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Michael has been a amazing influence in my life since 5 years of age.His voice sounds like a 1000 angels.He has made me since a young age look into the art and beauty of opera.I'm currently looking into lessons.Hopeing 1 day we will sing together.He is amazing.I adore him for all that he is.A picasso in musical art.
  Monday 12/03/2001 11:46:06am
Name: Susan Olson
E-Mail: operaphan2@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Dallas, TX
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Michael Crawford's portrayal of Erik the Phantom embodies the heart and the soul of that character. Michael Crawford IS the Phantom. To have that legendary performance preserved on film would be the ultimate legacy for generations to come. Please, please, please, don't disappoint the fans.
  Monday 12/03/2001 8:50:26am
Name: Rebeca Romo
E-Mail: ancksunamun15@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:  
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: (Sorry my English is not the best in the world) Hello, I am talking to you with my Friends computer, because I dont have Internet, but I want to tell you that I think that there si only One Erik and he is Michael Crawford, he IS NOT Antonio Banderas. If Andrew gives the role to Antonio, He will denie, betray and kill Erik. All of us want to see the real Phantom, we want to see Michael Crawford.
  Sunday 12/02/2001 11:59:28pm
Name: Joseph Paul Hatty
E-Mail: joehatty@juno.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Clinton Township, Michigan 48035 USA
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Will Hollywood ever get it?
Maybe they just like killing the goose that lays golden eggs!
This is a no-brainer. It's Michael Crawford in POTO or no one. Period.
  Sunday 12/02/2001 4:01:50pm
Name: Elise Lubell
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: florida
Referred By: Newsgroup
Comments: I saw Micheal Crawford on Broadway twice, and he is the Phantom in my eyes, and I can see from other we all agree on that. I don't see why they need that other person except for a box office draw. The faces isn't seen, and anybody that hears the words phantom associates Micheal with the show, why not the movie also, let rally people we are the public that are going to the theater.....
  Sunday 12/02/2001 11:39:41am
Name: Leigh Alstat
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Illinois
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: I find it offensive that Hollywood would consider anyone other than Michael Crawford to portray his greatest role ever, The Phantom of The Opera. Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite Broadway shows, and I absolutely love Michael Crawford. No one else could ever play Phantom half as well as Michael can.
  Sunday 12/02/2001 8:10:02am
Name: Cathy Pruitte
E-Mail: cpruitte@marian.creighton.edu
Homepage Title: Marian High School
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Omaha, NE
Referred By: E-Mail
Comments: I have seen 'Phantom' four times, the first being with Michael at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. HE IS THE PHANTOM! None of the other ones even came close to his performance. I can remember how at the end of Michael's performance, the audience was silent with only the slight sound of sobbing. No other performance was anything like that...most of the time the people cheered at the end.
Cathy Pruitee
  Saturday 12/01/2001 11:25:46pm
Name: JULIE T. BYERS
E-Mail: JTBWRITER@AOL.COM
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: TEMPLE CITY, CA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: "IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT" FOR ANY ONE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH MICHAEL CRAWFORD!
FROM THE FIRST TIME I SAW THIS GAWKY KID, TO PHANTOM AND BARNUM AND ALL HIS APPEARANCES, I HAVE LAUGHED, CRIED, DROOLED (BE HONEST, LADIES!)AND THROUGHLY ENJOYED HIS WARMTH, HUMOR AND MAGNIFICENT VOICE.

