Once Upon Another Time ~

Hugh did not disappoint. He has such a way of articulating his words that's so well practiced and yet spontaneous-sounding. You can tell, especially with the lines that carried over from the OG show, that he has experimented with the best way to phrase his lines. No question that’s Kay!Erik come to life and I was agog.

During MOTN he kneeled down next to an older woman (I believe she was on the ada track) and sang directly her to. She got very emotional and it actually made me tear up.

Similarly, a mother an daughter were gently tapped and I saw them lean into each other after. Reminded me of my own mom taking me to the show when I was a kid.

Got split up into automatons, shadow box, then the bedroom

So as we were walking to the mirror bride and groom/automatons, the mirror groom stepped out from his vogueing chamber. (idk what else to call it lol) the woman in front of me did not see his extended hand and walked right on by. So I took it 👀

Yes friends I got the newspaper(!!!!!) I had no idea it existed before this moment and I feel like a blessed unicorn

So Bridegroom did a little dance with me. I believe he spun me around and he motioned his hand over his heart. I mirrored the motion. He then showed me the vanity with a little box and pointed to an ad in the newspaper (laying on the vanity) that mentioned a stolen diamond ring. He then beckoned me to open the box. The ring was inside and he showed it to me. I thought for a minute he wanted me to look at it but when I reached my hand out he put it in his coat pocket (sorry my dude lol) he then put his finger over his lips. I did the same and promised I’d keep it secret

He let me out, taking my hand. It was so gentlemanly and he is fantastic at what he does—he sells it so well.

The automaton dance scene is such a new favorite of mine.

We went to the shadow box room next. Hugh came to his seat (I have never seen this sequence before) and he led another audience member to his little music room before we moved on to the bedroom. I was aghast as I didn’t realize this was an option 🤣

Had the pleasure of being close by for this scene 👀 Hugh’s Erik kissed Christine’s shouler (or at least grazed his lips there) 🥵

Christine led an audience member to STYDT and we were some of the ones who were on the little platform. Had a bad view but Erik really engaged with the audience here, looking directly in the eyes of multiple people, including me. Hugh conveyed the despair so well.

Erik led my group to the carnival. I almost fell down the platform but thankfully I caught myself In Hugh’s interpretation he solelmly and like a funeral dredge led us up the elevator. I as I was going up I caught a glimpse of him leaning over the elevator reaching across with longing.

I was positioned near young!Erik’s cage. He saw my newspaper and pointed at it. I handed it to him and he pointed to the same little blurb about the missing diamond ring before pointing at himself. From my understanding of the scene and moment, Erik (I believe it was Kody) was conveying that Erik always longed for a wife.

He reached his hand out to me and took my hand, then preceeded to tie a little ring on my left finger. Most others I’ve seen they for the wrist braclet so I was pretty shocked. I now have an engagement string.

In all seriousness it was utterly lovely and devastating. I told Erik he would be okay and “you are good.” Really not sure what else I could have said, wish I could have said more.

He handed me back the newspaper and I stepped aside so others could interact. I couldn’t see who got the note from his mother, but I saw him show others his music box.

I feel so stupid that I finally realized this show was subtly answering the age old question of where Erik got the monkey: HIS MOTHER. (Or Madeline if you’re like me and ready Kay when she was in high school and knows she has issues but has unfortunately imprinted on your subconsiois)

Smaller room for LTBL as we did the indoor track this day, but I was at the front of the room. Giry talked to us a little bit before we left for the next room about how angry the phantom is Christine was casted as the page boy. Clever use of crowd control so not everyone rushes out at once!

Clay’s Erik is genuinely having fun in this scene but I think Hugh’s Erik is a little more methodical and menacing.

Dan Hoy as Raoul ran by me and gently touched my shoulder in a “oh my I am so sorry pardon me!” Sort of way as he ran towards Christine. In general I loved his Raoul as it reminded me of a classic Barton-esque performance.

Christine and Raoul were right by my side as they finished AIAOY. Listen I may be an Erik apologist but I’m also a love song lover so AIAOY has a special place in my heart (also my mom sang it to me as baby 🥹) so being inches away from them made me and the person next to me misty-eyed.

