Hugh Panaro [Phantom]

[The Phantom]

Hugh Panaro is one of my favorite Phantom's on Broadway because he was the first Phantom that I saw when I went to see the musical in April of 2004 at the Majestic in New York. He's also played Raoul in 1991, and Phantom in 1999, and then came back in 2003 to continue playing the role to this date. :)

[cinty]

I have heard several sound files and such of Hugh and am soooo impressed. I am also an avid checker of his official site and am prepared to admit, whatever fangirls may jump on me and slowly kill me, that he is far more handsome than Gerard Butler. :P His singing voice is gorgeous and he really is just marvellous. I wish I could see him live. *sigh* All the way down here in Australia it's kind of impossible.

[Countess Cain]

I've never gotten to see him, unfortunately. I've heard he's going to leave later on this year, too. (To play Lestat or something, I believe.)

[IamErik771]

Aye, he'll be leaving next July, I think. He's got such a great voice and awesome acting ability, it'll be a shame to see him go. I hope I get at least one chance to go to NYC and see him perform before then.

[The Phantom]

Hmmm, he's leaving next July? That means that they're going to be needing a new Phantom! Heh, that's so tempting to go up to New York and audition, just for the heck of it. But I don't really have the money to be making a trip up there. An experience to be Phantom would be worth the money though. :)

[Forgotten Angel]

I'm seeing PotO with him this Friday! :-D As soon as the show is over, I'm gonna run to the stage door and wait for him to come out so I can get his autograph. ^_^ Ooooooh, so Hugh's the one playing Lestat? AWESOME! Yet another reason for me to go see THAT show when it comes out. ^_^

[cinty]

Originally posted by The Phantom
Hmmm, he's leaving next July? That means that they're going to be needing a new Phantom! Heh, that's so tempting to go up to New York and audition, just for the heck of it. But I don't really have the money to be making a trip up there. An experience to be Phantom would be worth the money though. :)
oh my gosh!! Make sure you tell us all about it and have a really good time!!!

[Reza Khan]

Originally posted by The Phantom
Hmmm, he's leaving next July? That means that they're going to be needing a new Phantom! Heh, that's so tempting to go up to New York and audition, just for the heck of it. But I don't really have the money to be making a trip up there. An experience to be Phantom would be worth the money though. :)
Hey, you could always go and join the chorus or something, if the whole Phantom thing doesn't work out. :D

I might get to Hugh as the Phantom before he's done, but I don't know. I'm going to be in NYC for choir next June (possibly March/April instead) and we'll be going to a show of some sort. If I can convince my choir teacher to take us to PotO, I'll be the happiest person you could ever hope to know.

[phoenix*angel]

I've only heard one song sung by him, but thought he had a really great voice. It's too bad I won't be able to see him on Broadway, but I like the guy replacing him also. I've looked around a lot and as far as I know Hugh is leaving Broadway by early October to be replaced by Howard McGillin.

[operafreak84]

Yep and Howard is NOT one of my favorites. Too much vibrato and he played the role too long. Became bored, probably. If anyone wants to hear him , PM me.

[IamErik771]

I've heard Howard, and I think he'd make a better Piangi than a Phantom. IMO, he's nowhere near emotional enough for the role. And yes, Hugh is leaving in October. The information I posted above is incorrect; forgive me. :)

[Reza Khan]

Oh, I really hope I can see him. I've heard good things about him from many people. But the tickets for PotO are so expensive...

[IssyBelle]

Yea, He's leaving unfortunately *sad sniff* He's an amazing Phantom, I've seen him three times. I never really cried when I saw any other phantoms (except Davis Gaines - he was amazing). But Hugh just makes you sob. If anyone's interested I have a picture of my friends and me with Hugh ^^ from when we went in July. Hopefully we're going again this month before he leaves on October 1st.

[xzach]

I've seen Panaro twice, and I don't think he plays a good phantom! He sings well, but his acting sucks!!!!

- Zach

[Christine Daaé]

Zach, just to let you know, one- or two-line posts are what's called spam. Try to make your posts longer, okay?

