hunterblu

This question is for anyone who has seen Phantom of the Opera at The Venetian --

Are seats in the Golden Circle, Row B, too close for this show?

persians2

I was there in June and had seats in the Golden Circle. Very pricy and I was very disappointed. Much too close. We had to turn around to try to see the chandelier effects and it would have been much better viewed from further back. Skip the front seats. Get back where you can take it all in.

happytrailstoyou

I always prefer seats close to the action; I disagree with persians 2.

PMS

It is always better to sit as far away from the action as possible whether in the theater or at a sports event.

At Phantom, for instance, don't get seats that will give you a good view of what's happening on stage, because a falling chandelier is what the show is all about.

At football games, select seats in the last row at an end zone.

This principle can be used in other areas of life, such as when flying select seats in the last row, next to the toilets.

cherie1

We sat in the Golden Circle and thought our seats were just perfect. I would not have changed a thing.

toedtoes

I haven't seen it in Vegas, but I have found that the best seats are usually in the first messanine. It gives you a full view of the stage but you're far enough away to keep the illusion (actors do drool when they perform).

Having said that, being close does have it's attraction. You get much more of a sense of being a part of the story rather than just a spectator.

sistahlou

Yes, just there and row B is too close. We were in G center which was perfect for us, but we did have to turn to see the chandelier rise and fall, if that matters to you. Have fun!

NeoPatrick

While I normally like being as close as possible and like seeing actors' faces, I will say that I saw two productions of Phantom before realizing that half the cast of the song Masquerade were actually statues. There's something to be said for getting a little distance on a big production like this rather than losing the "theatricality".

But all I know about the Las Vegas production is that much of the original has been cut to make it a much shorter version.

happytrailstoyou

Have you ever noticed in movies that include a scene about the rehearsal of a stage production, the director sits in the orchestra about 8-to-10 rows back and smack dab in the middle?

Why? That's the best seat in the house, and that's where I want to sit: Row J in the middle.

However, when I can't get that seat (and I rarely can) I go for a seat as near to it as possible even if it is in row B and on the side.

hunterblu

having now seen Phantom in Vegas I can answer my own question.... we sat in row P which was supposed to have optimal view of the chandelier scene. Well, optimal is apparently a matter of opinion. We still had to look straight up and all around, though not backwards. In hindsight, I would have preferred to sit closer so I could see the performers faces better. The chandelier scene is so short, and unless you're sitting in the balcony you're going to have to either look up or back or around anyway...

hunterblu

oh and also,-- while I didn't think the Vegas version was that much shorter than the movie version (when it comes to the songs performed), the thing that bothered me about the Vegas version is that all the songs were sung at a slightly faster tempo than the movie version. Anyone else notice that? I didn't like the faster tempo.

sistahlou

Well hunter, since you asked. I have seen Phantom many times before seeing it last week in Vegas.

What I loved: Technicaly superior to bway and road shows. Artistically mor impressive as far as scenery and drapery. Loved the flyfloor stagehands pulling the goods up and down. Loved that action.

What I Hated: Madame Gerrie was horrible. I have seen at least 6 different woman in this role, and she should not have been casted. The whole show was rushed. Haven seen the show very intimately many many times, I kept saying slow down!!! One thing to cut a show,another to speed it up to fit too much in. The tempo was distracting.

Final thoughts: Technicly it was superior. The fact that it takes 39 winches to make the chandelier work is staggering. The side boxes off the orchestra are an impressive reveal.

However, like everything in Vegas, something was lacking. No matter how glossy Hal Prince made it, it was a replica of Phantom, just as the grand resorts are replicas. It lacked that spirit of a broadway show. It felt like a cheap copy with some amazing scenery.

That said I didn't like the first few scenes with the Phantom, but he came thru for the finale, which is really what Phantom is all about.
All in all, I would recomend this, and don't get me started on how much I HATED the movie!

hunterblu

oh gee, I loved the movie!!

Now, I haven't seen Phantom anywhere but the movie and Vegas, so I really can't compare. I'll have to see it in NY sometime.

NeoPatrick

My favorite scene in the movie was when the entire opera house is engulfed in flames and several characters are running though as the roof is falling in, etc. The ballet mistress is heading off to look for Christine below the theatre and her daughter says something like "should I come with you?" The mother actually replies, "no you stay here." What a wonderful way to get rid of a daughter you don't want -- stay here in the building that is burning and falling down on top of you! Bet they don't do that in the Vegas production!

toedtoes

I liked the movie, but it doesn't hold up to a good stage production (but then how many movies do?). I do like Gerard Butler quite a lot though.

HappyTrails - I find I have a hard time seeing 8-10 rows back because I always get some irritating person who has to constantly move around sitting in front of me. I definitely think it's the best seat at rehearsal when no one else is around.

When I sat in the 2nd row in SF, I was situated directly in front of the mirror, directly under the path of the chandelier, and directly below the roof angel. There was something truly magical about that.

hunterblu

I like Gerard Butler as The Phantom quite a lot, too

Lori

I've seen Phantom 12 times (London, Los Angeles, Phoenix all several times). I am seeing it in Las Vegas this week (Thurs.) so I will certainly be able to add to this thread We are in "Golden Circle" Row E, Center.

I might add that I thought the movie version was quite horrible, I would never want to see it again.

My favorite Phantom was Michael Crawford, we saw him in London and several times in LA. The "other" Phantoms were all good, but Michael was tops.

sistahlou

Lori, I am so looking forward to your review!!! Have a wonderful trip!!!

hunterblu

well, gee, I must just be a bassackwards idiot to have liked the movie so much.


sure wish i wuz as sophisticated as you guys so I knew what a bad movie wuz when i seen it

toedtoes

Hunterblu - it's OK. I enjoyed the movie a lot too, but then I knew it was going to be the different than the stage show and I was prepared for it. I also have the soundtrack and I quite enjoy it.