u/Raedurkin

My second show of my two show masquerade day yesterday! I was dying to see Derrick’s phantom and I’m so glad I finally did. Here are all my thoughts and feelings about as well as any interactions I may have had. Was joined by my friend for this one!

Spoilers below

-was the last one in the room for masquerade that’s never happened to me before lol, was very cool to see it from this angle.
-Hannah Selby was on for Meg! I believe this means she made her Christine debut tonight in pulse 5 how awesome
-she was great and so supportive of Christine
-2 manger show! nkumrah was on for Firmin. He spoke to my friend and I and asked us how many crystals were in the chandelier and we were both like “ohhh I don’t know more than 100?” And he was like “trust me that was worth way more than just 100 crystals my dear“
-Kaley Ann Voorhees is my favorite Christine personally, so I was really happy to get to see her again tonight for the second time in masquerade
-I chose to see this as I really wanted to see Derrick and he did not disappoint at all.
-the acting he does with his eyes alone. WOW.
-He’s so intense but simultaneously so soft
-he didn’t carry Kaley off after music of the night he guided her away instead
-a lot of people laughing during the bedroom scene oh
-I’m still feeling in different about the wedding dance change, I prefer the bride being there I think.
-Noah Lytle however as the robot phantom/young phantom was really amazing, and I think he literally debuted today if not very recently.
-STYDI, as soon as Christine even touches his mask he yells NO
-I got the sense that Kaleys Christine was really hurt and betrayed at not only him being a real man, but that he would yell and treat her this way. She’s putting walls up immediately.
-did a ring toss and got a shot lol
-watched the ropes of judgement for the first time, I feel like I’m rarely on that side for the carnival
-Derrick is ready to fight the Barker during this flashback, he is so angry and physically moves as if to punch him when he hits young Erik’s cage.
-indoor track
-Derricks phantom is so protective of his younger self, it feels like everything he does is to avenge him.
-Pretty cute all I ask of you, Kaley is very smiley and giggling throughout it. I felt like I could see Paul’s Raoul warm up more and more until he’s also smiling and laughing at the end.
-It was kinda funny because I actually saw Paul on for the Phantom on Broadway in 2019 with Kaley as Christine. So fun reversal there.
-crazy aiaoy reprise
-Derricks phantom is just crushed and shaking. He whispers the first Christine but then screams the second Christine. It’s really guttural.
-I don’t think his eyes stop watering
-Kaleys wishing really made me emotional, she makes you feel her grief and her pain in every line delivery.
-I was on the balcony for this scene, I wish it wasn’t so rare because it’s a really cool way to experience the scene.
-Plot rooms: Christine/Carlotta and Piangi/Managers and Raoul
-Kaley makes so many little acting choices throughout this, her practicing the choreography for point of no return, she held her costume for the scene for a while and just started at it pensively.
-when Piangi went to play the piano and sing Morgan and I cheered and he was like “oh thank you I love my fans MWAH” and blew us a kiss
-This was the silliest “Don’t worry friends he has an understudy” line delivery I’ve ever heard like he was laughing with us for a moment there
-Andre came in and asked us if he should us the throat spray that maybe it would relax him and one lady in front of us said yes while we motioned no and he went “yes told you say yes when they are saying no!!!!”
-He hugged Raoul at the end and on their way out Firmin said “you cannot just hug him like that”
-Tense point of no return I loved it
-after the unmasking and the chandelier starts shaking he let out a guttural “why?”
-He seemed really surprised Christine would push him out of the way
-After the chandelier crash I got stalled up next to Andre so I said “I’m so sorry about all this” and he hugged me and said “oh thank you and I’m sorry because um your tickets will not be refunded.”
-He’s really embarrassed and ashamed that Christine would ever imply that he’d would hurt her that way during “lust for flesh”
-Kaleys Christine is so angry during final lair I love it
-He’s really begging during the ultimatum and it’s seems so delusionally sad like “i don’t want to be doing this either but what choice do I have?”
-livid tears of hate
-his eyes widened sooo big and he started to wipe away his sweat with his handkerchief in character after tears of hate like he was trying to wipe away his shame and Christine’s words
-every line he delivers in final lair is him begging, begging for her love, begging for forgiveness, begging for any type of release from his own madness he has created
-You haven’t lived if you haven’t heard Kaley’s “you decided me, I gave my mind blindly”
-Really emotional kiss
-He can’t even comprehend what just happened
-After Christine helps Raoul she said “Raoul, go!” And turned back to the phantom
-honestly I don’t get the vibe from Kaley that she wants to stay forever but she definitely wants to help him, and isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.
-he truly believes Christine has come back 💔
-I wish I could see a ring return instead of the cloak trick between them.

Overall, this is a really manic and sad pulse. I loved it, Derrick was wonderful and Kaley continues to be my favorite in the role.

Well ended up back at the Masquerade twice yesterday. Here was the first performance I saw, Here are all my thoughts and feelings as well as any interactions I had! Was joined by a group of internet phantom friends so this was an extra special show.

Spoilers below!

