Michael Crawford - Phantom of The Opera - Full Show - 1989 HQ
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- 1989; Los Angeles - Ahmanson Theatre
Probably the only good quality full recording of Michael as the Phantom currently available. I decided to slightly remaster this recording and make it publicly available because I believe that such treasures should be shared.
Cast: Michael Crawford, Dale Kristen, Steve Barton
*The video is provided for entertainment purposes only.
All rights reserved.
I'm proud to say i was at that performance when i was 9 years old i got to meet Michael Crawford and even have a picture of him holding me when i was a child with his mask on my face
Oh my gosh I know you'll cherish that moment forever ❤❤❤
Yes I do I will always remember that performance it's what made me fall in love with the musical
@rajean yes I will it's what made me fall in love with the musical and got me into performing I was lucky enough to play Christine at the theater where I lived Years ago
I first saw it that same year, though I was much older than nine. So glad your dreams were realized. I wanted to play the Phantom or Raoul for so long and even had a good audition for the German production, but no cigar. Now I'm too old and have turned my attention to the role of Monsieur Firmin. We'll see.
@@rajeanMichael has been back
I could never figure out why they didn't make an official video of the show...for those of us who couldn't see it at the time. Thank you for sharing this with us.
It's looks good show some cvd was looking back flash back past before closing this year contact info for years before
As a small stage actor, some people believed it would hurt the stage production if someone recorded it. Because it could possibly cause people to just watch someone's recording and not through ticket sells to support the stage production or show in-person. So a lot of plays/productions are not recorded from those days as a way to protect or support going to the show financially in-person. Even now, a huge portion of plays are not thoroughly recorded as some consider it good etiquette to enjoy the moment in-person in watching a show. That's why you don't see a lot phones out or recording devices out from the audience in some plays/productions, as it could be seen as a disrespect to some. So a lot of plays are lost in history and only exist in memory. But it's a miracle to see someone has vintage footage of the entire play of some of the old alumni cast. You have my respect for that.
I am a retired small stage actor & opera singer. Can confirm everything you just said. But now, in hindsight I can't help but think... if ONLY we knew then what we know now.
I've always thought why wouldn't they record it and just put it away for some day far in the future? To not have professionally captured this just breaks my *_heart_*
@@JustAPerson1971we wouldn’t have had our little accidents.
Think of how many people cannot afford to travel to New York and spend a fortune on show tickets to see great plays. Taping them and making them available on DVD would satisfy a lot of people AND make the producers a ton of money.
It's looks like 19881987 back before I just love it so much it's looks like new York City universal studios hollywood 25th birthday party anniversary celebration of Life in magazine for the best way magic
They do. PBS used to be the source for that. I have never before found a video of this original production though, which is surprising given they still have the promo videos and Tony performances.
I would love for my daughters to see the Musical on Broadway. It's unfortunate.
I saw it when I was 17yrs old. I memorized it @ 16. Fell in love. Fell in love. Nothing will compare, even in fantasy.
Would be wonderful for the Really Useful Group to release the premiere London cast of "Phantom" on blu-ray.
Michael Crawford will always be my only Phantom. I was lucky enough to see him three times at the Ahmanson. Anybody who did will very likely feel the same. Thanks for this reliving of it. I dearly wish they would release a really good recording of this. It is insane that it seems to not be available all these years later. I really can't listen to anyone else perform this for more than a few minutes. I have tried many times and I love this show.
Tell me about it. I tried, too, God knows I tried, out of curiosity, listening or watching other phantoms, and argh, no, no, no, I couldn’t even past “Sing once....” I barely made it through ''Insolent boy!" Had to switch back to sir Crawford’s version right away for the sake of my auditory. Sir Crawford is just perfect ❤😊
You are so lucky to be able to see him not just once, but three times! I, not even once😢
John owen jones is very very good , his music of the night is sublime
Saw Michael Crawford twice and twice again with other actors. Crawford was perfect. I wish I had appreciated this performace more at the time.
Agree, saw it a number of times at the Ahmanson and it is the only Phantom for me.
Over the years I saw tons of phantoms and none of them hold a tourch to even this grainy recording of Michael it really shows how amazing he was in that role
this is incredible!!! micheal crawford is by far my favorite phantom of the musical but i’m way too young to ever see him live, i’m glad this video exists!