TO EVERYONE WHO HELPS CELEBRATE THE MAN-A HAPPY HOLIDAY AND GOOD CHEER TO ALL!
  Saturday 12/01/2001 11:03:04pm
Name: Linna Martel
E-Mail: linnarae@juno.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Marietta, GA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I looked up "Phantom of the Opera" in Roget's Thesaurus: "a deformed musical genius who lived under the Paris Opera House; MICHAEL CRAWFORD. 'Nuff said?
  Saturday 12/01/2001 7:09:38pm
Name: E. Campisi
E-Mail: java11@rochester.rr.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: rochester, new york
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: please cast mr. crawford as the phantom. he has done a truly remarkable thing in portraying the character so well in the past. why change what isnt broken? more fans of POTO will come if they know the actor has the credential to do it right, and not just some igenue who is the "it" thing right now.
  Saturday 12/01/2001 7:05:39pm
Name: Sally Scheef
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Illinois,USA
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: The producers of the Harry Potter film took into consideration the wishes of the many Potter fans and tried to produce a film as faithful to the original material as possible. GOOD EXAMPLE!
  Saturday 12/01/2001 6:53:11pm
Name: MISS KATHERINE COLLIS
E-Mail: kathycollis @onetel.net.uk
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://htpp/onetel.net.uk
Where are you from?: ORPINGTON KENT ENGLAND
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Michael Crawford is so very brilliant as the Phantom Of The Opera and no-one can ever be better than our Michael
He is a very special person to us all
SO BRING BACK MICHAEL CRAWFORD AS THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.
  Saturday 12/01/2001 5:44:36pm
Name: Trudy Hiller
E-Mail: tandwpooh@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: Has to be Michael, I have heard rumors about Antonio Bandaras. I would not go to see him or his wife in anything. I want Michael. I was not able to go to New York to see him, please let me see him in the movie!
  Saturday 12/01/2001 5:37:30pm
Name: Linda Goff
E-Mail: Kanskmomm@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Warren, Michigan
Referred By: E-Mail
Comments: I would like Michael to know that his music has touched my life along with the hearts of my family, since my husband and my father passed away within 28 days of each other, Michael's music has been a god send to us. Thank You.
  Saturday 12/01/2001 5:29:52pm
Name: Sandra Hamilon
E-Mail: Guest
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Sunderland, Tyne & Wear
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: MICHAEL CRAWFORD HAS TO BE THE ONE AND ONLY PHANTOM. I WOULD DEARLY LOVE TO SEE THE ORIGINAL CAST PUT ONTO VIDEO. NOTHING ELSE CAN BEAT IT. NO FILM. NO OTHER SINGERS OR ACTORS. JUST THE ORIGINAL CAST. FAR TOO MANY FILMS, PLAYS AND SHOWS HAVE BEEN RUINED BECAUSE THE SO CALLED "EXPERTS" THINK THEY KNOW BETTER THEN THE PUBLIC. WE MAKE THESE SHOWS INTO THE HITS THEY ARE. IT IS TIME THE LIKES OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER TOOK NOTICE OF WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING, AND PAYING FOR. AFTER ALL, WHERE WOULD LLOYD WEBBER BE WITHOUT THE LIKES OF US?
  Saturday 12/01/2001 1:22:37pm
Name: mepi
E-Mail: nb41mep@HOTMAIL.COM
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: NEW HAMPSHIRE
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I AM VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT "PHANTOM OF THE OPERA . MICHAEL CRAWFORD IS THE ELITE.
  Saturday 12/01/2001 12:52:42am
Name: Cathy Jackson
E-Mail: khakidan@webtv.net
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Medford,Oregon
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: As you all know;you cannot beat Mickie!
  Saturday 12/01/2001 12:42:58am
Name: Diana L. Marshall
E-Mail: dianam3446@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Roswell, New Mexico
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: What else is there to say! No one but Michael Crawford can do the movie Phantom. He created the role, his voice and expression are unmatched. We have been trying to get this idea through to the powers that will make the movie!
  Saturday 12/01/2001 0:50:10am
Name: Carolyn Y
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:  
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Michael Crawford has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. He is the original for this role, it would be strange to cast anyone else for the Phantom.
  Friday 11/30/2001 10:55:47pm
Name: Brian Glenville
E-Mail: bglenville@msn.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Phoenix, Az.
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments:  
  Friday 11/30/2001 8:47:42pm
Name: Deb P.
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Minnesota
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: Yul Brynner=The King and I. Michael Crawford=The Phantom of the Opera!!!! Michael IS the BIG NAME when it comes to this role. Hollywood-are you listening? Deb
  Thursday 11/29/2001 6:44:32pm
Name: Tom Bouthillet
E-Mail: Code3inSC@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Hilton Head Island, SC
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Can you imagine how fortunate we all are to already know who the real Phantom is? Usually the opposite problem exists. Example: Who to play Mr. Clark in Tom Clancy's "Clear and Present Danger"? William DeFoe. Great actor. But anyone who has read the book knows he just isn't Clark. No offense. He just isn't Clark. For heaven's sake. Who else, other than the venerated Michael Crawford, could EVER do the Phantom justice, now that we have all come to admire his unparalleled brilliance? WB must have gone mad. A simple lack of taste can't explain it.
  Thursday 11/29/2001 11:47:18am
Name: Emma Hargadon
E-Mail: emmahargadon@hotmail.com
Homepage Title: na
Homepage URL: http://na
Where are you from?: Wales
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Michael was the best as the Phantom but now we can no longer see him on stage why not release it on video after all Cats and Jesus Christ Super Star have been released why not The Phantom of the Opera im sure it would do great, especially with Michael Crawford as the Phantom, please think about it. Emma
  Wednesday 11/28/2001 6:06:36pm
Name: Paul
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Long Beach, California
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: This whole thing reminds me of a woman I met at the LA production of "Phantom"...She was there because her husband asked her what she wanted most for her anniversary and she replied, "To see Michael Crawford in Phantom of the Opera"...so her husband flew her to California all the way from Tennessee just to see the show with Michael in it...as we parted company, she said, "How lucky you are, you live here and you can come and see Michael again and again!...I wonder what her re-action would be if someone other than Michael played the movie version?
  Wednesday 11/28/2001 4:28:28pm
Name: Stephanie
E-Mail: nicekittie@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: LA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Nobody on earth but Michael could play the Phantom and I am shocked that someone else would even be considered. For that matter, why not get Sarah Brightman as well? If I could have any wish in the world it would be to see the original Broadway play. I am firmly and immovably convinced that there is no one on God's earth who could play these parts except for the original two. And I will boycott any movie that casts any other!!!!!!
  Wednesday 11/28/2001 10:05:32am
Name: Michal Pozar
E-Mail: mpozar@post.cz
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Czech Republic
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Banderas? Noooooooooo!!!!!!
  Tuesday 11/27/2001 11:22:01pm
Name: Becky Zielinski
E-Mail: bobbyz5@earthlink.net
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Freeman, Missouri
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I support your efforts and hope you are successful! "Erik" would be ruined by anyone other than Michael!!
  Tuesday 11/27/2001 3:46:59pm
Name: Amy
E-Mail: cutiepoohbear98@yahoo.com
Homepage Title: -
Homepage URL: http://-
Where are you from?: New York
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I think that Michael was the best phantom of all! I love the play so much, and I am so glad it is going to be a movie! I will buy it the first day it comes to video! I love to sing and act, but I could never be as good as this cast, especially you! Thanks for a great show!!!!
  Tuesday 11/27/2001 2:23:56pm
Name: Melanie
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Torrance, California
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: When you are sick, you want the best doctor...when your car breaks, you want the best mechanic...when you see a musical motion picture, you want to hear the BEST voices...sorry, Antonio, but that is not your gift!
  Tuesday 11/27/2001 1:27:16pm
Name: Sasha Ferris
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Frazier Park, California
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: To what lengths did the phantom have to go so that the opera house realized that his production was to go on---that they cast Christine Daae---and that Box Five was to remain empty?