-Jeremy Stolle was on instead of Austin and I was so excited I’ve been a fan of Jeremy’s for a long time so it was very special to finally see his phantom in person
-Olivia Tarchick was back! Probably just a temp fill in for the day but was cool to see her
-my group talked to Piangi during the opening so we got to cheer bravo! At him
-This was my second time seeing Haile as Christine. She is such a beautiful, joyful Christine who really gives the vibe that when she is singing she is in her element.
-Jeremy and her were a really amazing pair
- solo manager, second time I’ve seen one.
- I unfortunately found Saman De Silvas performance as Raoul to be pretty weak, he’s an amazing singer but his acting wasn’t really there. I saw him previously and didn’t feel that way so it might’ve been an off show.
-Satomi Giry cupped my face and whispered something about the magical lasso but I was so surprised I didn’t hear her at all I’m sorry madame Giry!! 😭
-She also motioned strangling one of my friends ope
-Jeremy’s Phantom gives the vibe of a man who has been really worn down, he is just so tired, but maybe things will work out for him soon. (They won’t)
-they especially won’t after STYDI
-he was a bit reserved at first but when Haile put her hand on his face he had a very soft warm smile, and then massive freak out after she unmasked him. Man.
-young phantom led my group and I up the stairs, he was lowkey doing parkour, but we held hands for a bit as he guided me through the mirrors.
-Matt Barker is genuinely diabolical lol
-Pulled a nail out of Aurora North’s face 🫣 scary
-the guy next to me was crying really hard during learning to be lonely and like yeah moo
-Jeremy is just so phenomenal his voice is beyond, he’s a legend for a reason.
-He’s very cold while in the flys
-Very stoic during all I ask of you but in a way that he can’t even process what’s happening
-Really sad reprise, very broken, very angry lol!
-devastating wishing
-and if I said I would trade learn to be lonely for full wandering child then what
-plot rooms were Carlotta/Piangi, Andre, and Christine and Raoul.
-Got a note from Carlotta thank you my diva
-Christine got the “I’m here… I’m here” ending and Haile was covering her ears and trying to tune him out
-Great point of no return
-this unmasking 😖
-to me it feels like Jeremy’s phantom regresses and becomes a scared young boy again, and this was definitely this.
-I swear Haile said “are you okay?” After she pushes him out of the way
-brutal final lair between him and Haile
-he’s very desperate and manic when delivering the ultimatum
-but is so🧍 when Haile throws the roses at him
-he’s so like of course you’d feel that way I feel that way too
- he ripped his shirt collar open to the rose when Haile held it up to him
-99% sure Haile said “I love you” to him after the kiss but it was really quiet but several people in my group agreed 🫪
-His “masquerade” was soft spoken, not sung, and his voice was cracking a lot, it was the same for Christine I love you
-he’s genuinely crying, tears are hitting the platform
-I don’t think he actually believes Christine is back, I think it’s his way of saying goodbye to her mentally

Overall, devastating and cathartic. Loved this duo and had a great time as always <3

Unexpectedly got last min tickets to see pulse 2 at 7:15pm yesterday. My trio was Deven Kolluri, Haile Ferrier, and Saman De Silva. Here are all my thoughts and feelings as well as any interactions I had! Attached is the cast list as you can see but it's really faded so if you have any questions about who was who I'll do my best to answer.

Opening:
-My group messed up the masquerade dance so bad madame giry was so over it loved her
-got led into masquerade by Christine, actual dream come true that I didn't know I had
-Carlotta said she loves my dress and asked me to dance! She was so gorgeous and of course I said yes.
-Nic Edwards is out till later this month so my phantom was Deven Kolluri, and this was literally his second performance ever in the role. Im so happy to be a part of that. Especially since l believe he is the first south Asian man to play the role? He was great, and I can't wait to hear how he grows with the role.

Hannibal:
-Firmin talked to me and asked me if I liked their new chandelier, told me they are taking donations to help pay it off
-Haile is the most adorable Christine I've ever seen, I get the feeling that her Christine has such a deep love for singing and performing. There's a youthful whimsy to her I loved.
-So fun to see Francesca as Meg
-Saman De Silva is a very gentle, soft spoken Raoul. I believe he is very new to the role too!
Mirror/ Title Song:
-Deven is a very stoic and reserved phantom for a while
-Christine is so ecstatic to be on this journey, like she is so happy singing those high notes, so in her element. It's like she's in a real life fairytale for a moment.

Wedding Dance/Box 5/Bedroom:
-This is the first time I've gotten this order! Before I literally had only gotten the other one lol
-While walking to the wedding dance room I could hear Kyle Scatliffe singing "DAMN YOU!" Lol hey
-Wedding Dance is completely different as people were speculating. It's now basically a solo dance with an actual mannequin wearing the wedding dress. Madame Giry does some of the dance as well like she's miming Erik's movements?
-I don't completely hate the change, it works in an idea that even in fantasy version of them, Erik cant have a real Christine.
-but I like the actual bride version better still I think I miss her bring her back
-Haile once again, very playful Christine. She's having a lot of fun with the veil, and giggling and blushing while reading the letter from her "angel"

STYDI:
-I was directly behind the piano for this one and oof. Brutal.
-He kinda gives the vibe of guy who punches holes in drywall and then cries.
-after he led out Christine he throws down his old sack mask and angrily throws off his robe on the ground like full tantrum. His plans are ruined!!! He’s gonna have to force this to work instead.

