Ask a Star: Hugh Panaro

"The Phantom of the Opera" star Hugh Panaro answers your burning questions.

[@carihigdon3263]

He introduced himself as Erik. ALL THE POINTS FOR HUGH.

[@juliadietrich3584]

I thought the same thing! UA-cam messed it up and made it 'eric'. This isnt phantom of the mall!!!

[@b.d6642]

@@juliadietrich3584 "it's erik... With a k'... cause he's an edgy boy" -wait in the wings

[@MelancoliaI]

Yeah it's great how he insists on calling himself Erik. This isn't the only interview where he did that.

[@kristinz2749]

i met him in the craziest way: by chance! (seriously, it was insane. it was a random cafe in new york the day after i saw him as the phantom on broadway). and let me tell you he was the nicest person. EVER. i talked to him about phantom and then he asked about me and i told him what musical i was working on and wow it was just so sweet he was really caring and wished me the best i just love him so much

[@PhantomifyEponine]

YOU ARE SO FREAKING LUCKY LIKE SERIOUSLY

[@keelieak]

Lucky you!!! That's like a day dream! :)

[@theadae2494]

I had nothing better to do today, so I decided to list all the times Hugh made that cute dimple-face. God I need a hobby.
1:42, 2:22, 3:00, 3:35, 4:11, 7:22, 8:08, 9:19

[@dalek2320]

bless this comment

[@sushiferz]

best comment thank u

[@lazmush3846]

sooooooo sweet

[@lazmush3846]

I come to life！

[@BlushGush]

Thank you

[@michellehayton3449]

He is so unbelievingly handsome! What pretty eyes and strong features! No one can play the phantom like him. Scary as hell and yet so mesmerizing! Probably the best phantom. That voice, there are no words. If any voice has the power to hypnotize your mind and melt your heart, it is his! His talent is off the charts. In person, so funny and sweet!

[@izzywo3254]

I LOVE SUSAN KAYS PHANTOM, THAT BOOK IS SOOOOOO AMAZING!!!

[@morgangobin6550]

I'm halfway through, and already I'm recommending it to all my friends. It is the most beautifully written book I've ever read--and that's saying something coming from me!

[@motab9907]

Isabella Wommack I SECOND! Read it as a junior and it broke my heart

[@misscocochloe1998]

Isabella Wommack it is truly amazing

[@courtroonegg]

Read it twice. First time: "this book is awesome" second time: "its alright".

[@1S1NGG8]

HE KNOWS THE PHANTOM'S NAME IS ERIK! WOOOO!

[@Nebuleaf]

Yeeeeessssssss! And I nearly died of happiness when he said Susan Kay's Phantom is his Bible for playing Erik. Lovelovelovelovelove!

[@mjrtaurus2714]

Frick yeah, he reads Susan Kay!

[@keelieak]

I bought a copy to read based on what he says in this video. I grabbed it on my way out the door in hopes of a small chance of meeting him when I found out he was in my city in December. I did, and he signed it "O.G." Swoooon.;)

[@mjrtaurus2714]

keelieak YOU LUCKY SON OF A SHEPARD

[@keelieak]

+MJR TAURUS HA! This made me laugh.:). I know-I was so lucky, and I feel so grateful. The chance of meeting him was so tiny, but it happened, and he couldn't have been more amazing. He left what he was "supposed" to be doing, to talk for a while. I felt so guilty, but he acted like there was nothing in the world he'd rather be doing. Ugh...sweetest. guy. ever.

[@mjrtaurus2714]

I don't even know HOW you managed to keep your cool long enough to hold an actual conversation. I would have been on the floor squealing!

[@juliadietrich3584]

Ahh I need to read that still!!! I intend to tho

[@keelieak]

He is so dashing....and adorable. My favorite phantom.

[@christinedaae1986]

I saw phantom on Broadway for the first time this past spring. He is absolutely incredible! And just because he opens this video by introducing himself as Erik, he secures his spot as my favorite Phantom--next to Michael Crawford, of course!!!!!