I wish I had more coherent thoughts on the reprise but all I got is OHMYGOD

In the indoor set for Wishing, Dan was letting audience members put flowers on Gustave’s grave saying “this is Christine’s father.” He also really sold the moment where the DJT score turns to fire.

Great Wishing. I could really feel Christine’s desperation and sadness, it was like she could finally vent.

This was by far my favorite “version” of the dressing room scene I’ve seen. I believe it started with Carlotta and Piangi. Phantom of course makes the switch of Carlotta’s voice spray and then pulls piangi into the coat closet. Hugh threw away the line “don’t fret friends, he has an understudy,” and that got a big laugh. Perfect delivery.

Raoul and Christine came in and he kissed her so tenderly. Unfortunately she was very distracted 🤣

She asked me to move out of the way to get the note lol.

Once she left the managers came in. They were on fire this performance—the little ticking clock wouldn’t stop and I believe it was Andre who said “oh shut up!” Then when the lights went out he yelled “I want to go home!” That got another a big laugh.

I had never seen the dead Piangi on the floor before this so it was new for me to see the managers run over to him and decide “he was just drunk” then see their rising panic when they realized he was dead. Andre even picked up his hand and started waving it goodbye as we headed to the next scene.

I had to side step over Piangi...I am so sorry RIP. (it was for a good cause.)

I don't have many coherent thoughts over PONR but it was like the thread that Hugh's phantom was holding onto finally broke during the unmasking and he could just not take it anymore.

Also no coherent thoughts for the Final Lair other than the fact it was truly a master class (The whole performance was.) Hugh did seem a little tired this performance but that just added to it. This man was at his last straw and was tired of everything...even was almost nonchalant, but the kiss saved him from falling from the edge.

I cried.

Got in towards the end of the line, which I didn't realize since I thought the people lining up were there for the 7:45 pulse!

I was in the back during the violin solo but ended up side/middle during Madame Giry's scene. I never get the drinks anymore because the one time my glass was really sticky and I was stuck with it for a long time, haha. I'd rather have my hands free in case some interaction comes up - and crucially - not sticky.

Ended up on the left side of the Masquerade scene, nearer the exit to the next scene. Last time I went to Masquerade it felt like it was running in B mode. Felt like fewer actors dancing around in the masquerade scene, but most importantly one of the managers was flat out not there the whole show! This time around the dance scene felt busy and packed! So good.

I got into the next scene pretty early, and was positioned by the curtains when the chandelier went up. When the piano was brought into the center of the room, one of the stagehands asked me to "play"! That was so much fun. He spoke to me throughout the interaction. Later another woman was asked to "play" during "Think of Me" - the stagehand whispered to me that I played better.

When Raoul and Christine were interacting after Think of Me, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye - the Phantom was sneaking around the upper level on the opposite side from them.

During the title song I was nearer to the back, but not stuck behind the boat. I'm always curious how they hand out the flickering candles. I've only gotten to hold one once!

I've seen Riley as Christine before, and she was just as excellent as before! Clay was really amazing. I like that they don't try to hide how young he is, just like I love that Hugh gets to play his age. So as not to spoil myself, I've avoided hearing Clay sing. Far deeper and gentler than I imagined it would be!

I love how the Phantom wanders around during this scene. Last time I went Sean stared into my eyes at one point during MotN and I tried to stare back unblinkingly. This time I was closer to the wall, so didn't get any interactions, Clay put his hands on various shoulders throughout the song.

After MotN I was in the group that went to the automaton scene first. A woman just ahead of me got invited by the automaton Phantom into the mysterious side room. I saw her holding the newspaper afterwards! One day I shall get this interaction, but I got one that was possibly better soon after this!

After the automatons, we were led by Giry to the curtained room with the set design for Il Muto. This time and last time, the Phantom joined us here, which I don't remember from the times when I went into the bedroom first. This was excellent, because it led to the best part for me....

Clay took my hand and led me away! I couldn't believe it. I initially thought he was just taking my hand to lift me to my feet from the chair, but he held on! He led me to the desk with the sheet music on it. My group stood around the desk for this scene. He had his hand on my shoulder as he scribbled some musical notes. I didn't know what to do other than watch what his hands were doing, nodding along a bit! Again, I thought that would be that, but then he took my hand again and led me to the bedroom. I got the infamous 'cuck chair' as it gets called. I can see why. Clay had his hand on my shoulder again for a few moments, as he looked at the mask that he placed on the music box. He then whooshed out.