Carnival:
-I was standing near the young phantom in the cage but didn't really interact. The girls who were comforting him went like 🫰and he did it back
-Devens phantom is definitely reliving these moments, flinching a lot

Learn to be lonely:
-Young Phantom is traumatized beyond, like heavy breathing running around and flinching.
-Indoor track, I'm starting to think everyone is lying to me about there being an outdoor track still. 7 times and I only saw it the first time and never again.
-The guy next to me had the rope prop and he had it like wrapped around his gf so it made Erik getting it a bit harder lol
-Haile is still pretty bewitched by Erik but the cracks are starting to come through!!

Fly Tower:
-Deven Phantom is pretty cold while killing
Buquet but can't help but laugh here and there
-I'm not sure l've seen a Christine be as horrified than this scene as Haile was

Rooftop:
-Christine kept playing with raouls jacket collar during this scene, I thought it was really cute like she was trying to ground herself back in reality.
-Very gentle and soft AIAOY, Haile put emphasis on "Promise me that all you say is true"
-Devens phantom is doing his best to disappear into the wall and get as far away as possible when they kissed he's so hurt
-He's just so shocked and stumbling during the reprise until he's angry and yelling

Graveyard:
-Saman reminds me of Patrick Wilson I think, his line delivery of "But why is it secret?" Especially
-Amazing wishing, "give me the strength to try" in particular really well delivered
-I was next to a giant fan during this I guess to combat the warmth in the room so I looked crazy during this scene my hair was blowing around.
The woman next to me and I kept trying not to laugh about it.
-Haile Christine is so protective of Raoul during wandering child I really like that, she's like no don't even interact with him let me handle is because he will kill you babe
-She yelled out in shock/pain after he ripped her engagement ring off :(
-the fear, the dread is creeping in for her

Plot rooms (Managers/Christine/Carlotta and Piangi):
-these managers are def married land in love how it should be
-Andre said "It's been such a day" to me all I said was "I can see why"
-I can't imagine having to do this scene 18 some times in a row but they seem to be having fun thank god
-Christine rolled her eyes when Raoul said "you said yourself he was nothing but a man"
-She initiated the kiss in the dressing room which l've never seen a Christine do, it was like she was saying goodbye just incase
-She gave me the note from the phantom 😭 (gave it to another lady in my group later since | have gotten it before but still I'm grateful to have been picked)
-this Carlotta and Piangi are either married or besties or each others breads either way loved them
-A button popped off of something and landed on the floor, Piangi picked it up and went "Button?" Before the phantom got him. His last words were
"Button?" I can't stop thinking about this.
-It's also very funny to see Sean Seamus
Thompson as Piangi because I saw him go on as the phantom once and he was just the crazy saddest guy ever so now I have to act like I didn't see him do all that when he is Piangi
-When Carlotta gave the note to an audience member she said "here you take this I never want to see it ever again bleh"

Don Juan:
-really interesting moment where Christine hands the blindfold to madame Giry, there's a solemn understanding between them.
-Obsessed with how Haile played this scene
-When he starts singing AIAOY she acts like she's super into it smiling almost too hard and nodding yes whenever he's looking at her but when he's turned away she's horrified and panicked, she's like
-after she unmasks him she books it to Raoul, devens phantom is at first crying and then angrily points at Raoul like he's going to do something to him. Christine threw her arms up and stood protectively in front of Raoul and yelled "No!"
-As the chandelier starts shaking she took Raoul face in her hands and nodded before pushing Erik out of the way

Final lair:
-I was one of the first people in the room for and Haile's Christine is trying to escape and yelling no but Deven is holding on tight, genuinely unnerving
-I feel like she was going to say something and try to give him back the ring but he kept interrupting her so she just withdrew
-When Raoul enters Christine keeled over on the platform like she was going to puke
-Rerik vibes were there happy to report, lot of chin grabbing on Erik's part yay!
-Haile's Christine is so desperate to reach Raoul
-when the ultimatum is delivered she physically pushed Erik off of her and he fell back onto the platform
-He knowssss he fucked up after she throws this roses at him he's so ☹️
-While Raoul and Erik are singing at each other Christine clasped her hands together and looked down like she was praying, it reminded me of the wishing choreography
-A really soft and just heartbroken "you deceived me" and Deven can't believe that's how she feels
down like she was praying, it reminded me of the wishing choreography
-A really soft and just heartbroken "you deceived me" and Deven can't believe that's how she feels
-when she went in for the kiss Deven's Phantom just doesn't even know what's going on like he looks so confused the closer she gets and even tries to back away at first, he fully embraces it of course.
-I didn't get the vibe that Christine wanted to stay but rather she wanted Erik to come with them
-When Christine 'comes back' and sings AIAOY the man right behind me said "Sarah Brightman" at full volume and it took everything in me not to laugh because what did he mean by that he didn't say anything else. Maybe Haile sounds like Sarah Brightman to him? That's my best guess but even then why are we saying this out loud to no one during the final moments of the show.

Overall, loved this cast. It felt special to see two brand new cast members and to finally see Haile as Christine. She was just as incredible and beautiful as I anticipated!! 💗

(Real quick I want to specify that I have been lucky enough to see the show 7 times now since I live fairly close to NYC, but I do not purposely try to seek out interactions whatsoever. I truly believe the best way to experience masquerade is to go in expecting nothing and just enjoy the show itself, whatever happens, happens. I feel like more people recently have been trying to seek out interactions, like last night I had a girl b-line past me to try to get a specific seat and it just feels unnecessary to me overall. it takes out some of the magic and other people who don’t see it often deserve the full experience too.