Will a chandelier come crashing down on the set of the Phantom as ALW oversees the WRONG person cast as Phantom?

Yes, ALW brought us the Phantom on stage, but has this become the same stage setting as was in the play/opera where the production company was advised
"to comply" and they did not?

ALW should see the Phantom of the Opera once again and see where he is repeating the very same--to Michael Crawford.

We have seen the outcome---the phantom disappeared ---will the movie ALW is planning be a success? Not if it what happened to Carlota, happens to Banderas?

ALW---We advise you to comply. These instructions should be clear!
  Monday 11/26/2001 8:42:51pm
Name: Lois Jean
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Los Angeles, California
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: If it isnt broke, dont fix it!
  Monday 11/26/2001 4:33:37pm
Name: courtney and katie
E-Mail: c_schaffold@hotmail.com seekfordkl@excite.com
Homepage Title: www.expage.com/seekford or schaffold
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: pittsburgh pa 15202
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: we are studie'n in school about you and you inspire us with your pieces.thank you and make more songs.
  Monday 11/26/2001 7:54:03am
Name: Sarah Ayrton
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Leicester
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I've got the phantom soundtrack and I think that Michael has one of the most greatest voices of all time!! I saw the production in London about 2/3 weeks ago and I was blown away, but I still think that Michael Crawford is the best Phantom and I would definatly go to see the film about 1000000 times if he was in it!!!!!!
  Sunday 11/25/2001 7:15:56pm
Name: Lin Hudson
E-Mail: linhud@lineone.net
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: York, UK
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: What's the point in giving the role to a big name, if the cinemagoers leave disappointed?
  Sunday 11/25/2001 7:06:08pm
Name: Marci Middaugh
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Port Charlotte, Florida
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I have enjoyed Michael's performance in Hello Dolly and his Concert for Public Broadcasting. I've read some of the other comments stating age concerns about Michael in this part. My understanding the person he plays is suppose to be an older person. I am 57 and consider myself "middle" age. I also thought there were rules pertaining to age discrimination in the work place. I have not had the opportunity to see the Broadway play but I doubt that I will bother to see the movie if Michael Crawford is not playing the lead.
  Sunday 11/25/2001 4:17:50pm
Name: Dida Shepard
E-Mail: Taisei692001@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:  
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Dear Michael Crawford Movie campaign,

(November 2001)I have just read on a web site that Kate Winslet is now the main choice for the leading lady in the Phantom of opera movie after Andrew Lloyd Webber heard her voice on A Christmas Carol Single that she was going to release! In my Opinion that is one of THE WORST news phantom fans can here! I was to young to see Michael Crawford as the Phantom of the Opera but I do own the original cast recording, I heard the original cast recording before I saw the musical in Toronto and in my opionion. there can be no other phantom to express the passion of the phantom like Michael Crawford. The Musical I saw was good but I only wish I could have seen Michael Crawford in real life...Oh well perhaps there is still hope.

