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I saw the professionally filmed version of the original cast of Phantom of the Opera at the NYC library archives and I will NEVER be the same.
To be honest, I never got the hype around the main trio. Michael Crawford’s voice was too unique for me and he never clicked with how I imagined the phantom. Sarah Brightman was similar. And Steve Barton I thought looked too, idk, old and not handsome to me, and I didn’t like the idea of a baritone Raoul. So I was almost not even going to bother going to see the archived footage.
… I was wrong. I cannot believe how wrong I was. I have never witnessed a musical that was truly perfect before. There’s always something, even just the tiniest thing, that I would change. Not here. Every actor was at their peak. Every movement was perfection. Every note. EVERYTHING.
I was watching it on an old box tv screen with big headphones on. Grainy footage, lines across the screen. And the cast made me feel like I was in the theatre. I forgot where I was. I forgot to take notes. In fact these are the only notes I took:
(Before Don Juan starts) Wait they set out a bottle of champagne out for the phantom before Don Juan? In his box? Raoul even repositioned it like he wanted to make it appealing? Do they really think, what, the phantoms gonna kick up his feet in box five and start sipping champagne?
The screams from Meg are top tier. Throughout but especially upon finding Piangi mid-nap.
(After PONR unmasking) Michael looks so scared when he’s unmasked - just a lil baby
He does not throw Christine in final lair. They start eye to eye. His mouth is pathetic.
He starts shaking during the kiss and when Christine backs away it’s like she thinks “did I kill him?” Cause dude isn’t MOVING he’s DEAD then he reanimates like “oh no oh no I done messed up oh no I’m so sorry baby girl”
I came into it assuming I would be rewinding and fast forwarding to rewatch stuff. But I couldn’t. I had to watch it all unfold and by the time it was over I was too devastated I couldn’t go back. If I had watched final lair again I would’ve started bawling in the library.
It was a religious experience. The cast took me to church. They transported me to another realm and deposited me back into an uncomfortable chair in front of a box tv with dorky headphones on.
Go see it if you can. Your life will never be the same.
"The Phantom of the Opera" Original Broadway Cast Archive Footage
A full length production recording of the Original Broadway Cast (Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, Steve Barton) exists in the archive of the New York Public Library's Theatre on Film and Tape archive at Lincoln Center. It was filmed on May 25, 1988. In January 2026, I was fortunate enough to view this archived footage. You can read my detailed review of the performance, and how you might be able to view the video yourself, at the link below:
Original Broadway Cast Review by
Phantom on a Budget
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions below the cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. 𝙄𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙤 𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝘿𝙑𝘿 𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜?
No. You must physically view it at the New York Public Library (NYPL) Theatre on Film and Tape (TOFT) archive at Lincoln Center, New York City.
2. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚?
It is not being released, and likely never will be. The only way to view it is at the NYPL TOFT in NYC. It will not be released for home viewing (like the Royal Albert Hall anniversary concert) because this is meant for research and reference only. The recording is owned by NYPL, and Andrew Lloyd Webber/LW Entertainment has not authorized it ever being released.
3. 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚?
NO! Photographs and video recordings of this archived footage are strictly prohibited. If you are fortunate enough to see the video at TOFT, please follow the rules and DO NOT record or photograph. Doing so will ruin future access to the video at TOFT for the rest of us. Don’t be that guy.
4. 𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚?
It is available to the public with NYPL library cards (which are available for free, even to non-NYC residents). However, TOFT is technically a restricted research archive. As such, please have a valid reason for your visit. Maybe you’re researching for an upcoming high school production. Or you’re researching for your own Phantom website or blog. Whether any of that is true is between you and whatever deity you subscribe to. Find a reason you can actually defend, and be professional when viewing the video. I listed “research” as my reason for the viewing; I was not asked at booking or on the day for additional information or justification.
5. 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙤?
I’m a career Phantom cosplayer, effects makeup artist, and wig maker. I have a public website with free costuming and makeup resources available, and have consulted on several school productions of the show over the years. Also I’m a huge phan and have always wanted to see it!
6. 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚?
According to the NYPL website, you can only view the complete footage once. We were able to stop, rewind, and rewatch scenes multiple times to take notes during our viewing. That said, if there are legitimate reasons for an additional visit, it’s worth contacting TOFT to see if another viewing could be granted. I have not tried it yet as I only just saw it recently and I don’t need another viewing at this time.
7. 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙩?
It’s free! You only need to sign up online for a NYPL card and create a Special Collections account through TOFT. It takes about 15 minutes to sign up for these and book an appointment.
8. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙉𝙔𝘾 𝙨𝙤𝙤𝙣, 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙄 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙩?
Technically, yes. You can theoretically sign up for the NYPL card and Special Collections account in person. But I do not recommend walking in without an appointment. Sign up for everything online and request an appointment ahead of time to make sure the media will be available when you need it.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
I don't think they are good! but people wanted them, so!
Auction
You can actually hear the little monkey cymbals clinking!
Steve Barton makes a FANTASTIC old man. One who is surprisingly angsty.
