Keynote Address from Hal Prince

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On Saturday, September 19, 09 Phantom Phans were able to meet a legend in the world of theatre… Harold Prince aka Hal Prince.  Some of you may not be aware of who Hal is… allow me to give you a little insight.

Hal is a producer and director in American theatre.  Hal’s was worked on numerous Broadway productions, including  Damn Yankees, West Side Story, Fiddler on The Roof, Show Boat, Sweeney Todd, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, and Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular.  But, this just a small list from the over sixty Broadway productions Hal has worked with.

Hal is a very talented and honored man, who began directing his own productions in 1962.  Hal has been awarded twenty-one Tony Awards, eight for directing, eight for producing the year’s Best Musical, two for being the best producer of a Musical, and three special awards.  One of those special awards was in 2006 when Hal was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.  In 2000 President Clinton award Hal the National Medal of Arts.

Hal has worked on two of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals… Evita and The Phantom of the Opera.  Hal was asked to direct Cats, also by Andrew Lloyd Webber, but Hal declined.

Hal captured the Phantom Phan audience as soon as he walked on stage.  Hal greeted the audience with a smile, and said “I knew the boxes would be filled anyways.”  Of course Hal was referring to the Eternal Audience.  Hal did not speak much of himself; rather he opened himself up for questions.  He allowed Phans to ask him what they really wanted to know, rather than telling them something they already knew or did not wish to know.

Hal spoke fondly of Andrew Lloyd Webber and told stories about his coming to be director Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular.  When Andrew Lloyd Webber asked Hal what he thought about making a musical of the “Phantom of the Opera.” “I said I’ll do it…and he hadn’t even asked me.”

At the end of the session, Hal sat just outside the theatre, and signed items for the Phans.  A manuscript, a mask, the event badge.  Hal patiently signed what ever was placed before him, and chatting with Phans.  Hal seemed to enjoy this very much and it was wonderful to watch the fans interaction with Hal.

Hal has probably forgotten more than most people will ever know about theatrical producing and directing.  It was an honor and a privilege to meet such a respected and distinguished person in the world of theatre.  Thank you Hal, for sharing some of your special moments and memories with us, it was truly and unforgettable afternoon.

Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”