Same 25 years before Michael Crawford phantom of opera years before watching was complete character creation club I think about was cvd close down it's looks like come back again
Bro took a big risk so we can enjoy this 30+ years later
Michael Crawford & Sarah Brightman will always be my Phantom/Christine. Sarah's voice is what made me fall in love with sopranos ❤❤❤
SAME!!!!
Thank you so much for posting this…Michael Crawford was the reason I fell in love with Phantom of the Opera, but never got to see him as the Phantom in New York …Michael and Sarah will forever be the Phantom and Christine to me ❤️
SAME! I discovered POTO in 1988!
I DID see both of them in New York, & it’s my favorite memory of the show ! Stupendous !
This is so wonderful to see! The original Phantom Michael Crawford himself. So great that this was preserved from near the beginning of Phantom’s run. Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece of history.
This is the best " acted" cast I've seen..and the great one and only Harold Princes touch is still here..
And the mesmeric crawford...a true rare Classic. ❤
I was just speaking with my mother about this. As the show has progressed, the acting has become far, far over the top. I don’t know if that’s just lousy acting or the director’s choice. Ramin Karimloo has one hell of a voice but every word is overacted. Michael Crawford is strangely calm, serene, and sinister at the same time. It’s uncanny.
Yup...its just " Bad acting" many musical actors are obsessed with singing notes..music reading. The character must be researched.. Crawford did it all..with his body...his mind...his voice...the piece itself is genius so it carries mediocre acting...but when all the disciplines line up as strong as each other...then Musical Theatre becomes the greatest of all art forms...it's rare...very rare...Sir Cameron Mackintosh
Will tell you that...onwards...to " stellar performances"...and nothing less. Xxx
Whoever posted this. Thank you...most people would have never gotten to hear the originals. Like me.
My sentiment as well. I saw this musical with either the second of third Christine and having the rest of the OBC still in their roles made the experience.
Thank you for this! I was actually at this show in 1989 at the Ahmanson! Nobody can beat Michael Crawford as thePhantom… He brings tears to my eyes.
I see that a lot of people don't read the description of this video. The main cast is: Michael Crawford (Phantom), Dale Kristien (Christine), Steve Barton (Raoul).
What a treasure! I wish I could go back in time. Favorite song is still Phantom and Christine singing Phantom of the Opera. Thank you.
What a rare gem you have here! ❤ thank you for sharing this incredible video with us. It’s amazing to see Michael Crawford’s acting choices along with his tremendous voice!
I remember watching an interview with Michael where he said the role was starting to take its toll on his voice by this point, I can truly see why in this video, he was really giving it everything all that time. Thanks for sharing
Wow, thank you so much for posting this. Though I wasn’t even born yet to see the original cast, they’re still my absolute favorite. This video is like gold to me. I keep coming back to it.
34:28 - 34:37
Nobody hits that note like he does. Hot damn.
Thank you so much for sharing! Sir Crawford’s greatness needs to be seen, cherished, and preserved! >0< It’s criminally insane to keep removing them. I thank you for your perseverance and I am so sorry your channels got removed. I really hope you had kept copies for yourself. 😢. Thank you, dear host.
I saw the show in 98 and it changed my life. But then buying the original soundtrack and listening to it over and over had me fall in love with Michael’s version. The show was best when Hal Prince was around to vet every phantom. It had so much soul. Thank you for sharing this with us ❤
Wow, never knew Mr Crawford had such an impressive voice and presence!! ❤🎉😊
I remember seeing the OBC with both, Michael Crawford & Sarah Brightman about a month after it had opened. Everyone was dressed to the nines (me in a tux), and I sat in the highest seat in the last row of the balcony, next to the wall (the ticket was $50 at that time)... I've seen it several times since. It will forever be in my memories. Thanks for putting this on!
There's only one Phantom Michael Crawford, others try but his voice made it!! Actor Comedy Operetta singer, and multi-talented
Do you know what I just love it so much it's looks like new DVD releases review history books documentary about biography book and life story ture all about philosophy in public records ⏺️ the phantom of the opera of the world 25 years anniversary celebration party years
Thank you so much! I've been a Phan for most of my life, but i was sadly born too late to see Michael Crawford perform in person. This was so powerful.
