Today, Explained Phantom ghosts Broadway
Apr 13, 2023
Andrea Long Chu, a writer for Vulture, dives into the cultural legacy of the Phantom of the Opera as it closes after 35 years. She explores the intricate love triangle of the iconic musical, revealing themes of obsession and longing. Chu discusses the show's groundbreaking impact in the 1980s and its unique blend of gothic romance and family-friendly appeal. Reflecting on the emotional responses to its finale, she ponders what this shift means for Broadway's future and the evolution of musical theater.
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Critical Reception
- Phantom opened to massive commercial success but mixed critical reviews in New York.
- Critics often criticized Andrew Lloyd Webber for imitating melodies and lacking originality.
Webber's Imitations
- Webber's music often imitated other artists, like Elvis in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
- Critics accused him of borrowing heavily, with "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina" resembling a Bach piece.
Phantom and the 80s
- Phantom's themes resonated with the 80s, a time of opulence and individualism.
- Critics noted its fit with the era's politics, embodied by figures like Thatcher.