After wanting to for years I finally cosplayed Christine in her dressing gown at Otakon this weekend <3 did my best to do the head in the clouds Sarah Brightman stare lol

(I got the dressing gown from hopeless romantic and made the bodice underneath myself, scroll to see the full thing!)

She just finished playing Cosette on the Les Mis tour with Nick Cartell as JVJ. I’m so curious if she’s taking on a principal or swing position? Either way she has such a lovely voice and I’m excited for her Christine :)

Back once again!! This time with my best friend (and roommate). We saw the 2:15pm show with a surprise Austin Colby, Claire Leyden, and Dan Hoy. Here are all my thoughts and feelings as well as any interactions my friend and I had.

Hallway:
-I used the bathroom before the show and they had us line up in that hallway, I could hear (I think) pulse 3 & 4’s title songs loud and clear which I never did before and that was really cool?

Opening:
-Georgia was on Giry, but I am itching to see her as Christine one day too !!
-I saw some new costumes during masquerade that I’ve never seen before ?? I think one was supposed to be an owl/bird
-I knew Ryan had called out for the matinee but I had no idea who was on for him, a bit disappointing because I’d hyped him up to my best friend so much that she picked this pulse to see specifically. But after masquerade I was sooo shocked and delighted when Austin Colby appeared. No complaints here 🙂‍↕️
-His voice reminds me of Peter Jöback at times. Just a very strong, high tenor.

Hannibal:
-My friend was pulled by Madame Giry to play piano
-Carlotta came down and started asking people if they knew she was and delighted when someone next to me finally said yes
-she handed me her perfume bottle and I held it because I am her biggest fan yasss
-one of the ensemble members told me buquet never does his job right and is always drinking and partying I was like oh I hate when my coworkers do that
-After Carlotta quit Claire Christine came up to me and said “She can’t be serious? The vicomte is supposed to come tonight!”
-I really love how Claire performs think of me, just such a lack of confidence and you watch her grow so much through the song alone. You can see her mentally hype herself up for the high C.

Mirror/Title
-Austin’s phantom barely blinks
-During Christine’s verse she like side hugged my friend
-Great title song, Austin was instructing Christine during the high notes like it was a music lesson. Gesturing for her to open more, I really liked the detail.
-Christine is simultaneously scared and in pure awe of the phantom. That’s her angel for real. (No it’s not)

Music of the night:
-He is very soft with Christine, wants to touch her but is scared she’ll break. But also he’s touch starved. Bad combo!
Bedroom/Automaton/Letter:
-I’ve gotten this exact order every time I’ve gone to masquerade it’s starting to freak me out what are the odds
-Claire has such a playful energy with the veil, and is genuinely so intrigued by this “new world” she’s in.
-as always I love the automatons, perfect addition I could watch them for hours
-I feel like Austin’s movements match the automaton, there’s a stiffness to him… until there isn’t more to come on that.
-they gave my friend and I like stiff robotic waves goodbye and we waved goodbye too 🥺
-does Sierra Boggess know they are using her think of me cadenza in this voice over.

Unmasking:
-I was on the outside and had kind of a bad view because I was behind a column so not the best recount of this scene srry
-Claire Christine is def questioning her sanity throughout the whole show but she nearly ran right into the automaton phantom and that really startled her
-Austin’s phantom really thought things were gonna work out between them but then he saw her face so now it’s over now

Carnival:
-Walking into the room I was immediately grabbed by the Barker and taken to Erik’s cage, he had me feed him and was like don’t make friends!! Friends repeat after me: always disappoint you.”
-Young Erik ended up tying me a bracelet <3
-Austin’s phantom is very stoic throughout the carnival but there’s a simmering rage under there. It’s a memory he flashes back to often.

Learn to be lonely:
-Indoor track! Makes sense it’s so hot in the city. I have only gotten the outdoor track once btw in the 6 times I’ve gone.
-Georgia Giry is very motherly and gentle
with Young Erik but can only do so much.
-Olivia as Meg very cute, her and Claire had great chemistry
-she handed me the rope when I sat down so uh oh I’m an accomplice to murder because Erik did come over and take it from me 😬

Fly tower:
-Austin’s phantom is treating this as a full blown performance, having the time of his life.
-that is until Christine shows up, he heard her gasp as Buquet falls and they made eye eye contact. His entire face dropped like
😄😦

Rooftop:
-Dan Hoys Raoul is really grounded and doing his best to calm down Christine but her mind is going off in 20 different directions
-during the “but this voice…” line Austin moved his hands as if he was conducting Christine
-When Raoul started singing Erik tightened his fist so hard I could literally hear it
-Very sweet All I ask of you, Christine really wants reassurance and Raoul is more than willing to give her it. Especially after she says “Promise me that all you say is true”
-Austin is giving a thousand year stare throughout this
-His reprise is sad, he’s chocking back tears until he just accepts a sad defeat…. But then they start singing and he decides to lock in. Maniacal laughter and all.

Wishing:
-I was on the balcony for this! Never done that before.
-Claire is such a powerful Christine, and so interactive too. I love her choices. Her grief is palpable.

