Im Obsessed Please Help

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.

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.

I got asked to dance during masquerade! I couldn't tell who he was exactly but I was one of the first to walk in, and he was wearing a goldish (?) coat. I got a little teary-eyed when I walked in the Masquerade room as I did the first time I saw the show, and I saw a few others get teary as well. I think it was the NBC interview where Riley said she gets to see "people's dreams come to life" and she is 100 percent right.

Christine brushed my shoulder during Hannibal. General note I love how the cast touches audience members. none of them just invasively plop their hand on your shoulder…it's a lingering meaningful brush that makes you feel like you belong.

Speaking of that, I will never not be moved seeing my own face in the mirror. Obviously, the chandelier is the most well known Phantom iconography (other than the mask) but the Mirror scene is my utter favorite and she will always be my icon.

Whenever I see a new Phantom I will be able to tell you in thirty seconds flat if I like his performance or not, and that comes when he sings "flattering child you shall know me, see why in shadow in hide..." If I instantly relax, I will enjoy the interpretation. Happened in March when I heard Clay and happened again. Such a smooth rich voice

Riley was obviously out, and I was bummed to miss her but HOLY CRAP GEORGIA. Dare I say I think she and Clay's Erik/Christine have a touch more chemistry. Every movement she made, every gesture was seeped in romance and adoration. Like this Christine was in love.

Clay was great back in March but he has fine-tuned since and the articulation and vocal register for the role is even more immaculate, as is the way he carries himself as the Phantom. A bit skeptical of other people/the audience but also fascinated by us

POTO: Right before as Georgia's Christine beckoned the audience to come forward, the smile was utterly mischievous. I loved that particular choice. During the title song I could only catch glimpses of them getting into the boat but they had that same mischievous and playful energy. Riley and Clay to me give a couple who cling together because of shared trauma and fascination, but Georgia and Clay gave an equal mesmerization of each other's art. As they both got into the boat I saw a sense of "oh my god, we're doing this."

MOTN I do miss that iconic Hal Prince blocking of 'touch me, trust me," but I understand the new blocking decision to fit with the immersive nature. First time I saw the show all I could think was unnnghh hands and...yeah same here LOL.

Following MOTN I got split up with Giry (Gabriella Enriquez.) She read as younger than the last one I saw (Satomi) and interestingly she told Bouquet "stay away from my corps de ballet" (Pretty sure Satomi said "stay away from my daughter.") Having a younger Giry with a younger phantom is an interesting dynamic where they could almost be peers, but she purposely keeps a distance.

Went to automatons, bedroom, then shadow box in that order. Going to refrain from talking too much about my previous show experience as much as I can, but when I first saw the show we got the bedroom first and I loved how Clay adjusted Riley's dress after he set her down. He also put his hand on my shoulder as he walked by to get the hotbox and now I get to tell all my friends "the phantom touched me in his bedroom." This fact makes me the most popular girl in bookclub.

handhanhandhahdhahahs handsssss. Don't want to say more in case this gets real weird real quick but Clay has such a delicateness as Christine imagines (this is how interpret it) I didn't have the best vantage point for this but that may have been for the best because…🫠

I'll be honest I thought the head coming out as a bit much at first (I thought the hands were enough—I like that implication alone) but you know what heck yeah go diane. it captures that hazy feeling of yearning for someone. Georgia really played up the eroticism as well.

During STYDI Christine caressed Erik's face and he closed his eyes, as if intoxicated by the intimacy. Gentle face caresses are my own personal weakness so this made my heart pitter patter.

After the unmasking and Erik held himself over Christine, she seemed less frightened of his face and more in shock and frightened at his anger.

Flashback scene the Head carny guy had a chat with me about the flamethrower guy and how good looking he was.

Before we headed to the next room Erik crept through the room and he brushed his hand over my shoulder. Said it earlier but the way the cast in general touches the audience is magnetic.

Claire Leyden was our Meg. She has such an infectious energy I absolutely need to see her Christine now.