Sincerely,
Dida Shepard

 
  Sunday 11/25/2001 5:21:00am
Name: Hammam Farah
E-Mail: hammam@yorku.ca
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Canadian
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I am now a singer and performer because of Michael Crawford and The Phantom of the Opera. My sister is also a performer and has performed as Christine when we sang The Phantom of the Opera many times on stage. If it weren't for Crawford, I wouldn't be where I am right now! I just downloaded Banderas' performance at ALW's 50th Birthday and I was disgusted. He can't even say "Sing for me" properly! There was just no emotion in it. And what was Lloyd Webber thinking? He's getting old! He probably doesn't even care any more and just agreed with Banderas doing the movie. Maybe he was drunk at his own Birthday party. Michael Crawford is the ONLY one for the job. His voice is the magic that brings people like me to accomplish their dreams. But I do have to admit that Banderas is better than the original choice of John Travolta. I could just imagine Travolta doing a Greece song with the mask on. I think I'm gonna puke.
  Saturday 11/24/2001 8:35:11pm
Name: janet kaehler
E-Mail: janetkaehler@hotmail.com
Homepage Title: phantom of the opera
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: kitchener ontario canada
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: The best play is the phantom of the opera. I would love to own the video.
  Saturday 11/24/2001 5:12:13pm
Name: Lisa M. Johnson
E-Mail: ljohnson13@msn.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:  
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I could not imagine anyone else playing the role of the Phantom. Michael Crawford is the only Man who can play the Phantom!
  Saturday 11/24/2001 4:26:49pm
Name: Sandy
E-Mail: GUEST'S USE OF COMPUTER
Homepage Title: Not sure
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Norfolk, England
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: I am not the first, and I will not be the last, to say that MICHAEL CRAWFORD IS THE PHANTOM. Long live the campaign to get Michael into the movie...but make sure the HE wants to do the job.
I have never seen Phantom on stage, but there is only one voice that can do Music if the Night justice, and that is Michael's.
There are only two people in all the world that can sing the Phantom duet, and they are Michael and Sarah Brightman. So while you are about it, campaign to haver Sarah as Michael's Christine, otherwise why bother? after all, Michael alone did not make Phantom whatit is. Although knowing wat a great job he did, he certainly could have. He's number one in my book.

And...has anyone else noticed how much like michael C. Michael Ball is getting...???
  Saturday 11/24/2001 11:53:59am
Name: Cory Stickel
E-Mail: CrStickel@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Every once in a while, someone comes along that shakes the very foundations of everyone's life. May be a president, maybe a scientist who discovered a cure for a deadly disease. But for the past sixteen years, our lives have been changed by a very simple man: a British actor.

Actors don't do much, right? They just provide a temporary escape from the world through a two-and-a-half hour show, right? It's surely not anything to get excited about....unless that actor has the power to bring together over sixty-million people world-wide.

I'm sure that when The Phantom of the Opera first opened in London, Michael Crawford didn't think that he was doing anything REALLY spectacular, but his performance set off a chain reaction, touching the people in the first row of seats, and spreading to touch every single person who has ever heard him sing, even if those people never had the chance to see him perform live, people like myself. Michael's portayal of Erik, The Phantom of the Opera, showed the world what love REALLY means.

But the reaction didn't stop at Phantom. It continued to spread through Michael. And again, not in seemingly big ways, but rather through the support of charities, though cancer walks, MS walks, AIDS walks, all done by his fans who have been inspired by the love of one simple actor.

And his love spreads through music. I don't think there has ever been anyone who has brought together more people though music. How often can someone be moved to tears, just from hearing someone sing? When that someone is Michael Crawford, I don't think there is any possible way to count the people touched by his music.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, Warner Brothers, and Antonio Banderas might dismiss this campaign as a pathetic waste of time just to support putting "some actor" in a movie, but this campaign is more than that. This campaign is about supporting a man, a caring human being, who spreads his love by music, by acting, by simple gestures of kindness, and who brings the world together just by being himself.

We may win this fight to preserve Michael's Phantom, and we might not, but whatever happens, we WILL WIN, because we have shown The Powers That Be that one simple man has the power to change the world for the better.

May Michael Crawford always teach us what it really means to love.

Cory Stickel,
Michael Crawford fan since 1990.
  Saturday 11/24/2001 5:21:56am
Name: Julie Butler
E-Mail: angel_of_music4ever@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:  
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Dear TMCPMC,

My name is Julie Butler and I am 15 years old. I was first introduced the Phantom of the Opera this summer when my parents literally forced me to sit down and listen to the soundtrack, starring Michael Crawford. Almost from the first notes of the overture I loved it, and I was completely won over when I heard Michael sing. Never had I heard anyone put such love and emotion into their vioce, and what a beautiful voice it was! I cried when the Phantom delivered his tragic "It's over now, the music of the night!" From that moment, I guess you could call me obsessed. And all this before I had ANY idea what the Phantom even looked like! I spent the next few weeks learning the entire script by heart(dialogue included) and doing as much research as I could. Then in September, the travelling company came to Atlanta and my parents surprised me with fifth row tickets. What can I say but WOW!!! By the end I was literally bawling - people were staring. It was the most amazing experience I have ever had.

