'It
gave me a lot more courage and diversity of emotions. When I played the
Phantom, I was able to sing the emotions that I had wanted to convey for
so long but hadn't found the outlet. I went so deep to find that man; it
was a character that allowed me to do that. It literally opened the door
for me to sing the real emotions of the heart, and to feel safe doing that.
It was a beautiful gift as an artist. And the public accepted it so well,
that I think people now expect to continue to hear that kind of emotion
in my work.'
| More Quotes from MC | Albums |
| Reviews on MC as the Phantom | Pictures |
| Star City Concert Pictures |
Andrew Lloyd Webber heard Michael Crawford sing when he was picking up his wife Sarah Brightman, from singing lessons. Later he called Crawford who was on his holiday from Barnum in Saint Lucia. Michael Crawford accepted the offer and rehearsals finally began in August 1986. The Phantom of the Opera opened in London on Thursday 9 October 1986, where it was generally very well received by members of the public and the press (Reviews). The Original Cast Album shot to No. 1 in the LP charts (which no original cast album has done before). Crawford was highly praised for his spectacular performances (by the critics and audiences alike).
Michael Crawford left London a year later, had a 2 month break before opening Phantom again on Broadway on the 26 January 1988. He stayed there until September 1988. He opened POTO again in Los Abgeles in June 19 playing opposite Dale Kristien who was Christine. After 1069 performances as Phantom, Crawford left on the 28th April 1990, with doctors ordering him to rest his voice for about 7 weeks.
