www.hugh-panaro... Hugh Panaro performing "The Music of the Night" at the September 17, 2006 Bucks County Cabaret to benefit amFAR. Video exclusive to HPN - please do not repost without permission.
I can not get enough of this man. I've got a bazillion clips of his singing on my iPod... and I still want more. He's incredible. Although... I'm not sure if he's my favorite Phantom.
He's the best of the cast. His music of the night performance really touch me deeply. And his acting is so convincing! I would definitely love to go and see him perform again.
I just saw Phantom last week and Huge was incredible! I'm watching this and it's bringing me to tears just remembering how breath taking the performance was. His voice is perfect and beautiful and this song is captivating!
Hugh is definitely my favorite among all the Phantoms I've seen live. He has such a sweet, beautiful, sensitive voice. He's not an "opera-y" Phantom, which is refreshing. And he's the only Phantom I've ever seen to sneak in a little kiss during Music of the Night. Did anyone else ever see him do that in NYC?
i saw phantom the other night with hugh as phantom... it was absolutely breathtaking. I also got to hang out with him backstage after and he's one of the coolest and sweetest guys i've ever met.
I saw Phantom for the first time with my gf last night. I did not know much about the musical beforehand, just that is was very popular and the mask, of course. She really wanted to see it. I thought it would be just okay... I loved it and Hugh was by far the best in the cast! I am now a huge fan.... :-)
Hi Molly! I had only seen a short clip or two of Hugh performing this candid. Just about everyone at my table was in tears during this. It was just so incredible.
Well, it was a private concert and he spoke to the audience a lot like that, sharing some stories about himself and the songs he was performing. It was a chance for the audience to get to know him and everyone really enjoyed that.
I love his voice! I never saw him as Phantom, but I did see him in Martin Guerre and even got him to sign my book. And I saw him in Lestat, and he signed that one too. Too bad both of them flopped, although Martin Guerre is still one of my favorites to this day. I also saw him in Company here in Seattle, but didn't get that one signed. I hope he knows that I was still there:-)
Hugh IS Erik. i was lucky enough to see the man twice. beautiful, beautiful man full of emotions and this PRESENCE that few possess on Broadway (or elsewhere). i sincerely hope he comes back to the Opéra Populaire, and soon. ~Thea
It's combination. His mother was classically trained and he's mentioned that his grandmother had a beautiful voice. He began singing when he was 12 going on 13. His parents took him to see the original "Annie" and he said, "I can do that!" He started lessons and had his first role a few months later in "The Sounds of Music."
*imitates Hugh* Thank you Paula! :) :) Can't watch these clips at the moment, but I will definitely be doing so later. And I'm subscribing to your clips... why didn't I before???
As always, Panaro is the best. If anyone has clips of him actually IN the play, I'd worship you and such. I've seen his most incredible scene- Where he hits the perfect note in "All I Ask of You Reprise", and that's the preferable scene I'd love to see.. I really hope whoever posted it posts it again. Don't let The Man bring youse down. xD (Curse youtube and it's copyright rules.)
No doubt- from what I've seen and heard, and what you say of him- I'd love to see him in concert or performance. WORLD TOUR- That'd be awesome, as he connects well with an audience. Yeah... XD
Both Hugh and my contact at his label have said they're aiming for a fall release for the CD. I assume he's going to really focus on it when he gets back from Europe and the Streisand tour. I'll definitely be keeping everyone updated about the album at his site as soon as things really start to come together for it.
Aw, he's so sweet- esspecially during that talk in bit, he was pointing at you? Wouldn't be my favourite phantom as everyones tastes differs, but he'd be up there somewhere- Cannot wait to get my hands on his cd-
@heylookitsrobyn Hugh is back playing the Phantom right now. Howard McGillin played the role for a few years after Hugh left, then John Cudia took over for Howard. But Hugh came back to the role last September.
I think part of the problem was the fact that they did have a chance to really run through the songs before the performance. He arrived maybe half an hour before the performance. He and Hugh were supposed to at least give the song list a quick look, but by the time Hugh stopped to chat with people he recognized, they barely had time for that. Not to mention, repeated mike issues. I look forward to your e-mail, though!
The pianist was Phil Reno, musical director for "The Drowsy Chaperone." Poor Phil almost didn't make it to the benefit do to a flight delay. Hugh said he was running through the songs on the piano in case he had to provide his own accompianment. I actually rather like the faster arrangment, though. It wouldn't work in the musical, but for a concert setting, I thought it was fine.