Though my view for this scene wasn't 'ideal' in the normal sense, it was certainly an unparalleled unique view! Clay's hands are so big compared to Riley's tiny waist and torso. I found the Phantom sticking his head out of the cushions less awkward than from the full view. Maybe because I could see his neck, it felt less like a floating head? And then I got to see him back out through the cushions again.

From here we went to the study/STYDI scene. I've only gotten stuck in the outside the curtain version of this scene once. I prefer getting to be by the desk! Which I was this time. Great view.

During the carnival scene I was at the opposite corner from young Erik for the first time. It was great finally seeing the other corner! I watched the Barker interact with a couple for the "rope of judgement". The guy getting judged was a good sport during it. I don't think I would have been as funny had it been me, haha.

Every other time I've been to see this, it was either cold or raining so this was my first time seeing the outdoor track!

I was surprised we were being led into a new room midway through the carnival scene. And that room was where the indoor Wandering Child usually takes place. I was more or less the last one in during this scene, but the view was ok enough. From there we were led into what I've only seen as the "All I Ask of You" scene, but now it's the Learn to be Lonely scene. I like the blocking during this song in this room, but overall I prefer the other room that looks like it could be Madame Giry's office(?).

From here was the scene in the rafters, and then to the roof! All new for me! I was worried sirens would drown out the song, but they didn't. Riley and Francisco sounded wonderful. Loved seeing the Phantom watching them from various parts of the roof. The blocking works better in this version. Ultimately, if I wasn't already in love with Clay's Phantom after he held my hand for several minutes, I was after this roof top scene. Amazing.

From here we were led to the lower part of the roof. I saw there were metal roses(?) just to the side of the ivy covered staircase. Neat! Is this where the Phantom grows all those roses he gives Christine?

Loved seeing the outdoor Wandering Child - I just knew the Phantom would pop through the angel statue and he did not disappoint. So creepy and gothic. I liked the outdoor version because the actors were all raised above the audience, so we all had a great view. Clay didn't sing the verse with far-reaching/fathering. I'm sure I remember Sean singing it though. But maybe I'm misremembering? (I'm team "fathering" generally but I don't think it would have worked with Clay's 30 year old Phantom).

From here we were led downstairs and into the dressing rooms. Carlotta and Piangi were already there when I arrived. Carlotta berated me for being late. They were both really great. It was funny seeing Clay's Phantom dragging off Sean, who I had just seen as the Phantom!

Then we got the Managers - both of them this time! Last time the single manager had to bounce off the audience with his lines. He handled it well but there's no doubt two managers are better than one... and then finally Christine entered!

From there we went to the Point of No Return. These last two times I'm at an angle where I can see the Phantom unzip Christine's red dress, but the other times I couldn't see this and assumed Christine unzipped herself. She certainly removes the rest of the outfit herself and puts on the new one, so I'm not sure if we're supposed to realize the Phantom unzips her. It certainly adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the scene! I don't hate it.

And finally, the Final Lair! Both this time and last I was very near Raoul, and the Phantom. Great vantage point for that scene. The Phantom is always sweating buckets at this point. Not a great view for Christine and the Phantom on the dais, but not bad either.

Not much more to say, other than I had a wonderful time! This was my first time seeing it at night, and seeing the roof top scene, so it felt really special. I love that no two performances are alike, and you'll never have the same experience again. Clay Singer was so wonderful as the Phantom. Probably one of the most original takes I've seen. He seemed so young. They really played up the romance between him and Christine. She really had to be dragged out of the final lair in this performance. Go for it girl! This Phantom's got a full life ahead of him. The Phantom is always a handsome man, but there was something really delicate and beautiful about Clay's Phantom. There were times when he was turned in profile, backlit, and it took my breath away. When and if Clay returns to the show, I will rush to get tickets to see him again.

I loved Tia's "Think of Me," but because I have seen her as Carlotta I could kind of hear that distinct Carlotta trill. If I had never known she also does that role though, I would have just thought "oh, lovely!"