And then one day I happened upon your site. At first I was excited - a Phantom movie starring THE Angel if Music, Michael Crawford - WOW! (Because I am only 15, I never got the chance to see the original Phantom live, a fact which I severely regret!) But then as I read on, I became disgusted - Antonio Banderas? Gross! I mean Zorro was great but Mr. Banderas is a bit wooden as an actor, he can't sing very well, and he's definitely not fit to portray the amazing emotion and character necessary to play Erik. By now I have explored the whole of your site - which, by the way, is wonderful, especially the video clips. They gave me the chance to finally see Michael in person as the Phantom (and otherwise) that I had been yearning for. So thank you!

Anyway, I'm rambling, so let me get to the point. I don't know how to officially "join" your campaign, but I like to consider myself a part of it. So much of my age group these days is SO tagically uncultured, so I have taken to introducing ALL of my friends to Monsieur le Phantom, and most of them are as angered as I am at Sir Lloyd Webber and Warner Brothers right now. In other words, I am trying to spread your message to the younger generations. It's not much, but I am trying to make a difference, one brick at a time! If there is ever anything you think I could do to help, please let me know! So I just want to say thank you so much and to wish continued luck on the campaign and its mission. I pray every night that "The Powers That Be" will come to their senses and realize there is only ONE true Phantom of the Opera, and it sure isn't Antonio Banderas.

Much love and support,
Julie Butler
 
  Friday 11/23/2001 10:20:59pm
Name: Ashley Knight
E-Mail: Ashtrees@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Palm Harbor, Fl
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Michael Crawford is truly an inspiring actor and deserves this role if anything. To deny him of it would be an act of extreme bad taste. There is a great number of people who would love to see him in this role-and only him. He reaches out and touches audiences with his talents. Believe me when I say that he is the only man that could bring the power and emotion to this character that is needed. All that is being thought of is the money that a "Hollywood name" would bring. I know that is an important part, but so is casting the right man for the job, and Michael Crawford certainly is that. Forever, he will live in our hearts as the only Phantom of the opera.
  Friday 11/23/2001 6:52:56pm
Name: Jasmine Ward
E-Mail: jasminn62@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: London
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: You ruin many films by using the same actors and many people dont like seeing "hollywood stars" cast in unsuitable roles just because they are who they are. The 1950's, the days of Marilyn Monroe and Marlon Brando are gone and present stars pale in comparison. It is tiresome and irritating seeing the same faces, an opinion shared by many. Michael Crawford brought to life the Phantom of the Opera, and no other person has more of a valuable insite into this role. If you want the movie to stand a chance at the box office, you will have to create the same kind of magic displayed at the theatre, and there is only one man who is capable of doing it.
  Friday 11/23/2001 5:51:18pm
Name: andrea
E-Mail: andee1114@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: new york
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: i would love to see michael crawford as the starring role in the phantom movie. i couldn't see anyone else fit the part better than him! he's an awesome singer and actor, and he gets the support from the younger crowd too! (i'm 16)
  Friday 11/23/2001 9:52:53am
Name: Vicente Mendiola
E-Mail: vmend1@home.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Elk Grove, CA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I agree that Michael should play the leading role.
  Thursday 11/22/2001 7:30:54pm
Name: Linda Galyon
E-Mail: lindielou4@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Midland, Texas
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I would love to see Michael Crawford in Phantom of the Opera. I was not able to see the Broadway play, but I saw his concert on PBS. Noone can sing that beautiful music like he can. Please, please cast him in the movie. Thank you
  Thursday 11/22/2001 12:02:56am
Name: STEVE CROSS
E-Mail: stevecross@lasvegas.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Wichita, KS
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: My congrats on your choice & endeavor. I did not have the opportunity to see Crawford in the role as he had left before I witnessed this spectacle in NYC. Have listened to the original Crawford Phantom cd 100's of times, and agree that Crawford must play the role! Thanks, Steve
  Wednesday 11/21/2001 8:17:25pm
Name: Lynne Simpson
E-Mail: pasimul@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Manchester, England
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: Please let Michael Crawford Play the part of The Phantom...his voice is so expressive....he created the character so wonderfully on stage that it seems very cruel to separate him from his Christine now.Quite simply, Michael is what makes us love The Phantom.
Love from Lynne
  Wednesday 11/21/2001 10:23:30am
Name: Finghin Coyne
E-Mail: coynefinghin@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Ireland
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I think Michael suits the part.
  Wednesday 11/21/2001 8:58:01am
Name: Barbara Klein
E-Mail: PhillipsKlein@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: North Carolina
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments:  
  Tuesday 11/20/2001 11:57:52pm
Name: Diana Fraire
E-Mail: diana_fraire@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Houston, TX
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I heard it mentioned somewhere that they were thinking of Antonio Banderas to play The Phantom. Well I'm 21 years old and I guess you would expect for me to jump up with excitement but...no. I mean, come on! Banderas??? The Phantom??? YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING! This is not something to think about. I have had the priviledge to see Michael Crawford in more than one occasion (including as The Phantom), Michael IS and WILL ALWAYS be The Phantom of the Opera! It will be very upsetting to see anybody else.
  Tuesday 11/20/2001 11:08:53pm
Name: Bryna Morgan
E-Mail: bryna@syrupcity.net
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Cairo, Georgia
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: Michael Crawford will always and forever be "The Phantom" to me. I would really love to see him in the movie!
  Tuesday 11/20/2001 10:24:19pm
Name: Estrella
E-Mail: ancksunamun15@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Mexico
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: WE WANT TO SEE MICHAEL AS THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA MOVIE, WE DONT WANT TO SEE ANTONIO BANDERAS, WE LOVE MICHAEL. IF THERE IS NOT MICHAEL; THERE IS NOT ERIK, AND THERE IS NO PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, THERE IS NO REAL OPERA GHOST.
  Tuesday 11/20/2001 0:13:35am
Name: Joan Marie Dunne
E-Mail: joanmariedunne@cs.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Salt Lake City, Utah
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: We all agree: Michael Crawford as the Phantom or NO PHANTOM MOVIE!!
  Monday 11/19/2001 5:58:38pm
Name: Julie Euber
E-Mail: Julieke85@netscape.net
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Evansville, IN
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: As the opening of the new Harry Potter movie neared, I was amazed at the excitement of Potter Lovers. I knew if a Phantom (My obsession past obsession) inspired another movie I would be scared to death, worried it would not match the book (or musical, but mainly the book). If a movie based on the Phantom of the Opera does come out, please do not give me something to fear and create it with your heart in mind and not your pocket book. Michael Crawford was an awesome phantom before, and I implore that you let his magic live again.
  Monday 11/19/2001 5:55:39pm
Name: andrew
E-Mail: andresfish1@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: mexico
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: the best musical i had ever seen but antonio like a phantom? he is not in a movie.
  Monday 11/19/2001 1:16:52pm
Name: alan ashmore
E-Mail: atash@lineone.net
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: manchester england
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Phantom would not be Phantom without
michael crawford what more can i say!!
  Sunday 11/18/2001 9:32:47pm
Name: Calvin Bishop
E-Mail: the_bishop@anonymous.to
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: US
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: When you talk of Phantom, you'll think of Michael Crawford. How can those guys from Warner Brothers ignore this fact?