Back on topic: I hear Panaro is great. Are there any POTO recordings of him out there?

~ Zelda

[Nicholas]

When you say he is playing Lestat in the near future, do you mean the Vampire Lestat?

[operafreak84]

Originally posted by Nicholas
When you say he is playing Lestat in the near future, do you mean the Vampire Lestat?

Yes.:)

[operafreak84]

Originally posted by Christine Daaé
Zach, just to let you know, one- or two-line posts are what's called spam. Try to make your posts longer, okay?

Back on topic: I hear Panaro is great. Are there any POTO recordings of him out there?

~ Zelda

Oh, PM me if you want to hear Hugh.:)

[Nicholas]

In what, may I ask. A movie?

[operafreak84]

Originally posted by Nicholas
In what, may I ask. A movie?

No, in something else.;)

[Nicholas]

What would that something else be, or do you know? I am sorry if I am annoying you, but I really must know, I am a huge fan of Anne Rice, Lestat,etc.

[cinty]

Originally posted by Nicholas
What would that something else be, or do you know? I am sorry if I am annoying you, but I really must know, I am a huge fan of Anne Rice, Lestat,etc.
It's a stage musical adaption of the book, I believe. Hugh will be performing the title role. It will be a great role for him!:)

[Forgotten Angel]

Yeah, my friends and I are already talking about buying tickets in advance to see it. XD I'm a huge fan of Anne Rice myself, and to see Hugh playing the vampire rock god Lestat would be a dream come true. :D One question I'd have, though, is who is playing Marius? :tongue: But that's not important. What's important is that it's Hugh playing Lestat, which means it's a must-see. :D

Hey, he'll be on the original cast recording! That means everybody will be able to listen to his voice soon! :D

[IamErik771]

I'm still upset that they never made a cast recording for him as the Phantom, but I can't wait to hear him as Lestat. I love Anne Rice's books! :D

[Lady Raithe]

I'm counting down the days until Oct. 30th when I can buy my tickets! Sadly, I'll have finals on opening night *le sigh* but I'll be home on the 21st of Dec. and will be at the Curran shortly thereafter!!!

[Music Angel]

I'm his biggest fan but what do you think? I don't think I'd be able to leave him. I would NEVER Pick Raoul. Erik would be my man :phanc1: :phanc2: !

~ Music Angel (Broadway's Next Christine :phanc2: (jk))

[Starr]

I haven't had the pleasure to see Hugh Panaro's Phantom on Broadway, but I was introduced to Hugh's beautiful voice by his friend and literal #1 fan, Paula...
creator of his official web site Hugh Panaro. Net (http://www.hugh-panaro.net/) :D

[Bee]

Hugh Panaro has THE most amazing voice :)

[The Floor]

Yeah, I've heard some recordings ^_^ And later this year, I ish seeing PotO live! Wheeeeeeee! ::goes into spastic PotO dancing spree:

[NamelessAngel]

I have had the pleasure of hearing him do his rendition of phantom. And he has the most gorgeous voice I've ever heard in poto & also in Lestat

[Purple Death]

Hugh Panaro rocks my fuzzy socks.
His Final Lair is played SO well. One minute he's begging, the next he's threatening, and then he's being sarcastic and witty...and his voice is just...wow...
And he's really good in Lestat, too, I'm so sad it's closing. -Sobs-

[Starr]

Here is a vid that someone posted on youtube of Hugh as the Phantom during the PotO scene...

Hugh Panaro Phantom video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROGWm0vSjzU&search=phantom%20of%20the%20opera)

[AAW0487]

Hugh Panaro sounds so wonderful and yet I have not heard anything from him! ::sigh:: I need to catch up on these different Phantom's! Maybe I will try to find some of his music...::wanders off to find Hugh::

[eriks_protege]

Dreamy. His Phantom is dreamy, although nowhere near Michael's.