Wandering child:
-Claire is desperately clinging on to her engagement ring with Raoul and taking deep breathes as if she doesn’t believe the phantom is really there but she lets it go and gives in at “but my soul obeys”
-Dan’s Raoul is not having it!
-Christine ran up to the balcony and on her out grabbed my hand and we took off.
-she was fully crying and all I could say was “Are you okay? That was a lot.” And she said “Yes… no… sometimes I think I see things.” And I said “you are not seeing things”
-while walking down the stairs she practiced warming up, gave a big hug to one of the butlers, her and Piangi wished each other luck for Don Juan.

Plot rooms:
-Claire Christine is jumping at her own shadow, but is doing all that she can to put on a brave face.
-she tries practicing but slams the score shut in frustration.
-Dan Hoy Raoul truly means well, I truly believe he wants what’s best for her but doesn’t fully know how to go about it.
-heartbreaking twisted
-Carlotta gave my friend a note and her and Piangi the funniest people ever as always love those divas
-Austin’s delivery of “fear not my friends he has an understudy” was so genuinely earnest like aww we are his friends
-single manager show! It was just Firmin, he literally said “I wish Andre was here to read this note with me”

Don Juan:
-Christine knows immediately it’s Erik and is trying her best to steer clear, but once she can’t get any help she locks in.
-Austin’s Erik is a performer in every sense of the word. Everything in his life is a performance.
-He’s trying to be normal, and nonchalant but he’s bursting at the seams and feels like he’s gonna throw up at any moment
-During the change into the wedding dress I had a perfect angle to see phantom turn his head to Raoul and smirk as he mockingly sang all I ask of you
-Claire’s going through the motions a bit as she tries not to panic
-best she can do is unmask him and he is crawling on the ground immediately
-he’s twitching, hunched over and regressing, genuinely starts becomes a creature right before your eyes here
-reminds me of how Leroux phantom moves
-After Claire pushes him out of the way, he really gently holds her face. But then turns towards Raoul again and smirks kinda like “gotcha” before it crashes

Final lair:
-oof this final lair
-Austin goes full Leroux here lol
-He like tries to grab at Christine’s skirt but she backed away and put her arms up in a defensive position
-he’s crawling on the ground a lot it’s awesome to me, genuinely moves like a creature
-During the “turn around and face your fate” line Claire Christine did turn around in a defiant “I’m not scared of you” way which I believe at this point she isn’t scared of him she’s just sad for him and wants out.
-When Raoul says “I love her, does that mean nothing?” Austin’s phantom genuinely flinches and is disgusted
-he also like gently caressed raouls chin to lift his head wooo #rerik
-after the “let me see her” “be my guest sir” Claire wants to run to Raoul but is so hesitant, kinda gives the phantom an exasperated look of “okay how is he gonna do that?”
-Austin phantom had to drag her away from Raoul once she did reach him, I swear Dan’s Raoul was mouthing “it’s going to be okay it’s going to be okay” before that don’t know for sure might have made that up
-Claire’s Christine is shell shocked by the ultimatum hugging the roses to herself tightly before delivering quite a chilling tears of hate
-Austin is sooo wounded
-kinda the best I’ve seen the rose choreography done?
-the make your choice line was delivered very coldly
-great kiss, when it’s done Austin’s phantom is grinning ear to ear and is blissfully happy just for a moment.
-once he hears the mob those he lets go of Christine and she immediately grabs them and puts them back around her and says “no!” When he says “forget me forget all of this”
-She helps untie Raoul and ushers for him to go and run, before trying to go back.
-She’s screaming no as she’s dragged off and Erik is smiling sadly
-he really breaks down here, the facade is truly gone.
-he kinda thinks Christine has actually come back but halfway through is like ohhh oh no
-he is like getting more progressively ecstatically happy during the final unmasking it made me really emotional idk
-right before the final black out he let the biggest, happiest sigh of relief before looking up and spreading his arms out.

Really great time overall as always!! Feel grateful to see this now rare pair, I didn’t think I’d get a chance to see Austin during his run. After seeing Claire again she has def become a top Christine for me. I’ve said it before but she’s a masterclass in acting and truly embodies her perfectly.

Also tried to do the standby line in hopes of seeing pulse 1 (or any really) and was thwarted again. I’m 0 for 2 and I’m starting to think the universe just doesn’t want me to see Kyle and Eryn for some reason Ive tried several times now have failed every time 🥴

Apparently one of the matinee pulses was cancelled, 1:15pm I think? It caused them to have to put the guests from that pulse into tonight’s shows instead making them more packed than usual. One day I will see pulse 1 at 7pm I swear!!! I guess I will have to buy a full priced ticket to do so oops.