[@Silver54ful]

Oh my goodness! Hugh Panaro is to die for. He such a sweetheart and exceptional talent. He's one of my all-time favorite Phantoms. And he's a dog lover! As if there were not enough reasons to adore him. I did read Phantom, the novel by Susan Kay. It's even better written then the orginal. I cried so hard throughout the story. I wish he would go on the nation Tour for Phantom once he leaves the Boradway Production. The whole country needs to see his spectacular performance. Love you Hugh! :)

[@TheMsiaddict]

Maybe he's the cutest middle aged man.

[@ozsfi]

TheMsiaddict - Maybe? And I couldn't think of what age he might be - I did not know he would be so gorgeous! and lovely in every way. If there was a list: The world's sexiest and cutest guy, he would top the list for me.

[@morgangobin6550]

Makes me wonder what Keifer Sutherland was doing in that alley to begin with. I would've killed to see his reaction, though; the Phantom randomly walking out for a smoke in sneakers sounds pretty hilarious!

[@RickRollMachine]

Morgan Gobin at the time, Keifer Sutherland was doing a play at the Jacobs theatre called "That Championship Season", that's why he would have been in the alley

[@sunapee2292]

Hugh is exactly how he seems in this video. one of my friends is in the phantom cast with him and I've hung out backstage with them all and I have to say, Hugh is one of the sweetest and genuine people I've ever met. He's more than willing to talk to anyone and answer any questions. Such a great person and talent. If you haven't alreayd, I recommend seeing him as the Phantom as soon as possible. He puts on a breathtaking performance.

[@TheMsiaddict]

This guy should be the next James Bond.

[@graciegalahad9258]

This guy is the best! I wish I could have seen him live.🙁

[@KatieT97]

HUGH!!!!😍😍😍 My second favorite phantom (Ramin's my favorite)! I love Hugh! Never met him, never seen him live, but he's amazing!

[@juliadietrich3584]

You are the same as me. I *love* his final final lair especially. But no one will ever top ramin.

[@arianarivera5516]

Omg hugh panaro knows Erik name

[@KatieT97]

All phans should know his name is Erik.

[@MorbidMoonflower]

the phantom has no name in the musical. His name was originally Erik in the 1916 novel.

[@arianarivera5516]

His name will always be Erik

[@juliadietrich3584]

@@MorbidMoonflower ahem. 1910 novel.

[@lexiepockets4175]

My best friend Rebecca dated Hugh as they played in phantom of the opera. No joke.

[@BlushGush]

Rebecca…Luker??? I thought hugh was gay but I literally don’t care!!! Love him!

[@flannerymonaghan-morris4825]

He was married to a woman for some time, he could be bisexual.

[@juliacleary21]

woah he's handsome.. honestly seeing him on broadway and hearing him I though he was a lot younger.

[@flannerymonaghan-morris4825]

He also looks a lot younger than he is too…

[@menaceiisociety592]

Wow I have never seen him without the make up. He’s actually very pleasant to look at. he has a great smile. And dimples :)

[@wrathofscorpias]

YES I FOUND THE BOOK BY SUSAN K IN MY SCHOOL LIBRAY!

[@emilygrace8235]

He read "Phantom" I'm crying

[@fedrebel2003]

So down to earth and a great sense of humor. Would love to see him in NY!!

[@paperbackacademie6640]

I have finally bought Phantom by Susan Kay because he praised it so much... :) now whenever I will read about Erik, I’ll think about Hugh

[@Sheilamaizi]

What a wonderful way to talk to the stars and have them sing for us. Thank you for this production!!!

[@lisafs0902]

Hugh is a puppy dog. A cute little bedimpled puppy. Who sings like an angel.

[@mayarose1998]

Why is he so flawless. I saw phantom about a week ago at the Majestic theater. He was absolutely wonderful.

[@florzinhala]

Como não amar o Hugh? Ele é tão fofo e tão lindo. O sorriso dele ilumina tudo ao redor. E ele ama animais. Esse homem é perfeito! ❤️❤️

[@Broadwaybabymara]

Omigod I just love Hugh

[@Pango5697]

Hugh and Michael were the best phantoms!