I was one of the last people to go down the escalator and I had to stand in an awkward spot for MOTN. Couldn’t always see Clay’s face, but Tia watched him with a mix of fascination and awe.

They did however brush past me when they walked by afterward. Before Tia fell in his arms, she seemed a little skeptical before eventually easing.

Walked to the automatons first. I wish we could get this recorded because the dancers are so talented and the choreography is breathtaking. I think it’s my new favorite addition.

Someone in my group got the newspaper (I was there the day before and got that one). If it’s something you really want, try to come in with the second group during POTO and head down the stairs first. I am pretty sure the actor only takes one person back, and it's a person who sees the automatons first. (or you can send me your offers…starting bid is 500 bucks 🤣) I also knew this sequence would mean Erik would come lead us to the bedroom.

After the shadow box, indeed Clay as Erik came out. He chose a woman sitting down next to the big seat and was so gallant when he beckoned her and offered her his hand. He showed her his music and then ran his hands over the music sheet rather elegantly.

Oop I was right in front of the bed 🤭

I will say though that a lot of people in my room were nervous laughing and a bit shocked. This was the first time for me I’ve heard an audience not know how to take it.

STYDT: Christine had a mission and nothing was stopping her. I get the sense Riley plays it a little distracted at first, like she wants to savor the moment and gets lost in him a bit before she remembers, but Tia’s Christine has less hesitation pulling off the mask.

I wanted to see clays face before she pulled the mask off because I love loved the way he has reacted to Christine in previous shows. Here he seemed a bit puzzled, but pleased none the less that she came to him.

Christine was right in front of me, actively listening to Erik while holding the mask. You could really see her thought process here as she really considered what she should do and what she had gotten herself into…or even if she really wanted to continue on.

Went up escalator to the carnival. I didn’t realize Clay ran up and down the stairs with one of the groups. I didn’t realize he was coming from behind me because he seemed to be ahead, but he gently pushed me out of the way and stared for a bit at the person in front of me before moving onward. His trauma at the carnival is still fresh and you get the sense he is trying to remove it from his memory in these moments.

Carnival scene I was toward back. Anna monoxide tapped me and smiled and waved. I waved back and someone else said “oh you made a friend!”

While she was doing her portion of the sidehow some guy said “no no no” and ran toward the back with me 🤣

Made a little surprised noise after because the phantom very gently held my shoulders before standing by my side. He smelled good—it’s Iike the perfect cologne that’s not too overpowering.

In the next room Giry moved past us in the audience to get to young Erik—props to Nicole, you could see the horror on her face.

Claire Leyden again as Meg! She came out and asked if we’d seen Christine, “she has curly hair!”

I decided to watch Clay creep down the stairs for the beginning of AIAOY. He was hesitant at first, wondering if he even should approach.

For the reprise I was just consistently astounded (like all performances) how he carries Erik’s vocal register in his chest. Talking to him after in the bar he sounds so different and his ability to transform into Erik convincingly through so many different facets and for it not to look goofy or overdone being in such close proximity is remarkable.

Side note but first time I saw the show and saw Gustave in the Angel after wishing I verbally said aloud, “oh my god the violinist is her dad!” Like duh 🤣

In the dressing room scene the girl who got to hold Carlotta’s spray was genuinely so surprised and laughed so hard we all joined in.

the woman who got the manager’s note left it on her chair. I was the last one in the room and saw her leave it. So, you know…

(I stuffed it in my bra)

PONR was great, as always.

After the chandelier crash Erik held Christine close and he made the decision to take her away. Really wanted to see their faces here, but bad view.

Oh man Tia’s final lair was palpable anger that even verged on cold. When she threw the roses at Erik she really threw them. In return he matched that intensity. If her “wishing” was her moment to grieve, her final lair was her asserting herself. She has enough. It was like she could have slit his throat with the rose stem 🤣

And then it was like she regretted her anger and of course they kissed.

Not a great view of the kiss but I do want to mention when I first saw the show in March with Riley I had the best view for this scene and caught all of clays micro-expressions. He had such sad puppy eyes when he looked at her and was looking at the spilled roses on the floor, trying to pick them up before Riley’s Christine kissed him.