Hii everyone! Last week I saw pulse 6 and was lucky enough to get the private moment with automaton phantom where I received this newspaper prop from him. I wanted to share it as it is filled with so many easter eggs and details that I really enjoyed reading. I still can’t believe I got this interaction, I’m truly so grateful !! 😭

Hiii, saw Masquerade today at 1:30pm! I had Sean Seamus Thompson on for Phantom and Claire Leyden on for Christine. Here are my thoughts and feelings as well as any interactions I had. It might not be super detailed as I did have a slight migraine throughout this thanks to the rainy weather in the city lol:

Opening:

-My crowd was pretty chatty during the violin solo opening which I found a bit annoying but what can you do

-Danced with Firmin (Skeleton Leotard) during masquerade, I did not anticipate this at all but it was so fun. he kissed my hand when he lead me back to my spot

Hannibal:

-Claire Leyden Christine is a masterclass of acting

-She’s so unsure of herself during the beginning of the think of me cadenza and I loved watching her confidence grow leading up to that high C

-got to throw a rose to her I love doing that

Mirror/Title Song:

-She’s so excited to see Raoul (Dan Hoy) and Raoul is so excited to see her, it’s like he’s been wishing for this to happen for awhile

-hand choreography between went crazy

-Sean Phantom has crystal clear tone, very traditionally broadway style to me

-Claire’s Christine is in awe of him, she is so sure this is in fact her angel

-Sean is very interactive with the audience during MOTN

-He’s so excited to have Christine there and is equally in awe of her as she is of him, he’s scared to be around her like he’ll break her if he touches her

Bedroom scene/Wedding Dance/Etc:

-I was right next to the monkey box, Phantom showed me the mask and I nodded approvingly. He made eye contact with himself in the mirror looks genuinely looked so frightened and sad by his own appearance.

-Claire Christine is playful with the veil and looked at me for approval to remove the monkeys mask I was like yes go for it

-Obsessed once again with the Automanta (gonna be honest I have no idea how to spell that so robot phantom) wedding dance scene it’s my new favorite additions from the original

-I find it so funny that when Madame girly is explaining how Christine and the phantom met and you here a recording of think of me it’s straight up Sierra Boggess during the Royal Albert hall concert

stranger than you dreamt it:

-Claire’s Christine is genuinely unsure of her memory

-Sean phantom totally thought she was going in for a kiss but nope unmasking instead

-She’s not really scared more just startled until she falls over and he practically jumps at her, then she starts gasping and screaming

-he is just straight up sobbing at his piano until she gives the mask back

-Christine is crying too

-He absolutely falls fully in love with her when she gives him the mask back

Carnival:

-Did the ring toss game and got a shot of something it was so strong I was trying not to cough after it but I did 😔

-Held hands with young phantom for a second because no one else was

-Barker came up to me and told me to be careful because he is contagious I was like with what?? And he was like you don’t wanna find out

Learn to be lonely:

-Satomi is a great Madame Giry, very strict and wants to help Erik but is frightened and resents that she is but can’t help it.

-Kaley Ann Voorhee’s is a perfect Meg and Christine it’s insane

-Claire’s Christine is really shaken and obviously feels terrible about what has happened

Flys/Rooftop:

-Sean phantom is pretty cold when killing buquet, only smiles when it’s done.

-Claire Christine watches that tail end of this and clung to my shoulder before running up to see what’s happened on stage

-Indoor show! As expected it’s pouring rain in nyc

-I actually couldn’t see 90% of the rooftop scene because I was placed right behind Erik was blocking my view, I didn’t mind I actually found it funny like man can you stop yearning in despair and move over I’m trying to watch 🙄🙄🙄

-He did smack the rail in anger when Raoul sings “What you heard was a dream, and nothing more”

-After that Phantom turned around and ushered me into his spot thanks Erik!! You are so kind.

-Really cute all I ask of you, a lot of the song was song with them touching foreheads, Christine really needs reassurance and someone to ground her back to reality after everything she’s been through, and she’s getting it in this song from Dan’s Raoul. Even if it’s just for a moment.

-During the kiss Christine popped her leg up I really liked that detail

-Sean phantom is hysterically sobbing in disbelief during the reprise but then it quickly turns into a temper tantrum you hate to see it 🤷‍♀️

-Sean’s phantom has a childlike quality to him, he’s clearly stunted.

Graveyard/Wishing:

-Was the very last one in the room for wishing so my view wasn’t very good but Claire is a once again amazing, a very mature Christine who I think just struggles to understand herself and misses her father because that’s when things still made sense to her.

-I really love Dan Hoy’s Raoul, he’s truly trying his best.

-I was the first one out of the room and started walking behind Chrstine who was chatting with another woman from the balcony.

-we got outside and Claire’s Christine said something along the lines of “I will see you inside” and the woman stopped walking. I was like “I think we are supposed to keep walking?” But I honestly wasn’t sure and the woman was like “wait are we???” And Claire’s Christine came back and was like “I’m sorry please follow me! I would never leave you out in the rain my friends.” We all had a good laugh about it

-I walked behind her for a bit where she was warming up her voice

-Christine then said “walk with me to my dressing room?” And offered me her hand.

-she sat me next to the piano and asked me about if I ever get stage fright and how I deal with it. I told her about how my mom used to say pick a spot in the room and focus on that, ignore all the other noise. She told me my mom is a wise woman and I agree.

-She jumped in fear when the “Christine Daae 10 min call” over the speaker like she was afraid it was the phantom

-amazing twisted, she is very overwhelmed

-She gave me the note from the phantom (I gave it to another girl later as Im very lucky and got it from another man last week.)