Michael Crawford will always be my sentimental favorite Phantom...but I have come to enjoy the "younger" generation. My second favorite Phantom is the inimitable Ramin Karimloo. Thank you for posting this...I never got to see a stage production of Phantom (and I will always regret that).
Yes Ramin gives an emotional performance but MC is the Phantom ❤️
Watch more bootlegs, and Ramin will be knocked far down that list of favorite phantoms.
@@1SpicyMeataball oh I know ❤️
@@1SpicyMeataball I agree. There are so many better Phantoms than Ramin.
Ramin was too overly dramatic. Michael is the original, but for me Hugh Panaro was a close second to Michael. Love them both! ❤
Gosh, I Love this SO much. Always and forever! 🖤🌹🎭 Thank you for sharing. Seeing this live when I was 10 in 1994 impacted me immensely.
Thanks so much for this. I've always had some interest in this but the lack of a video of the original Phantom - whose voice I love - really put me off. The singing is great but something like this demands visuals to go with it, especially that ending which, upon seeing this, made me tear up. And so to have Crawford's unmatched voice + seeing everything is a dream come true for somebody who was just born at the end of 1988.
Thanks again.
OMG this Phantom’s voice is sooooo soft😭
It’s haunting…he is the original for a reason!
Wow. I have several Phantom recordings but not this epic one! Thank you so much. What a mesmerizing performance. I loved it from beginning to end!
I saw the Broadway production six times. The second night (day after premiere ) with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Then three more with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman and the final two with others in the leads, and a much smaller cast. The show with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman was the greatest production I have ever seen. Both Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman were unequaled in their performances. I will never forget them.
The best quality footage I have seen with Michael and Steve🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
I saw this in New York in 1989. I had just missed Mr. Crawford and was expecting to see Timothy Nolen but got his understudy Jeff Keller who was excellent. Steve Barton was still Raoul and I was able to get his autograph and chat briefly after the show. He seemed like a genuine, kind person, may he rest in peace. He began his career as a dancer and it's evident on this video.
Saw him in NYC. RIVETING!
Dude, so Michael Crawford originated the role in 1986 London, then transferred to Broadway in 1988, and by 1989 was playing in LA, too? That’s like four years (w/rehearsals) of the same role. What longevity!
*Michael Crawford - The Phantom*
1) World premiere - Her Majesty's Theatre,
Westminster, London, UK
Sep 27, 1986 - Oct 10, 1987
2) National premiere - Majestic Theatre,
New York, NY
Jan 9, 1988 - Oct 8, 1988
3) First National Tour - Ahmanson Theatre,
Los Angeles, CA
May 31, 1989 - Apr 29, 1990
Dec 31, 1990 - Apr 28, 1991
Such a shame the technology wasnt like today to capture this masterpiece ❤
24:00 enter mr crawford... my angel of music❤
Such great memories from the late 80s I owned everything the music boxes ,poster pins and I was a huge Michael Crawford fan had pictures by the dozen from this show. Now sadly all gone when we moved from New Jersey to Arizona. You will never see a musical like this again I was in tears at the end when Michael cried Christine such a famous actor., and cast. I was lucky to great the last of two tickets to see this at the Majestic and the chandier. Wow.
I'm lucky to have been one that witnessed this amazingness live. I have many photos and autographs from the entire cast
Thank you. i will have the opportunity to show my 14 year old daughter, who is a POTO fan the great Michael Crawford
😭😭💙💙 thank you for sharing this! Collective chills from every childhood memory listening to this soundtrack, now hearing many of those voices live. Incredible…who knew this would surface. Thank you for this!
Mind my asking, who was Carlotta in this performance?? Spectacular.