[@miloqsak3653]

ahahhaha at the end he was using like a vampire voice but his phantom mask XD lol omg i love you so much hugh you are such an inspiration

[@CHEKIExoxo]

I'm actually dying a little. He is so perfectly adorable and I have a copy of Susan Kay's Phantom on my bookshelf I'd better go read it.. You were my first phantom. :')

[@corneliahindemith9741]

That ending killed me!! love this man his my top 4 phantom!

[@BlushGush]

Omg he said Susan Kay PHANTOM???? IM CRYING. I’ve seen him so many times and I didn’t know this!!!!

[@christinedaae5899]

I love you, Erik Destler! You are the Handsomest Character on Broadway!

[@ActorsWithIssuespodcast]

Saw him three weeks ago, my first time seeing him and he was phenomenal.

[@ixaaicactus]

OMG! He's so lovely!!

[@JaredGoerke]

Lol the lip thing happened to Michael Crawford too.

[@l.n.3372]

I accidentally found a video with the interview where Michael Crawford talked about this. It's pretty hilarious how it happens often enough that Hugh makes it seem like a routine experience for all Phantom actors xD

[@littleLotte8]

Oh my I love him. I love how he just lays down all chill...it's awesome.

[@silverphantom88]

I love Hugh. Best Phantom. And I also loved Lestat and was fortunate to see it before it closed.

[@dabblo1]

My first phantom. He broke my Phantom Virginity.

[@USFanLovesMinHo]

I hope you get to see him as Phantom one day soon. He is very good, you will have a great time.

[@vcabrera5396]

My first show tune was Roxie from Chicago. I was singing that in kindergarten. Thank my dad for that one...

[@burtburton91]

I wish so bad they'd film his performance!! He was so good me and my girlfriend were simply amazed!

[@ndog2005]

Such Great talent, a huge, Hugh fan..

[@kamap45]

Hugh, you are amazing!

[@GREENgrrl85]

I just love that he knows that's the Phantom's name! :D

[@PhantomMan400]

Love how he talks about the flops... Vampires... Broadway... DON'T MIX.

[@GREENgrrl85]

Dear lord, a Wicked reference AND he loves Phantom by Susan Kay?!?! Ugh! Huuuuuugh you're perfection!

[@BandieDiamanda]

when he made the reference to wicked i nearly died. i freaking love this man so much

[@TRONwuzhere82]

Ooookay, this guy ROCKS! The fact that he read and recommended Susan Kay's novel, "Phantom" just wreaks of absolute cool. Wow. Plus, he's SUPER down to earth and funny! I gotta say, he and Ramin are my favorite Phantoms. Wish I was able to go to NYC next month to see him and Sierra on Broadway. Shats! :/

[@graceh201]

okay- i just saw him yesterday -in the upper mezzanine(that's what happens when you go with 200 other kids from your high school) and he was AMAZING- my first phantom and my first on Broadway experience. and here, well he is just HI-larious

[@albeefinejr518]

I saw you Hugh, in the vampire musical, Lestat. Elton John was in attendance that night a couple of rows away. I had great seats. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. But that's how I became your fan because I loved your voice. =) However, I did take a first-time broadway show spectator and had to profusely apologize to her and tell her there are other musicals on Broadway she would love. lol. All my best to you.

[@trinitysimmons2063]

Hugh you said you wouldn't walk in the street with your phantom face and stuff on, I would!

[@mjrtaurus2714]

+Trinity Simmons same

[@KateAndMePopCulture]

Saw Phantom many years ago but not with Hugh...we discovered your YT channel from FB...like Mr. Panaro's answer...watched some vids of him....awesome to find your channel

[@riffleicious]

Me too! They will make an epic pairing

[@MaryJesusJoseph]

He's adorable. I saw him in "Call Me Madam" a few years ago with Karen Morrow--he was wonderful.

[@RedDeathsReturn]

I'm so glad he knows the Phantoms real name! But I really didn't enjoy Susan Kay's novel, if anything people should be reading the original. lol Hugh is cool though, :)

[@Disneylover2023]

omg he is gorgeous!

[@DarkwingsDesending]

I miss Lestat. That was a really great show. :( It's still on here though. (Tatsel) Great actor and very kind.