-Carlotta walked in and literally went “Get out” to her and Piangi very funny as always

-obsessed with the managers as always, Andre cried into a ladies lap in despair

Don Juan:

-Claire was so amazing in this scene and her acting truly heightened the stakes. She keeps looking at Raoul like “Yeah it’s him get me out of here” and you can watch Dan’s Raoul put that together and also start to panic a bit

-After she first unmasked him, Raoul tried to intervene and she said “Let me handle this” and he immediately backs off and ushered for the managers to also back off

-She seems out of body when she unmasks him like it was the only thing she could truly do

-he scrambles and panics and tries to crash the chandelier

-Claire pushes him out of the way and immediately tries to get away from him after they are in the clear but he clings on

-I’m like 90% sure he yelled “DIE!” When he crashed the chandelier and Christine is really horrified and screams

Final Lair:

-Sean’s phantom is sobbing again and Claire Christine is giving an a thousand yard stare

-She starts like hysterically laughing in disbelief while singing her first few lines in the scene

-She’s so defeated and exhausted upon seeing Raoul in the trap

-but she gets a second wind after the ultimatum is delivered and she’s ready to basically fist fight Erik

-One detail I hope I didn’t fantasize is that when she sings “Angel of music who deserves this?” She repeats the music of the night pose with her arms up that is also repeated during Wandering child

-Sean’s phantom hates Raoul lol

-he is kinda full out regret and shame when he says “make your choice” really sad and small

-They hold each other for awhile after the kiss

-she b-lines it to Raoul but also isn’t ready to say goodbye she literally yells “What? Wait? No!” Before he drags her away

-Sean’s phantom really thinks Christine as come back and when she disappears in the cloak he shakes it as if he’s looking for her in it still

-Sean’s phantom truly is just a kicked puppy

-ran into Claire in the street while walking out and we talked for a moment she is super sweet!

Overall really great time as always, and I’m so delighted I got to see this rare-pair of understudies ♥️

Also I was going to try the black tie standby line to see 7pm pulse with Kyle and Eryn but it looks like that got canceled? So there was no standby tonight sadly. But I might try again in a few months to make up for it 😗

Hi! Last night I had the privilege of seeing the 8:15pm show with Ryan Vona, Addie Morales, and Dan Hoy. Such an incredible pulse, I was truly blown away. Please enjoy my long-winded nonsensical thoughts and feelings below as well as some of the interactions I had:

*Apologies for any typos I wrote this really fast and sleep deprived

Opening:

-Madame Giry said I look wonderful thank youuu Madame Giry

-Raoul (Dan Hoy) asked me to dance 😭

-I think my pulse was fuller than usual? Just felt more crowded in certain scenes and took longer to get to place to place

Hannibal:

-Madame Giry took my hand and led my to the piano where I was asked to play for the ballet corps to practice!! I just pressed random keys and they were like wow you are so good thanks!! And I said like “hey happy to share my talents with you all.” I had no idea what I was doing.

-Addie Morales plays a very doe eyed Christine, I loved watching her be playful with her Meg.

-Her voice is very soft and sweet but deceiving powerful when she wants it to be

-Got to throw a rose to her after think of me

Mirror/Title Song/MOTN:

-Ryan Vona.. Ryan Vona Phantom. I love his vocal choices. Every single one feels like there is so much thought and care put into it.

-While most Christine’s I’ve seen beckon the audience to follow after the mirror scene, they are a bit more seductive (?) mysterious about it whereas addie was excited and curious wanted us to follow her on this new journey

-I saw someone once describe Ryan’s phantom and swarmy. And yes he is.

Bedroom/wedding room/Etc:

-I was placed in the back of the room for the bedroom scene and couldn’t see it that well.

-Addie’s Christine gives such a playful and curious energy when trying on the veil and removing the mask off the monkey

-Hands.

-Ryan’s phantom came back into the room and was genuinely upset at the mask having been taking off the monkey. He looked at the guy sitting next to the bed accusatory and that guy shook his head no and pointed at Christine. Got a good laugh from the crowd.

-Ryan’s phantom then offered his hand to me to take and I blacked out.

-Obvi I took it and was led out of the room first, and sent down a hallway where I ran into the robot phantom.

-He took my hand and led me into a private room, that’s where he showed me the newspaper about the stolen engagement ring, I said “For Christine?” and he showed me the ring.

-I cannot believe I got to see this scene for myself after hearing about it 😭 I feel so lucky

-I was led back to the wedding room and I just really love this scene. Robot phantom got really close to my face and then turned around and got really close to another persons face lol.

Stranger than you dreamt it:

-Christine’s curiosity finally catches up to her.

-There is such a simmering rage and frustration to Ryan’s phantom.

-He sung “fear can turn to love” like he was trying to convince himself of that.

-Ryans phantom is a lurker he is lurking through this crowd. He was leading one woman behind me and then was next to me on the escalator, unwavering eye contact for a while before moving on and getting in between the couple in front of me, and so forth.

Carnival:

-I was in the middle of the room, I think this scene does go on a smidge too long but I am impressed by all the performers nonetheless

-Held Young phantoms hand for a second before being shoo’d away

-he later reached for another woman who took his hand, after he was shoo’d away again Ryan came up and held that woman’s hand for a bit afterwards

Learn to be lonely/Il Muto

-Tia Karaplis has such a warm beautiful voice as Giry I would love to hear her Christine as well since she does cover her

-Gerogia Mendes very cute as Meg

-Addie comes back a bit shell shocked and really clings onto the small mirror when phantom calls her name

-Ryan’s Phantom is a trickster at heart and is having the time of his life terrifying Buquet before killing him

Rooftop/All I ask of you:

-indoor version! Which I kinda prefer compared to outdoors oh no

-Dan Hoy is a very dashing Raoul, his Raoul is genuinely really worried for Christine and holds her close as she clings onto him for dear life explaining what she’s been going through

-I think Addies Christine has love for the phantom but knows now he isn’t stable and that he isn’t what she thought. It scares her terribly.