TIMESTAMPS
ACT I
0:00:00 - Prologue
0:01:19 - Overture
0:03:27 - Hannibal Dress Rehearsal
0:13:58 - Think of Me
0:18:19 - Angel of Music
0:22:11 - Little Lotte
0:24:08 - The Mirror
0:26:08 - The Phantom of the Opera
0:31:18 - The Music of the Night
0:37:37 - I Remember/Stranger Than You Dreamt It
0:41:10 - Magical Lasso
0:42:00 - Notes/Prima Donna
0:52:37 - Il Muto (Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh)
0:59:16 - Why Have You Brought Us Here
1:02:34 - All I Ask of You
1:06:34 - All I Ask of You (Reprise)
ACT II
1:11:27 - Masquerade
1:19:10 - Notes/Twisted Every Way
1:26:53 - Don Juan Dress Rehearsal
1:30:24 - Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
1:33:46 - Wandering Child
1:37:57 - Don Juan Triumphant
1:41:37 - The Point of No Return
1:46:53 - Down Once More
1:48:41 - The Final Lair
❤❤
this is a work of art
I'm so glad I have a chance to watch this after seeing this show close on Broadway... kind of wishing it was back... but this treasure is just incredible! Thank you.
Thank you for posting.
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing
❤️🙌🙏
Although video recording was/is so taboo, i think they should have a professional recording of the final performance of a long-running show. Would have been so nice to have a dvd/blueray-quality version of Michael Crawford’s performance given that most people could not attend in person then and even more by far once he retired.
This brings back so many amazing memories of my first love. While listening to or watching beautiful musical performances like this, we were always moved / inspired to be intimate. There is a bittersweetness i still always feel when listening or watching this musical because part of me still misses her dearly.
Yes, everyone's gushing about how great Michael is in this, and he was even better in '91 when he wrapped up his second Phantom engagement in Los Angeles, but can we talk about Steve Barton? The other OG in this cast? His Raoul is the template, and I've yet to see anyone who was his equal in the role. He's quite active in Notes, and especially tender in AIAOY. He was such a great Raoul; may he rest in peace. Grateful to get a chance to relive my nights at the Ahmanson. Also saw the show in it's first tour in Hollywood, then New York, and several times over several London trips. I just can't bear to see it again since they foisted the restaged version in London.
I love watching older videos of Phantom. Thank you for sharing. It’s nice to see that despite the changes made over the years a lot of things are still the same, it’s a shame the orchestra has been reduced in London, you can really hear the difference (not in a good way). I guess musicals need to evolve with small changes to keep them fresh and enjoyable for years to come. I have see something similar happen with another gothic style musical where Steve Barton originated the main character, it’s German but videos with English Subtitles make is easy to understand the score, costumes and sets are fantastic, Micheal Crawford also originated the same character for its very short but sadly unsuccessful run on Broadway due to too many changes made. The musical is still going strong in Germany and other parts of the world but sadly no one has made a decent English translation version for The Westend or Broadway.
I was lucky enough to see this show with this cast in L.A. Cried my eyes out
thank you so much for sharing
I saw Phantom with Michael at the Ahmanson 6 or 7 times at least. The most memorable was when my friend and I were able to meet and talk with him in his dressing room after one performance. We had gotten to know his makeup artist and she arranged it. Of course we never expected that meeting him would mean being escorted to his dressing room and getting to chat with him for 10 minutes or so while he was taking off his makeup. An incredible experience!
I’m….speechless…jaw dropped…wide-eyed… *gathers myself*…. Firstly, how I came to know of Phantom of the Opera was when I watched the 2004 Phantom of the Opera movie in theater. It was and is my most favorite take on Webber’s version. He himself deliberately in the movie brought the actual romance & relationship between Christine in Phantom as he dreamed & intended. The movie gave him the chance to right some of the wrongs of his play, which that version continued for tradition. While Webber’s first live play of his rendition tried to retain the horror factor of Phantom in the book in those early days & also Christine’s fear, added in a type of love story more focused on the Phantom’s selfish lustful desire towards Christine that he’s been starved & holding back of. But, as year’s passed, met Joel Schumacher, who had more developed ideas of romance between Phantom & Christine & this Webber discussed with & agreed with it, also being eager to make these ideas into a movie he waited long for.