[@Merthurmad]

"Smokin with Keifer Sutherland." I hop ehe brushed his teeth before doing the kissing scene with whoever played Christine.

[@jaysalvoro9834]

Merthurmad I’m sure he didn’t smoke, he was just there talking to Keifer Sutherland.

[@jensmith7896]

He said vampires and broadway don't mix because they had to stop touring for Lestat but I wonder if die hard fans could get it back with all the Twilight crap going on if he would play Lestat again, even if it was for a night.

[@ChangeYourStars23]

I just looked up this Ian Schrager he was referring to with how he'd decorate the Lair...PERFECT for the Phantom, pretty much exactly how I pictured the Lair to be!

[@LovinGaryLee]

That moment went Hugh Panaro starts to grow on you :D

[@masonshaffer6561]

"Good evening, Broadway.com, Imy name is Erik, and I am the Phantom- I am NOT the- Hi broadway.com!" He's so cute:)

[@AaronRodgerzlover12]

He is so adorable! :)

[@JOJisThePhantom]

"Populoodler!!" LOL

[@Veghead25]

I'm going the 16th of March! Sooo excited.

[@lisafs0902]

Glinda+Phantom... Best thing EVER!

[@jessicadavis3392]

I just saw Phantom on Wednesday and thought Hugh was spectacular. He seems like a funny guy too.

[@FVideos7816]

I'm seeing him on monday!

[@RosesNightengales]

Roftlmao! "Good Evening Broadway.com! My Name is Erik!" XD

[@vaxodia1]

I met him. He's so sweet!

[@danfan099]

He is absolutely adorable. If I had the chance to work with him... Whoa. I would die happy. :)

[@0BustyStClaire0]

Heeeee's sooooo cuuuuuuute!

[@musicalmeg19]

"and the Yamaha organ." :) Hilarious! It actually malfunctioned a couple weeks ago when I saw the show! It made this really annoying noise through almost the entire ending scene!

[@itsmeLAURAAA]

It's also really awesome, I've met Andrea. She's a lovely person. :)

[@AshleyGirl41]

Why is he so perfect?

[@BlushGush]

Also ironic he plays phantom but has Raoul’s looks

[@erik_operaghost]

he played raoul too

[@BlushGush]

@@erik_operaghost yes I know but his phantom became far more notable than his raoul

[@MelancoliaI]

So this guy loves the Susan Kay book and calls himself Erik? He wins.

[@princepeterwolf]

he's so funny. great interview!!!

[@ldpadventures833]

omg this video was uploadid the day before the tsnami in japan

[@r3dscarf]

Oh Hugh...why are you so adorable??

[@Elanchana]

Hugh is such a sweetieeeee

[@gamesport88]

ME TOO!! That poster is proudly displayed by my bed.

[@k.c.4239]

Hugh is amazing! Favorite next to Ramin. Also. Big feet

[@RosesNightengales]

"Good Evening Broadway.Com.. I am Erik, The Phantom"

[@GryffindorTable]

Oh my God. I love home.

[@phantomoflibrary]

POPULAR

[@WildSpice87]

"we're like Denny's, we're always open!" LOL i love Hugh. Ive met him 4 times already, he is such a sweetheart and he's THE BEST Phantom ever. Better than Crawford.

[@davidcolvin7654]

i want a sofa like that.

[@emilylucas8351]

Hugh cant be the phantom he's too cute!

[@josephrouleau9259]

Loving the Susan Kay shout out. Killer read.

[@ActorsWithIssuespodcast]

"Vampires.... Broadway.... don't mix.... mm-mmm!"
hahaha. Dracula the musical with Michael McCarthy was pretty good, I have to admit, better than the Frank Wildhorn one.

[@417polkadot]

I'm gonna see him next month with Sierra Boggess!

[@paulmason1147]

Ml

[@Blackmage001]

I so know what you mean. He broke mine too. I still remember the goosebumps. *Goes looking for ice.*

[@heyheymister]

he's adorable!!! XD

[@rebellehopes5899]

Apart from Ramin and Peter... he's my most favorite Erik.

[@phantomoflibrary]

He likes the Susan Kay novel. Yes!