Phantom Of The Opera

I loved the music and performers. I read all the reviews before I recently bought it. I wish someone had told me how bad the audio recording was because I cannot play it again! It has been miked in the orchestra and you have to have your finger on the volume in order to enjoy it at all. You can barely hear some of the singers but you go deaf listening to the orchestra. Too bad. I will have to find another recording....

I absolutely adore Phantom of the Opera. Gaston LeRoux's novel is perhaps my favorite book, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, while indeed changing the story a bit, does an incredible job of capturing the story. I am definitely not a fan of Sarah Brightman, nor do I really like Michael Crawford; I am more a fan of Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler. This is the only reason that this does not have five stars. Still, some do like the original cast, and those who prefer others can quickly get past this small matter.

All cast prejudice aside, I enjoy this recording immensely, and it is on its way to becoming my most frequented CD. The songs flow into each other easily and capture the audience into the story.

This was bought for my brother in CA who is seeing the show in NYC in October. He's been listening to it and loves it!
~avid reader & lover of musicals

I ordered this CD set after seeing the play in London and realising that I had forgotten many of the details of the stage production after having seen it in San Francisco at least 10 years ago. This 2-CD set is a faithful rendition of virtually all of the musical elements of the stage production, not just the signature songs. I'm enjoying playing the CD set over and over because it keeps the plot of the musical fresh in my mind. And, of course, the overture and famous songs from The Phantom will make you crank up the volume and sing out loud. It helps me to recall the fabulous, engaging, magical experience of seeing the production live in London.

Listening to this excellent set of 2 cd's I can relieve my recent trip to NY when I saw Phantom front row center. Wonderful!