A Conversation with The Phantom

.The house lights were dimmed, as one would expect, as we awaited the presence of ‘The Phantom.’  Anthony Crivello is the lead in production of Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular.

 As a Phantom Phan, I have seen the Broadway production at least seven times and I have seen the Las Vegas Spectacular at least four times.  As with many Phans, each person within the cast holds a special meaning.  My love has always been for the Phantom, for who he is, what he has endured, and the pain he has suffered.  I may not have the physically disfigurement, but I can relate on other levels to the Phantom.

Anthony strolled in from the wings, confident and composed.  As if we expected anything less.  Anthony undergoes an amazing transformation as the Phantom, and it was interesting to envision this gentleman as my Phantom.

  Anthony was casually dressed in black jeans and a shirt.  Anthony had reached the chair that had been set for him on the empty stage… complete with an end table and a bottle of water.  After all we would like to ensure the health and safety of the Phantom.

Anthony paused just before he reached the chair, just a moments hesitation, many may not of noticed.  At that moment Anthony casually but firmly asked where his chair was.  This chair was not the Phantom’s chair, nor would it be considered suitable.  Spell bound, we held our breath.  Would the theater mangers comply??

Apparently they missed placed the note that the Phantom’s orders were to be obeyed.  With a small sigh of disgust, the Phantom settled himself on the offending chair.

The Phantom welcomed us all to his theater, and proceeded to enlighten us about his past, and how he came to be the Phantom.  Phantom Phans and the eternal audience were spell bound by the Phantom, and listened intently to his words.  Towards the end our time with The Phantom, he would permit the audience to ask questions. 

Anthony is a family man, outside of the theater, and he loves his time with his children and his wife.  As would be expected, it is a fine line to walk, and a challenge to balance the demands of the theater and the demands of a family.  A line and a balance that Anthony has comfortably managed to walk and balance.

Anthony spoke of working with Hal Prince in the past, and that Phantom The Las Vegas Spectacular, was his third time working with Hal.  If you listened close you would have heard the admiration and respect Anthony had for Hal.

Anthony spoke of other productions he had worked with, where he trained as an actor, and Anthony also spoke of his routine to prepare for an evening performance.  Anthony is very comfortable as the Phantom, and he spoke with a great fondness for the Phantom.

Anthony has performed with at least six different Christine’s.  Which for Anthony is very enjoyable, because each Christine is different.  This allows the Phantom to remain fresh and enjoyable for Anthony, as the Phantom appears eight times a week.

Anthony spoke very firmly and clearly, and enhanced his words with hand movements.  This was not distracting and enhanced what he spoke of.  Anthony answered all the questions that were asked of him, some he left mysteriously unanswered. 

Phantom secrets were not shared, but the Phantom did enlighten us with a few details.  Of course those details focused on things that one could see on stage, but depending on your location within his theater, it may have been overlooked or overshadowed by other events during the production.  Out of respect for the Phantom, those details will not be revealed.  My loyalty is to my Phantom, and he has not instructed me to reveal anything.

Anthony is a wonderful person, perfectly suited for Phantom, and it was an honor to be able to speak with him and to listen to him.  Thank you Anthony for being my Phantom, and perhaps we will meet again, as it would be a great honor for me.

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