Finding someone from Hollywood who can't sing properly is ever more ridiculous.

Plus, you don't actually see the Phantom's "pretty" face. What's the deal w/ finding some Hollywood face that everyone is familiar with?
  Sunday 11/18/2001 7:06:53pm
Name: Angel
E-Mail: AngelofMusicTEC@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:  
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Dear Phantom Campain,
I agree strongly that there is no other choice but Michael for the role,after all when you've heard the best nothing else can live up to it, and the way Antonio Banderes did the songs at Andrew Lloyd Webbers birthday show even offended my friends whom are'nt even Phantom fans.I even compared recordings to them and while they grimiced at Antonio's emotionless and fake rendition, they merely said "Pretty" to Michael's voice performing the same song. If there is anything I can do please let me know,I never got to see Michael in the role on stage and I desperately want to.I will try to continue to find more supporters to sign your guestbook.Thank You, it is a wonderful thing you are doing.And I pray the fans voices will be heared.For Michael,the one true Phantom.
  Sunday 11/18/2001 5:00:40am
Name: Tammy Cole
E-Mail: hoopydoopy@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: USA
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: I think that Warner Brothers is crazy if they do not have Michael Crawford play the part of the Phantom. I have never seen Michael in this part but I have heard him sing it on The Phantom of the Opera CD and think he is wonderful.
  Sunday 11/18/2001 0:03:52am
Name: miguel alvarez
E-Mail: atm@xanum.uam.mx
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: mexico
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: All my family love de phantom's music.
My daughter (shani 6 years old) and my son (david 8 years old) are very happy when they hear a Sara Brightman and Michael Crawford. Can you imagine when they can see the phantom movie? My childrens and I will love more the phantom'music.
I would like to mention that my childrens and I read together The Leroux'book. I think that few fathers do that.
  Saturday 11/17/2001 3:48:08am
Name: Margaret R Holmes
E-Mail: m_r.holmes@ntlworld.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Derbyshire England
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I think that you are great Michael Keep up the good work.
  Friday 11/16/2001 1:11:58pm
Name: LISA GALLAGHER
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Wigan, England
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: No-one else can possibly be considered to play this role
  Friday 11/16/2001 12:18:09am
Name: Dot McAliley
E-Mail: mcalileypad@aol.com
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Alabama
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Dear Andrew, we have now sent you several thousand notes of a, well, perhaps not so amiable nature detailing how our "Phantom of the Opera" movie should be made. We are giving you one last chance--or as many as are needed while both you and Michael Crawford live; neither of you is immortal even if the incredible talents of you both are. Your public implores you to cast Michael Crawford as the Phantom--really, Andrew, there should never have been consideration of another. We have taken him under our wing and will not have "Carlotta" (Antonio Banderas) or any other usurp his rightful part. If our "demands" are not met, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur; to wit, the "Phantom of the Opera" movie will come to be known as the "Phantom Phollies" or "I Promised the Role to Michael but Reneged, Oh, Woe Is Me!" Impressed by your obvious talent but absolutely and completely overwhelmed and enveloped by that of Michael Crawford, I remain, your obedient servant . . . and potential--but not guaranteed--movie attender, O.G. ("One Girl" who will spend enormous amounts of money to see Michael Crawford in the role, over and over again and hopefully someday on videotape, but not a penny to see anyone else in it.)
P.S. Make NO attempt to change the story or music as it appeared in the original . . . there are worse things than a shattered image; i.e., a "shattered" career from making one very big mistake.
  Friday 11/16/2001 9:16:21am
Name: martyn garrett
E-Mail:  
Homepage Title:  
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Luton England
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Seen MC as phantom twice in London plus his own show, if you want a sellout their can only be ONE person MC
Thursday 11/15/2001 9:24:27pm
Name: Chi
E-Mail: ASIANLUV86@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: California
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Hi everyone!