His hair becomes a bit undone during the final scene and he’s like what semblance of composure he has just finally breaks.

He really does make eye contact with every person in the room, even if he’s brief it’s so impactful 😭

Talked to some women down on the way out…it was her first time seeing any iteration of Phantom and she was speechless. The more I go the theatre by myself the more I just love hearing other people’s thoughts.

Bought my overpriced merch at the lair bar and the cast came out. I did met Clay Friday as I saw the 8PM then (and bonded with a lot of other fan girls) but I complimented him again and I realized he hunches quite a bit as the phantom as I noticed he looked even taller than he looked during the show and he kind of had to stoop to talk to me (I am not a short woman so this is notable to me 🤣)

I am always apprehensive about meeting actors because I’m always worried I’ll look or say something stupid and embarrass myself but he couldn’t have been kinder—just a gem of a person!

Reeeeealllllly wish I could see his last show but alas I live far away and I have faith he’ll be back SO

Hiii, saw Masquerade today at 1:30pm! I had Sean Seamus Thompson on for Phantom and Claire Leyden on for Christine. Here are my thoughts and feelings as well as any interactions I had. It might not be super detailed as I did have a slight migraine throughout this thanks to the rainy weather in the city lol:

Opening:

-My crowd was pretty chatty during the violin solo opening which I found a bit annoying but what can you do

-Danced with Firmin (Skeleton Leotard) during masquerade, I did not anticipate this at all but it was so fun. he kissed my hand when he lead me back to my spot heheheh

Hannibal:

-Claire Leyden Christine is a masterclass of acting

-She’s so unsure of herself during the beginning of the think of me cadenza and I loved watching her confidence grow leading up to that high C

-got to throw a rose to her I love doing that

Mirror/Title Song:

-She’s so excited to see Raoul (Dan Hoy) and Raoul is so excited to see her, it’s like he’s been wishing for this to happen for awhile

-hand choreography between went crazy

-Sean Phantom had a crystal clear tone, very traditionally broadway style voice to me

-Claire’s Christine is in awe of him, she is so sure this is in fact her angel

-Sean is very interactive with the audience during MOTN

-He’s so excited to have Christine there and is equally in awe of her as she is of him, he’s scared to be around her like he’ll break her if he touches her

Bedroom scene:

-I was right next to the monkey box, Phantom showed me the mask and I nodded. He made eye contact with himself in the mirror looks genuinely looked so frightened and sad by his own appearance

-Claire Christine is playful with the veil and looked at me for approval to remove the monkeys mask I was like yes go for it

-Obsessed once again with the Automanta (gonna be honest I have no idea how to spell that so robot phantom) wedding dance scene it’s my new favorite additions from the original

-I find it so funny that when Madame girly is explaining how Christine and the phantom met and you here a recording of think of me it’s very much Sierra Boggess during the Royal Albert hall concert

stranger than you dreamt it:

-Claire’s Christine is genuinely unsure of her memory

-Sean phantom totally thought she was going in for a kiss but nope unmasking instead

-She’s not really scared more just startled until she falls over and he practically jumps at her, then she starts gasping and screaming

-he is just straight up sobbing at his piano until she gives the mask back

-Christine is crying too

-He absolutely falls fully in love with her when she gives him the mask back

Carnival:

-Did the ring toss game and got a shot of something it was so strong I was trying not to cough after it but I did 😔

-Held hands with young phantom for a second because no one else was

-Barker came up to me and told me to be careful because he is contagious I was like with what?? And he was like you don’t wanna find out

Learn to be lonely:

-Satomi is a great Madame Giry, very strict and wants to help Erik but is frightened and resents that she is but can’t help it.

-Kaley Ann Voorhee’s is a perfect Meg and Christine it’s insane

-Claire’s Christine is really shaken and obviously feels terrible about what has happened

Flys/Rooftop:

-Sean phantom is pretty cold when killing buquet, only smiles when it’s done.