Still impressed by clays athleticism in the rooftop scene. It’ll does not feel like a highly choreographed stage combat scene. It feels real.

Got the outdoor track for the first time. As Christine began to sing she looked wistfully off to the distance as if looking for Erik. It took her a bit before she even looked at Raoul.

Clay has such a good phantom laugh lol.

He crept down the stairs and sang to a preteen girl during the transition into wishing. Me and another woman agreed we weren’t jealous (cough)

I do prefer the outdoor set for wishing but there’s something intimate about the indoor track that’s missing here if you get the outdoor one. Wishing in general has just become so important to me as I lose family though, and seeing it up closer really is moving. This was still moving though…she has a gorgeous voice.

I am consistently amazed at the dressing room scene. It’s like they’re doing it for the first time again, it’s still so fresh.

Christine showed an audience member the letter and they looked at it together. So cute.

The preteen girl from earlier was there with her parents and her mom actually got teary eyed here. I think it says so much about how we all just want to be swept away at the end of the day. This play does that in a way few other things can. We live inside art for a bit.

Ok PONR and final layer was juicy.

Firstly i stood by Raoul and Frankie has such a great palpable energy as the character. Angry here, yet curious. Even compelled as he watched.

PONr blocking has grown on me. Was kind of meh on it at first.

Chandelier begins to jingle after the unmasking and we see Erik look at it and almost gleefully accept his fate. Christine runs to him and pushes him out of the way and I am so glad I caught this moment because clays Erik grabs her and holds her so close in an almost kiss as they take each other in for the briefest moment before he seizes the opportunity and whisks her away. This moment and another one layer took my breath away.

Kind of a bit of a whiplash to have the managers scuffle around and say “oh I am so glad you’re alright!” But I did chuckle lol.

Clay! Erik’s final lair never does not feel like an ultimatum to me the way other phantom final layers do (mostly referring to OG staging when I say this) but this one oozed with longing and rawness. It truly was like seeing two people who love each other fight and not a last ditch resort.

“This haunted face holds no horror for me now,” she held his fade in her hands so tenderly. He closed his eyes for a moment to take it in.

She then moved away, looked away, and delivered “it’s in your soul where the true distortion lies” and OH MY GoD I have never heard a delivery like that. She wasn’t saying “hey you’re evil” she was understanding the world made him this way. You’re hurt deeply. And he misinterpreted. I have never gotten that interpretation before from another pairing, I didnt think it could be interpreted another way until now. Such kudos to Georgia for making me rethink something and discovering something new.

Its noted he sweats a lot, but I love it tbh. It makes it feel realer. There was also quite a bit of spit (sorry if that is gross lol)

Bad view for the kiss but they clung so tightly and held onto each other after…more face touching as he delivered the last bit of lines before Raoul drags her off. He remained on his knees for most of this part and it was almost as though he was a boy again.

Eventually though Christine pried away from Erik…but not before kissing him on the forehead.. Clay also reacted to that by peering at her sweetly even as he was begging her to go.

Side note but as someone who acted before (just in school) I am so jealous of his compelete embodiment of this role. not one part of him is not in character…his hands, his eyes and the way they scan the room…he was probably an a student in movement for actors lol. (Or has dance training, or both)

Don’t have too much to say about the ending other than it was fantastic of course and quite a few sniffles were in the room. I didn’t quite cry bur I felt very raw. Also a welcome change from last time as I don’t think the audience was into the vibe lol. I tried to start a clap after he sang “night” because good phantoms deserve claps there but it didn’t catch lol

After I mer some nice people at the lair bar and it was so nice to fangirl. Also met the cast and they couldn’t have been lovelier. Georgia and Clay even indulged me in the “middle of an otp sandwhich” photo I asked for. They even retook it when the first came out bad, bless them.

Clay couldn’t say what he was doing lol but said his departure was a “for now” thing so take that as you will, hehe.

All in all the night was so special to me. Clay and Georgia had such great chemistry and seeing them wrapped in each other felt natural and believable. Both were such yearners: it was beatiful.