Just wanted to say this is a great site and I really enjoy all of the people here. Michael is truly the phantom.. but if only ALW would realize it! :) Have a great day..

Chi
Thursday 11/15/2001 7:47:44pm
Name: Hazel Miller
E-Mail: hazel_1930@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: California
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: There can be no one else for Phantom because he was found in the beginning of course that would be The one and only Michael Crawford
Thursday 11/15/2001 4:38:18pm
Name: tom allen
E-Mail: toma136@msn.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: hanover mass
Referred By: Just Surfed On In
Comments: Michael is the phantom
Thursday 11/15/2001 10:20:49am
Name: msi
E-Mail: mmi_sa2001@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?:
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments:
Wednesday 11/14/2001 8:11:02pm
Name: Audrey Aucott
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Texas & New Jersey
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: The older I get the more Phantoms I have seen. The more Phantoms I have seen the more I know Michael Crawford's is the one true Phantom and all other attempts to create this character merely produce shadowy imposters.

There can be only one!
Catchy phrase isn't it?

Still waiting for the perfect Phantom
Film....
Audrey Aucott
Wednesday 11/14/2001 5:41:06pm
Name: Eileen Kent
E-Mail: ekent@dreamscape.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Utica NY
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Come on- Lord Andrew.....if you won't give us Michael in the movie -just give us the damn video of the original cast production. We're soooooo tired of waiting and we're getting very angry at you!
Wednesday 11/14/2001 5:37:00pm
Name: Mary E. Coyle
E-Mail: pcoyle@cox.rr.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Washington, DC
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments:
Wednesday 11/14/2001 4:55:42pm
Name: Richard Moore
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: Michael Crawford is the PHANTOM! Its his role, he made it famous and he is the one who should don the mask in the movie!!!
Wednesday 11/14/2001 4:26:02pm
Name: Brenda $#@&^!*
E-Mail: bloodred87@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: GA
Referred By: From a Friend
Comments: Why the hell are these people going to put a little boy in to do a man's job??!!!Michael Crawford should definitely be in this movie and if he's not then the movie's going to suck b/c they're changing the notes b/c what's his face can't sing the right pitches. Do we want the original or some cover up?? I think we all know the answer to that.
Wednesday 11/14/2001 1:09:31pm
Name: Susan
E-Mail: snoopy_23505@hotmail.com
Homepage Title: Snoopy's Friends
Homepage URL: http://communities.msn.com/SnoopysFriends
Where are you from?: Norfolk, VA
Referred By: Search Engine
Comments: I love Michael Crawford, and so does my Mom, I'd love to hear him again. Espescially in a movie.
Wednesday 11/14/2001 11:18:25am
Name: Barbara Rice
E-Mail: brice@newcastle.K12.pa.us
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Pennsylvania
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I think Michael is just wonderful.
Wednesday 11/14/2001 10:36:52am
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: When I saw Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman doing the Phantom theme and Music of the Night on the 1988 Tony awards, I knew I wanted to see this show and I did see it in Toronto (no tours to Nova Scotia) but I have always regretted that I was not able to see Michael Crawford in the role. I never experienced the magic, 'hairs standing on end' feeling when I saw the show without him that I have felt seeing Michael Crawford performing MOTN on televsion or felt even just listening to the cast recording. We could have had the show with the original cast if the film had been made when it was originally planned. Sadly that is no longer possible but it is still possible to have Michael Crawford's performance and the show, as it was done on stage, preserved. Warner Brothers, which was so cooperative about making the Harry Potter film be true to the book, has proved it can make something true to the original. I still hope they will do this with Phantom and Michael Crawford but time waits for no one, not even Warner Brothers and Lord Lloyd Webber.
Wednesday 11/14/2001 9:25:24am
Name: Lin
E-Mail: linnarae@juno.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: Marietta , GA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: Andrew, you said of Phantom, when it premiered in London, "We got it right, the first time", and you did! Don't mess it up now! The world wants MICHAEL CRAWFORD as Phantom.
It ain't broke.......YET!
Wednesday 11/14/2001 8:47:00am
Name: Jane Woodside
E-Mail: fairlee@epix.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL: http://
Where are you from?: PA
Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
Comments: I've been reading Variety since the 60s and have some friends who have worked around the industry for years and the only conclusion I've ever reached is that the entire industry is nuts. There is a really good book on the subject called "The Gross" by Peter Bart who's the editor of Variety and a couple of good books by William Goldman the screenwriter for The Princess Bride. The thing everyone seems to agree on is that no one has the slightest clue what makes a movie (or a tv series) a hit. Obviously if someone did they would have all hits. Goldman of course thinks the problem is that the screenwriter doesn't get enough respect and he may have a point. Also the thing that rules Hollywood according to Goldman is FEAR. Executives are gambling a lot of money on a movie and since a lot of them are basically "suits" rather than artists they seek to minimize their risks. Warner Bros. in particular has always had the reputation of using star driven vehicles as a kind of insurance so if they flop they can always go to the stockholders and say "Well we used John Travolta. What more could we have done." This was the approach under Semel and Daly. I'm not sure it still is under Horn and Meyer.