-Ryans phantom is beyond delusional during all I ask of you, smiling during Christine’s first verse acting as if she os singing to him until Raoul comes back in the next verse and it comes crashing down.

-he walks around behind the glass and reaches for Christine’s hand, comes so close but she closes the glass door right before he can touch her. He truly is haunting the scene.

-Addie and Dan have great chemistry as raoulstine.

-can confirm Ryan’s phantom mouths “you know I do” alongside Raoul when Christine says “say you love me”

-the reprise ohhhhh

-Ryan’s phantom cries one single tear and the echo of Christine and raouls voices singing is definitely in his head. It physically hurts him to hear like an oncoming migraine.

-All he can do is start hitting himself repeatedly in the head to get to stop before deciding revenge is the best course

Wishing/Wandering child:

-it took a long time to load into the room for wishing and I missed the beginning dialogue of the scene sadly

-Addie’s wishing was really powerful, angry in all the right places. It felt like I watched her Christine grow and mature from the beginning to end of it.

-Dan raoul loves Christine and is so desperate to protect her but I think that frustrates Christine

-he hugs her and holds her so tight during wandering child, he seems genuinely scared of the “angel” before Christine pushes him off to go confront Erik herself

-He’s grasping at straws coming up with the Don Juan plan. It doesn’t come across as confident or cocky he genuinely isn’t sure what else he can do.

Plot rooms:

-While walking down Madame Giry stopped me and pulled me aside to have me learn and practice the point of no return dance with another dancer 😭😭

-genuinely didn’t know that was an option we did it about three times and it was specifically Christine’s choreography during the lines “past the point of no return, no going back now, our passion play has now at last begone” Giry sung that part while me and the dancer danced it out, she asked me to sing it with her if I knew the words and like yes I do so we were singing and dancing. Crazy.

-As I was walking in the room Raoul said “good to see you again Madame” thank you Raoul!!!!!!!!

-Had the managers, Raoul and Christine, Carlotta and Piangi order of rooms

-Managers are very funny as usual, many jokes about Firmin wanting to drink

-Addie’s Christine sung the first part of twisted everyday so quietly, it genuinely felt like she was going to pass out from fear, like she couldn’t breathe.

-the line “He’ll take me, I know.” Was spoken sternly not sung and she said “I’ll be taken, I know.”

-The guy next to me received the letter from the phantom to Christine and he then handed it to me. I asked him if he wanted it back and he was like no you have it. Thank you random man!!

Point of no return:

-I’m crazy I’m crazy I’m crazy

-it genuinely felt like Christine was sacrificing herself for everyone, including Erik.

-Ryan’s phantom is so stern and so sure that this is how things are meant to be when he proposes

-He flops the the ground and desperately tries to escape after being unmasked but results in trying to crash the chandelier

-from my POV I could see after Christine pushes him out of the way of the chandelier falling, he at first lovingly held her face before moving his hand on her throat and dragging her off. Scary!

-I was one of the first to arrive in the final lair and saw Christine trying her best to calm him down but he’s just not having it. Anytime she tries to touch him or his face he contorts away. So he goes and sets up the trap for Raoul.

-everyone in the trio crying

-Dan’s Raoul is PISSSEDD off it’s awesome to see

-This is the most rerik pulse

-When Raoul says “I love her does that mean nothing?” Erik full went “aww ☹️” mockingly out loud

-after Erik says “be my guest sir” he grabs Raoul’s chin and forces him to look at Christine and gave her a look of “get a load of this guy” and it got people laughing. I have never in my life seen a phantom who got people laughing during the final lair.

-Addies Christine is clinging desperately onto Raoul trying to free him and screams when Erik forcibly pulls her off of him to deliver the ultimatum.

-she’s so fucking sad

-you can tell this is the first time in Erik’s life he has felt like he is finally winning.

-Erik and Raoul are singing so much of this like 2 inches from each others face let them kiss

-during “Pitiful creature of darkness..” Dan’s Raoul reaches for Christine to take his hand, like he’s accepting his fate and just wants one last goodbye. She almost takes it before nodding no, turning away and facing Erik. Raoul is so heartbroken realizing he’s losing her.

-the kiss was crazy okay, Erik literally kisses back and lifts her off the floor I’ve never seen anything like it.

-Christine doesnt want to leave him but he screams at her to go

-the thing is addie Christine loves Erik but he is also kind of a mystery to her and she knows he is too dangerous to be with. Ryans Erik knows this too. But is too angry and spiteful to admit it until the bitter end.

-only time he is truly gentle with Christine is the end when she comes back and it’s not even real.

-there’s truly so much to say, extremely nuanced, layered performances from everyone.

-the very last moment Ryan’s phantom releases deep breath right before the final blackout

-Ryan’s phantom feels like that Facebook comment meme where the guy is like “Nothing to smile about in my life” if you know

-Guy next to me was SOBBING at the end I get it

-I don’t know how to explain this but Ryan’s phantom could have Love Never Dies happen but Addie and Dans raoulstine could not. It only has to make sense to me.