-Claire Christine watches that tail end of this and clung to my shoulder before running up to see what’s happened on stage

-Indoor show! As expected it’s pouring rain in nyc

-I actually couldn’t see 90% of the rooftop scene because I was placed right behind Erik was blocking my view, I didn’t mind I actually found it funny like man can you stop yearning in despair and move over I’m trying to watch 🙄🙄🙄

-He did smack the rail in anger when Raoul sings “What you heard was a dream, and nothing more”

-After that Phantom turned around and ushered me into his spot thanks Erik!! You are so kind ♥️

-Really cute all I ask of you, a lot of the song was song with them touching foreheads. Christine really needs reassurance and someone to ground her back to reality after everything she’s been through, and she’s getting it in this song from Dan’s Raoul. Even if it’s just for a moment.

-During the kiss Christine popped her leg up I really liked that detail

-Sean phantom is hysterically sobbing in disbelief during the reprise but then it quickly turns into a temper tantrum, you hate to see it 🤷‍♂️

-Sean’s phantom has a childlike quality to him, he’s clearly stunted.

Graveyard/Wishing:

-Was the very last one in the room for wishing so my view wasn’t very good but Claire is a once again amazing, a very mature Christine who I think just struggles to understand herself and misses her father because that’s when things still made sense to her.

-I really love Dan’s Raoul, he’s truly trying his best

-Sean’s phantom has such a whiny tone during “Rest assured I bear no grudge..” line

-I was the first one out of the room and started walking behind Chrstine who was chatting with another woman from the balcony.

-we got outside and Claire’s Christine said something along the lines of “I will see you inside” and the woman stopped walking. I was like “I think we are supposed to keep walking?” But I honestly wasn’t sure and the woman was like “wait are we???” And Claire’s Christine came back and was like “I’m sorry please follow me! I would never leave you out in the rain my friends!” We all had a good laugh about it

-I walked behind her for a bit where she was warming up her voice

-Christine then turned to me and said “walk with me to my dressing room?” And offered me her hand. Of course I took it.

-she sat me next to the piano and asked about if I ever get stage fright and how I deal with it. I told her about how my mom used to say pick a spot in the room and focus on that, ignore all the other noise. She told me my mom is a wise woman and I agree.

-She jumped in fear when the “Christine Daae 10 min call” over the speaker like she was afraid it was the phantom

-amazing twisted, she is very overwhelmed

-She gave me the note from the phantom (I have it to another girl later as Im very lucky and got it from another man last week.)

-Carlotta walked in and literally went “Get out” to her and Piangi very funny as always

-obsessed with the managers as always, Andre cried into a ladies lap in despair

-Raoul got the “I’m here… I’m here…” scene and a detail I liked it that he like fell back into the piano and made lower notes go off it added to the tension.

Don Juan:

-Claire was so amazing in this scene and her acting truly heightened the stakes. She keeps looking at Raoul like “Yeah it’s him get me out of here” and you can watch Dan’s Raoul put that together and also start to panic a bit

-After she first unmasked him, Raoul tried to intervene and she whispered “Let me handle this” and he immediately backs off and ushered for the managers to also back off

-She seems out of body when she unmasks him like it was the only thing she could truly do

-he scrambles and panics and tries to crash the chandelier like he’s genuinely ashamed we all saw his face

-Claire pushes him out of the way and immediately tries to get away from him after they are in the clear but he clings on

-I’m like 90% sure he yelled “DIE!” When he crashed the chandelier and Christine is really horrified and screams

Final Lair:

-Sean’s phantom is sobbing again and Claire Christine is giving an a thousand yard stare

-She starts like hysterically laughing in disbelief while singing her first few lines in the scene

-She’s so defeated and exhausted upon seeing Raoul in the trap

-but she gets a second wind after the ultimatum is delivered and she’s ready to basically fist fight Erik

-One detail I hope I didn’t fantasize is that when she sings “Angel of music who deserves this?” She repeats the music of the night pose with her arms up that is also repeated during Wandering child

-Sean’s phantom hates Raoul lol

-he is kinda full out regret though his “make your choice” really sad and small

-They hold each other for awhile after the kiss before Erik breaks away first

-Christine b-lines it to Raoul but also isn’t ready to say goodbye she literally yells “What? No!” Before he drags her out of there

-Sean’s phantom really thinks Christine as come back and when she disappears in the cloak he shakes it as if he’s looking for her

-Sean’s phantom truly is just a kicked puppy

-ran into Claire in the street while walking out and we talked for a moment she is super sweet!