Hannibal
EVERYBODY IS SO SPARKLY. fresh new costumes!!
You can hear the slavegirl costume beads clacking
Sarah looks so pretty dancing! Sooo spaced out, though.
Slavemaster is attributing Lady Gaga levels of stardom to Carlotta, he is so smitten
Reyer is not world-weary for once
Buquet is on death's door. Possibly consumption.
Madame Giry is giving Haunted Mansion drama. Either she's possessed—a literal mouthpiece for the Phantom—or she knows how cool it is to be his messenger and is milking it for all it's worth.
The wigs are so FLUFFY
Think of Me
Sarah's Christine does not start off particularly meek like most of them do!
She is clearly operating on another plane of existence though.
STEVE'S CHISELED JAW
The box inhabitants (Raoul included) keep talking while she's singing and it's so rude??
Fast cadenza! (My notes say "she looks like a ventriloquist dummy idk it's weird" and tbh I don't remember this.)
Tepid clapping from the conductor afterward, lol
Angel of Music
You can actually HEAR the ballerinas scampering, and it's so cute
@box5intern and @emotionalmotionsicknessxx said in their podcast episode about the proshot that Sarah's Christine was one of those girls who are really into horses in their youth, and I see the vision.
I can believe she thinks the angel of music is legitimately an angel. There's a religious sort of reverence to her singing, and she brings her hands together almost like in prayer.
Meg says, "Rehearsals, always rehearsals," and for some reason I had thought that was a newer addition? idk I'm bad with libretto chronology
Little Lotte
I always thought it was weird how Christine keeps her back to Raoul while they're conversing. Sarah actually turns around as he starts talking about fetching her scarf.
oh god, hand
OH caressing her shoulders
HAIR TOUCH WE'RE NOT OK CHAT
Every time I look up from the monitor like "are you all seeing this??" @warpweight is grinning and writing furiously
The Mirror
Ohh she scared
He doesn't sound that mad, though! more like mildly annoyed
His cadence is almost like a lullaby I hate this man
He looks ANCIENT in the mirror for some reason
Not as ancient as Buquet, though
Title Song
C looks entranced in the boat but also kind of like...yay? Like she's thrilled to be taken on this journey and not at all concerned about any aspect of it. Just vibing.
MC's movements are so slow and deliberate. He's not a particularly showy or athletic Phantom—it's all feelings and voice and hand
jfc the self-caress, it's gentle/soft yet SIR??
Music of the Night
MC is TAKING his TIME with this song. like he's painting a picture with words and hands
She was sooo gonna kiss him, and he didn't even flinch, just kinda moved away slowly like hmm perhaps not right now
He is VERY persuasive. 100% ready to surrender to my darkest dreams
So much WRIST I love
Ohh he is feeling up that portcullis. And clearly feeling himself as he unhurriedly starfishes across it.
Christine CRUMPLES at the mirror bride. like Obi-Wan getting lightsabered by Vader
Oh he cup face
He clearly put SO much thought and effort into every single note and movement. This song is CRAFTED.
(Wrote "Isn't he sexy?" and showed it to @forestscribe4 because we were in the library)
Stranger Than You Dreamt It
He kinda hobbles around after her once he's unmasked. like is he ok physically??
Always giving hand. Not just hand but distinct, individual fingers. I can't deal with this.
Before "come, we must return" HE REACHES FOR HER FACE WITH BOTH HANDS. LIKE IN WORSHIP. AND SHE STARTS REACHING TOWARD HIM. (I've unsurprisingly been put in charge of the video, and I rewind it here because we're all quietly going feral.)
(my last note is just "wet cat")
Notes/Prima Donna
I feel like I should be looking for intermission videos here
Steve is so scarf
They used "meeting is adjourned" instead of the "midnight oil is well and truly burned" line I had just assumed was in all the early performances. Maybe only a London thing? (Again, bad at libretto differences.)
Firmin is ridiculously tall
MANAGERS giving hand??
Il Muto
Don Attilio makes a squeezing motion when he talks about bringing the maid with him
He looks like he's soliciting applause for his low note? YOU DID NOT EARN IT, SIR. nowhere near 2006 U.S. tour levels of sustaining
jfc meg the screaming
Crawford's petulant little laugh at the first croak made all of us laugh, lol. Gets me every time.
The ballet \O/ was punctual! no need to shout "NOWWW." I wonder when that changed.
All I Ask of You
He protecc
His concerned face is just sooooo
And he is constantly touching/grabbing her
When she starts on "But his voice..." Steve is like, ohhh she just went somewhere else entirely. I'ma let her finish
He really does not know what to make of what she's singing. He's like, idk her dad died, maybe it's a grieving thing?
He is SO attentive to everything she says.