[Starr]

Originally posted by AAW0487
Hugh Panaro sounds so wonderful and yet I have not heard anything from him! ::sigh:: I need to catch up on these different Phantom's! Maybe I will try to find some of his music...::wanders off to find Hugh::

If you got to Huge Panaro.net (http://www.hugh-panaro.net/) you can probrobly find out when his 1st cd will be released or where you can get various broadway artisted cd's that he is on, I believe that there is at least one.

[AAW0487]

Thanks Starr! I'm going to check into it right away!

::wanders off to look up music and imagine how dreamy Hugh is::;)

[Starr]

No Problem! The site was created by a friend of mine, Paula. She also knows Hugh personally.

[AAW0487]

Okay I feel a little bit dumb. *Blushes* I was cleaning out my room and found my Playbill from NY when we went to see POTO. So I decided to see who played the Phantom and it says Hugh! So I suppose I can elaborate on him more! I loved him as the Phantom! He had a spectacular performace! He is def. one of my favorite Phantom's! His voice is wonderful!

[MllePaula]

Now that I'm here, I just had to look for a thread on Hugh.

Hugh was my first stage Phantom in the spring of 2005. I ended up seeing him fifteen times in the role before he left and I was lucky enough to attend his final performance. It turned out I'd also seen him as Marius in "Les Miserables" years ago.

After seeing him as The Phantom a second time, I met him at the stage door and he made an incredible impression on me as such an incredibly sweet, humble, gracious person.

A month later, I went back and asked him if I could do a web site for him. I was surprised he agreed since he's extremely computer-phobic.

I didn't get to see the San Francisco preview of "Lestat" and we sort of lost touch for six months. I didn't think he'd remember me on the first night of Broadway previews. I was wrong. When he got to the stage door, he yelled my name, tackle-hugged me, and gave me a big kiss.

I got to know him pretty well during the two short months of "Lestat." I attended the premiere party with my friend, Bonnie (she took the Phamlet photo in the av). "Lestat" wasn't a perfect show, but it had a terrific cast and wasn't as bad as some said. Even if it had been a perfect show, it would have failed for other reasons.

Last year, I got over a fear of flying and flew to Seattle to see him in a revival of Sondheim's "Company." As much as I will always love him at The Phantom, his performance as Bobby was the best I've seen from him. His "Being Alive" made the trip worthwhile.

His solo album was supposed to have been released this fall, but there are a lot of frustrating delays with the label. He's promised me an update on it soon, though.

Anyhow, while I really admire him as a performer, I like Hugh even better as a person...he really is a beautiful, caring, funny, generous human being.

[Christine's Shadow]

This isn't extremely related to Phantom, but more just Hugh.

(I'm doing this to save Paula from double posting)

He had a concert Friday and there are a few pictures posted Here (http://panarophiles.net/board/YaBB.pl?num=1196526130/30#30). :D I just love his stage presence. It resonates through his performances, and heck. Even his pictures.

[MllePaula]

I've got really terrific news of an upcoming role for Hugh, but I have to wait for the producers to make the official cast announcement (which should be soon) before I can post about it. I've known since he auditioned around Thanksgiving and I'm getting terribly impatient.

There will also be some news about his solo album, but I have to wait until he gives me permission to announce that.

[Christine's Shadow]

Just so Paula doesn't explode-- and she avoids double-posting! I will announce great news! Yay! I feel special!

*Bounces up and down*

From Hugh-Panaro [dot] Net:

February 28, 2008

It's official at last! Hugh Panaro will be starring as Jean Valjean in this summer's new production of Les Miserables at the Walnut Street Theatre in his own hometown of Philadelphia!

Click here to read the official announcement at walnutstreettheatre.org (http://www.walnutstreettheatre.org/season/lesmis-news.php?id=65)

Congrats to Hugh! And excitement! I hope I'll be able to see him once I'm down in the states this summer!

[MllePaula]

Rehearsals are underway now and Hugh is growing a beard for the role.

You cannot imagine how excited I am for this...my favorite performer and a dear friend playing what has long been one of my dream roles for him.