While Christine in Crawford’s version shows an expression of waiting to see if Phantom would display a change even after lingering the 2nd kiss, Christine in the movie expresses acceptance, happiness & if Phantom would also be as happy as her, however, realizing her love/acceptance of him despite being a murderer/literally about to kill her childhood friend caused a deep reaction of his love, revelation & remorse deep in his bones. Crawford actually portrays this movement, deep thought, remorse & compassion after Christine kisses him as he struggles to contemplate to do what he’s longed for or do the right thing. I truly applaud Crawford of his performance. I’m blown away… just blown away.. How I wish to have been in the audience of his performance!! Crawford’s & Phantom of the Opera 2004 movie are my favorite equally!
I love it. Thank you.
I was in line for 14 hours the day the box office opened at the Ahmanson. We got very chummy and even chipped in and ordered a pizza. It's the kind of thing that's fun to do once. I wound up seeing the show twice, both times on Halloween (the second time, Robert "Benson" Guillaume was the Phantom).
One thing I will say about Michael Crawford…no one does GHOSTLY and HAUNTING quite like him. I can absolutely believe Christine would believe he was an Angel very easily, as there has always been something very otherworldly about his Phantom, I feel.
Thank you for posting this. I have been trying to find a recording. I didn’t get to see him in London…missed the chance. Going to enjoy this tomorrow xxxxx
1:40:25 - Passarino
1:40:41 - You have come here
1:41:37 - Past the Point of No Return…
1:41:46 - Our games of make believe are at an end…
1:42:35 - What warm, unspoken secret will we learn…? Beyond the Point of No Return…
Dear host, may I use your platform to do a shoutout? It is January 19th somewhere, so, wherever your are, Sir Crawford, Happy Birthday~~ ^0^! May you stay well and happy. I really hope one of these days you will somehow descend into this warmly-lit lair our host has built and kept rebuilding to keep your magical and multi-layered voice and your legacy alive, and you will find that, even after 35 years, all of your die-hard fans, me included, are still enthralled by you, cannot stop gushing over you no matter how many times I have listened to or watched you. And maybe you will decide to interact with us~ (dreaming~~😍🥰)
Happy happy birthday, today and tomorrow, Sir Crawford!! And thank you so much, dear host, for sharing with us your precious.
Saw Crawford in June 1988. Brightman was off that day. Amazing performance. Cancellation ticket. Fifth row orchestra on the side. I remember the heat I felt when fire shot out at the edge of the stage. At the time, the ticket I bought was $55. hahaha
I went in July of 88 or89 the a.c. went out at the majestic hot as hell but Michael Crawford was great great musical.
Thank you.
Michael é o melhor! Ele é perfeição do início ao fim. ❤❤
I had this on VHS as a kid! What a blast from the past to find this.
Thank you! 💕🎭✨
YES!!! 🙌 💯 Phenomenal. ❤😁😊🎼🎶🎵
This is the only Broadway show that I’ve seen that I ever liked. Well, I liked a few of the Disney ones. Beauty and the beast, and lion king. I guess I’ve seen this about 17 or 18 times. I lost my stubs somehow, but I got to see Michael Crawford twice in Ny, and once in LA. My parents took me to it the first time when I was 13, and I was kinda bored by it until the mirror scene. The overture was awesome, then It kinda lost me. Then when the boat scene happened is when it got me. It was kinda rock and popish and I loved the whole thing from then on. My father had some type of connection at the majestic, and whenever we went to NY he could get me a ticket when there was a line down 44th street of people waiting for standby tickets. When Michael Crawford left I saw Timothy Nolan in the front row right section, and I could not believe how the voice difference. Michael Crawford had a high ghostly voice, and Nolan had a deep opera style voice that….I just didn’t like it. And you’d think front row seats would be good, but it was just to close. Every other time I saw it, I’d always compare whoever played the phantom to Crawford, and very few could compare to him. I thought Chris Groendall was pretty good, and there was an understudy once that was very good. I can’t remember his name, but you could tell he was doing his best to imitate Crawford. 1995 was the last time I saw it in Nyc. I saw the touring production in Baltimore at the hippodrome, and it surprised me how well they adapted it. The original tour, not that terrible remake thing they did. I guess it was 1990 when I saw him in LA. Even his stage movements were superior to any other phantom I’d ever seen. He would really hang over far on the angel rising, and I’d never seen anyone else do that. I was shocked when it closed in Ny. I though it would be a permanent show at the majestic. It was that good. I don’t really like stage shows, and I love it. So it must have had a broad appeal for it to remain popular. If I had known it was closing I would’ve seen it again,but I saw it enough I guess. I wish they would’ve mad a pro shoot with the original cast. One must exist somewhere,but it’s nice that these bootlegs are here now.
its a crime against humanity that they didn't make this available in good quality in dvd.