Fingers lifting chin HOT
HE SNUGGLES HER HAND TO HIS FACE
More upper arm grabbing. Like I appreciate the affection but she's tiny bro, she's gonna bruise
He's like, you know what, she's a space cadet but she's MY space cadet. ALL IN
The kiss: he gives her a peck and then GOES FOR HER NECK like a VAMPIRE
and then another peck
where is my makeout
I guess Steve is a vampire
was this before or after he did Tanz der Vampire
oh it was way before, ignore that
All I Ask of You Reprise
Hand on angel hand! we love to see it
just...sopping wet
like he's experiencing PHYSICAL. HEARTBREAK.
his NOISES. like...whimpering? whining? but sadder and weirder? I don't even know how to describe them.
His maniacal laughter continues even after the chandelier goes down and it's awesome.
We get to see this 1989 audience. everyone is over 60 and between that and the hair it looks like a Golden Girls convention
Masquerade/Why So Silent
The giant scary clown is here 🫠
The two-faced guy is HOT wow
Always a treat to watch Sarah dance! so twirly
Something about the instrumentation at the end of the song is a little circusy. Organ? Harpsichord?
Oh he is menacing just STANDING there. THE PRESENCE
R still clutching C's upper arms. bruh
MC always making sure his hands are on display and I HATE IT
No chemistry between Raoul and Giry here. probably for the best
Notes II/Twisted Every Way
Steve SHOUTS "they can't make you!" instead of singing it
ughghghhh the wishing dress silhouette. maria bjornson appreciation hours
Giry looks like she's going to cry
Ohhh Christine's gonna have a meltdown. She and her voice are SHAKING.
She's haunted, and like...she's not going to be OK after all of this. She was maybe not OK before all of this. She needed a therapist 10 years ago.
She's just staring wide-eyed into the void as Raoul sings. She has checked. out.
"WILL BE YOURS" is very powerful and intimidating; good job steve
It is so cold in this library room
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
She is GRIPPING the scarf but she's almost smiling?
She's in a trance for the "Little Lotte" part. Like she's clearly going through something none of us can comprehend, and the big eyes WORK with this portrayal.
She looks so dreamy thinking about her father. It's almost childlike. And then the climax of the song hits and she matures and there's a sense of resolve.
Wandering Child/Bravo, Monsieur
THIS GUY
He's still very slow and careful and calculating, like me trying to get close to a deer
No trio, but they sound lovely
He is like physically pulling her in with his stupid voice and stupid hand and I hate him
Closeup of the guy in the pit! This kid really should not have a gun.
MC's voice is so CRISP when he's being all ghostly.
Point of No Return
I don't think I have ever understood Carlotta's role in Don Juan
Meg is laughing like the Stardew Valley witch
Piangi is really handsome, actually
The aminta shawl seems different? Longer maybe?
The Phantom is hunched over with curling fingers like some sort of Italian gremlin
The hood doesn't cover his whole face, so he has to look down and he comes off as a weird acolyte
He. hand. on her hand.
His fingertip is just barely grazing up her bodice and I'm losing it
Sir what are you doing on that bench
HE IS CARESSING HIS INNER THIGHS
OH the way he grips her hands when she's behind him—like he's drowning and she's the life preserver
He does sort of a crying gasp once he's been unmasked and I'm not ok
She takes the ring but doesn't put it on! Where does it go!!
Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer
N
Meg I cannot take this screaming any longer
Phantom's makeup is so GOOD AAAAA
Steve's jump into the lake looked absolutely TERRIFYING and it got applause!
Final Lair
There's no dragging/throwing Christine into the scene; she runs in and the Phantom just creeps out bearing the veil like a corpse butler.
She's completely dissociating as he puts on the veil.
Barb looks like Sarah!!
His movements are becoming jerkier and more gremlin
Raoul YELLS as the lasso is slipped on and it's kind of scary! oop he is actively dying
MC does the classic flappy hands
He looks like a rejected dog
Oh god, SOPPING WET like we are going full Leroux here
His movements are so erratic—like a subtler Peter Karrie
HE EMITS SOME KIND OF INSECT OR RATTLESNAKE NOISE before "you try my patience" like what WAS that oh my god
The kiss: his arms go limp, palms open, and then he starts SHAKING I can't
He is positively GAPING at her after. erik.exe not found
Steve (this is all I wrote)
MC is aging before our eyes. I think he is 80 now
He doesn't get on the floor with the monkey! Just stands and faintly claps his hands together and I want to chew glass.
OK she takes the ring off her finger, so I guess she put it on at some point.
He is SOBBING and SHAKING as he takes it I HATE IT HERE
He shouts I LOVE YOUUUU as Raoul cradles Christine's face on the boat I can't with this
And now he's holding the veil like a baby against his shoulder
I think by going under the cloak he has ceased to exist in this realm
Curtain Call
Steve is BARE-CHESTED like we are not even playing at modesty here
MC is a consummate professional as he bows
He looks really tired, like the role took a lot out of him. which I'm sure it did. god.
What I see here in his face is hope. That a mortal like Sarah could love him for what he is. Steve’s wife Denny once gave an interview and said that he took the role of von Krolock seriously instead of making him a figure of fun or pure horror. I think this photo exemplifies that.
Last but not least, here is my very cherished autograph, gifted to me by a wonderful friend!