Hugh and I will be doing an interview via e-mail for his web site before the show opens. I have a list of questions already, but if there is anything you'd like me to ask him about Les Miserables (he has played both Marius and now Valjean), please let me know! I'll also include a few general questions.

I'll be sending him the questions on Friday...so think fast and ask!

You can post them here or e-mail me over at his site.

[IamErik771]

There's an awesome interview with Hugh Panaro posted at DC Theatre Scene. He gets to talk about his experiences starring as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, as well as the other shows he has performed in, actors he has worked with, and much more -- you can hear it here! (http://dctheatrescene.com/2008/07/01/hugh-panaro/) It even features four soundclips from the production of Les Mis that Hugh is performing in!

I love how he and Paul Schoeffler (Javert) introduced their characters to the cast. :D

[MllePaula]

I am so incredibly happy for Hugh, winner of the 2008 Barrymore Award for his AMAZING performance as Jean Valjean.

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/122061.html

[IamErik771]

Ooh, wow, this is fantastic news! I wish I could have been there to see him play the role live, but judging from the little I've seen and heard of his Valjean, he definitely deserved the recognition. :D

[MllePaula]

For anyone in the Washington D.C./Fairfax, Va. area, there's a terrific chance to see Hugh perform a mini-concert, ask questions, and meet him. He's doing the ArtSpeak event at the West Springfield High School on November 5. It's open to the general public and FREE.

Links to more information are on his site or go to Facebook and search for the event Artspeak! With Hugh Panaro.

And, yes, I'm going...even though it's an eight-hour bus trip for me.

[The Countess]

Hugh is simply fabulous! I've never had the pleasure to see him live but I have seen many clips of him on youtube. My favorite number of his was his very sarcastic Final Lair with...I think Rebecca Pitcher. Anyway, it was awe-inspring how he just took the role and made it his own. He was a great and very original Phantom.

[MllePaula]

Hugh is simply fabulous! I've never had the pleasure to see him live but I have seen many clips of him on youtube. My favorite number of his was his very sarcastic Final Lair with...I think Rebecca Pitcher. Anyway, it was awe-inspring how he just took the role and made it his own. He was a great and very original Phantom.

I was at that matinee with Rebecca that's on youtube now. One of the really great things about Hugh's Final Lairs was that he never did the exact same performance twice...even on two-show days. He was always varying subtle details from show to show to keep it very fresh.

For anyone who doesn't know, Hugh is doing Oliver! in his native Philadelphia through early January. As Fagin, of course...and he looks so perfectly nasty in his make-up.

Philly Inquirer just did a nice interview/article today...

http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/arts/20091206_The_Broadway_star_from_East_Oak_Lane__app earing_in__quot_Oliver__quot___has_leading-man_looks__a_great_tenor_voice__and_the_soul_of_a_ big__generous_kid_.html

Also...a young woman who had been a fan since he did Show Boat in the mid-90s passed away of cancer on November 18 which happened to be Opening Night for Oliver!. Hugh knew Jennifer pretty well and he did a lovely video tribute to her which I've got on his site.

http://www.hugh-panaro.net/Jennifer.htm

[Soprano Rose]

I agree with the above posts that Hugh is fabulous! I only wish I could have seen him live.
Paula, that tribute video was very touching. I'll remember to pray for her family.

[MllePaula]

Thanks, Soprano Rose.

Hugh recently did a podcast interview for D.C. Theatre Scene. He talks a lot about transforming himself into Fagin for Oliver! and again mentions wanting to play Sweeney Todd (I'd so love to see that).

http://dctheatrescene.com/2009/12/10/hugh-panaro-gets-into-fagin-makeup/

If you search that link, there's a longer interview that he did during Les Miserables which I very highly recommend.

[MllePaula]

Since Hugh returned to the Broadway production as The Phantom on September 7, it's a good time to bump this thread. :updown2:

http://www.hugh-panaro.net/tn-500_pjz_sep07_10_phantom_hugh_panaro_0211.jpg