A cast list would be so nice.
These were the original orchestrations, which were so much better. No electric guitar drowning out everything.
Michael Crawford and Hugh Panaro are the only two phantoms that brought me to tears❤
I never thought about it till now but it's kind of cool how this opens in such a 'filmic' way. The tiny cold open, and then the flashbacky framing.
yo this Christine sounds so good!!!!
Dale Kristien was a phenomenal Christine and played the role all 4 years it was in LA. I think I also read she was the first Christine allowed to play the role 8 shows per week.
The Phantom of the Opera Michael Crawford
We need a full pro show in HD to really appreciate the glorious work and designs in this show. It's a shame we don't have a FULLY staged version other than the nearly staged 25th anniversary.
Yeah I wish they would have just shot the 25th somewhere else where they could have utilized the full set and done the chandelier rising and falling properly.
But I understand that it was originally going to be just a concert version like the Les Miserable 10th and 25th Concerts…but Andrew decided late in the game that he wanted to do the show instead, and I guess it was just too late to change the Venue.
Honestly it’s kinda amazing what they managed to pull off on such short notice, as they only had like 2 weeks to rehearse and get everything ready for that show, which was quite an amazing feat!
I saw Phantom on Broadway with Michael Crawford, and even though I grew up seeing Broadway shows since the late 50's, I had never been so moved by a performance. I took my kids to see it several years later, but it was not the same without Michael. I still cry when I listen to the CD. I was so hoping they would make the movie with him, but it was not to be, and the movie was awful.
Does anyone know if that’s Steve Barton as Raoul?
yeah that's definitely him.
Never realized he was such a graceful dancer
27:00 perfect
That's nice!
This is Michael Spyres, perfect 🤩
Chills!
And why the hell didn't they use this same colour palette/art dept for the movie?
Schumacher butched the picture. X
Commenting my favourite time stamp! 1:08:45
1:07:19
1:45:49
1:46:53
1:50:00
1:52:19
and the musical ends at 1:54:37 do not watch the rest of it.the ending is there.
This is why youtube is great. How did you shoot it and how did you keep it so long and how come youtube is not flagging this? Thanks a million anyway.
YT can delete my channel at any time. I have already lost one very popular one. But that doesn't worry me, I'm back and POTO lovers can see and hear real treasures again.
@@Eric_POTO it’s the best bootleg of it I ever seen. Thank you so much 😊
Michael & Sarah 👍👍👍
Is it just the visuals, or does Raoul’s hair look white during “All I ask of you”?
is the gentleman playing M. Firmin the same actor who plays the Beadle Bamford in the original production of Sweeney Todd?
Is there anyway I could make and add subtitles to the video? It's a bit hard to understand what they are saying sometimes and wanted to offer some help if I could.
Is that Calvin Remsberg (The beadle from the sweeney tour video)? Sure sounds like him!
That is Calvin. He also played Old Deuteronomy in Cats.
Which cast is this? That isn’t Sarah Brightman. Could it be the L.A. cast with Dale Kristien?
24:00 phantom
It was so amazing before they retooled it!!
I really wonder why Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber will not release the original version to DVD...
It's not fair to hoard it like he's also some kind of phantom of the opera... But it's also quite ironic...
1:02:31 ❤
I hope this is Michael & Sarah
Michael Crawfore qppears to have a wonderful sense of humor, and yet he is a tragic figure here. What if. . .
Is this Sarah Brightman?
Who is playing Christine in this performance?
Not Sarah Brightman, that's for sure.
Christine - Dale Kristien (please read the video description)@@AnimalisMD
@@AnimalisMDThank fvck...
Is it bad I like Dale better?@@AnimalisMD
@@dizzypdx It's not bad at all. I'm just biased having seen "the original" and being a longtime fan of Sarah's
1:16:31
not quite "Full" (the first 3 auction items are missing)