To get back to Banderas and Travolta for a minute no one is "flocking" to any movie just because they are in it. Banderas is not and never has been considered an A list actor. With the exception of Zorro which starred Anthony Hopkins and which made CZJ a star and Spy Kids in which he barely got mentioned in the reviews, his movies have all been flops. Even Evita was not considered a big hit and the draw was Madonna not Banderas. Play It to the Bone made about $8 million, The Body went straight to video, Original Sin, despite an attempt to piggyback on Angelina Jolie's appeal coming off Tomb Raider, is another flop. He doesn't have a large fan base and what he does have is based on his looks. Cover them up and he has NO appeal. Travolta's career goes up and down like a yo-yo. Battlefield Earth probably didn't even make back his salary (although WB didn't lose any money on it because some German group financed it), the lottery picture he did after that tanked and WB was so nervous that he was box office poison that for Swordfish (which also underperformed) they put him in the back of the poster and marketed the movie on Halle Berry's breasts.

Why anyone pays either Travolta or Kevin Costner who hasn't had a hit in years $20 million is beyond me. Even Julia Roberts, who is a box office draw, isn't a draw in a movie that isn't perceived as a "Julia Roberts type movie". I'm not saying stars aren't important and that they don't add to the boxoffice IN THE RIGHT FILM. You also need a name in an independent type film where you need to raise money to make the movie and you need a star in a movie where nobody knows what the movie is about. The star will draw attention to the film. I don't think you need that in a film where the public already knows about it like POTO, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter or the Star Wars franchise. The danger that the studio faces when making movies like those is that the public already has an acquaintance with the work and an idea what it should be. WB has gone to extraordinary lengths to try to keep the Potter movie as true to the books as possible and has been very careful with the casting. They are very aware of the dangers of disappointing that fan base. One actor is having nightmares about being chased down the street by thousands of irate children.

You want to expand beyond the fan base but you can't do that by disregarding the fan base. A smart executive should want the people who should be most enthusiastically behind the movie happy. If they're not than they have a problem. I think WB knows this. Levin said the movie is in development and no decisions have been made. I think they are very nervous about it. They know Banderas isn't a draw and they know the fans are unhappy. Hollywood considers musicals a high risk genre to begin with. If I were them I'd cast Michael as the Phantom and make a big deal about casting the original star, pick some name for Raoul and do a big publicity deal out of doing a worldwide search for Christine.

As to why they continue to use stars whose movies flop, I suppose it's like having a horse that won one race. Hope springs eternal that they can do it again. A lot of movies aren't expected to be blockbusters like Titanic. They're just nice little quality movies that hopefully will receive some attention and make a little profit. Plus a lot of times it isn't the star's fault. It's just a lousy movie.
Wednesday 11/14/2001 8:40:22am
Name: TMCPMC
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Referred By: Michael Inspired Me
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