One person's "best" is another person's "worst." I know a lot of people are going to disagree with you so I need to say this now - if this thread turns into yet another Gerry vs. (fill in your favorite stage Phantom) fight, I will temporarily disable comments. There are plenty of forums to carry on the old stage vs film debate.
@xXxInnocentAngelxXx1 yeah he really doesn't like to take pictures after shows. I saw him the other night and my friend that's in the show brought me to his dressing room after and he told me he doesn't like to take pictures with any of his makeup on or after he takes it off because his face is really shiny from the remover. he's such a sweet guy though.
The pianist's definitely going a tad too fast, but Hugh Panaro is brilliant anyway. He's my all time favorite Phantom - I was lucky enough to see him twice! Oh, but if only I'd known about stage doors then!
I think he rushed Hugh through a lot of what I've seen from this footage . . .Phil wasn't looking at Hugh to take the musical cues from him, and while I would have loved to have been at this concert, I wish Phil had taken his time to allow Hugh to display his full talent. He rushed him right through Being Alive, too. I'll have to e-mail you about my experience of meeting Hugh at the Opening Night party for Company
"Being Alive" was the final song in a 2 hr concert during which he struggled with a fever & lung constriction from a spider bite. The illness progressed during the course of the show & he ended up in the ER later. Despite it, the final song was well-received by his audience, many of whom were not familiar with him & he got the standing ovation he deserved. He is the last person who would get by on "being cute." As for Phantom, it's strictly your opinion & many respectfully disagree.
Lestat ran for about a month of previews on Broadway and closed about a month after opening night. It had short trial run in San Francisco before that. The show had a lot of problems. The books weren't well-adapted for the stage, the revisions were didn't work well, there was a lack of good promotion. So, it was a serious flop, despite a good cast.
While I do like Michael Ball, I'm not entirely sure what he or the London production really have to with a cabaret performance by a former Broadway Phantom.
I agree, although, Hugh is a natural tenor and Josh Groban a baritone... so that's probably why ;) Sort of comparing apples to oranges, but regardless, I like Hugh better anyway.
Wow he is an amazing phantom! The best in my opinion. His voice is absolutely beautiful! But what the hell was with the pianist? He was going way to fast!
He's not too bad here in a concert setting. However, Panaro was simply the worst "name talent" to ever play Phantom. His performance was pitchy at best; pompous arrogant and over the top at worst. His version of "Being Alive" was also particularly bad. Being cute isn't enough.
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This is so special. Thank you paula for sharing this beautiful moment
I can not get enough of this man. I've got a bazillion clips of his singing on my iPod... and I still want more. He's incredible.
Although... I'm not sure if he's my favorite Phantom.
He's the best of the cast. His music of the night performance really touch me deeply. And his acting is so convincing! I would definitely love to go and see him perform again.
I just saw Phantom last week and Huge was incredible! I'm watching this and it's bringing me to tears just remembering how breath taking the performance was. His voice is perfect and beautiful and this song is captivating!
Hugh Panaro is a marvel. Wonderful voice, wonderful man. Bravo!
I saw him in NYC as the phantom, one of the most wonderful voices i have ever heard live!
I was so lucky to have watched him play the Phantom when I first watched the show. Love him :)
Hugh is definitely my favorite among all the Phantoms I've seen live. He has such a sweet, beautiful, sensitive voice. He's not an "opera-y" Phantom, which is refreshing. And he's the only Phantom I've ever seen to sneak in a little kiss during Music of the Night. Did anyone else ever see him do that in NYC?
Very very very sweet! Thank you, Paula!
Oh so beautiful!!!! I'm ever so glad he's coming back to Broadway. He belongs at the Majestic.
i saw phantom the other night with hugh as phantom... it was absolutely breathtaking. I also got to hang out with him backstage after and he's one of the coolest and sweetest guys i've ever met.
His version of this song is so clear and sweet and...innocent. That's too bad about the ER visit! What a performer to make it through so well!
I saw Phantom for the first time with my gf last night. I did not know much about the musical beforehand, just that is was very popular and the mask, of course. She really wanted to see it. I thought it would be just okay... I loved it and Hugh was by far the best in the cast! I am now a huge fan.... :-)
Hi Molly! I had only seen a short clip or two of Hugh performing this candid. Just about everyone at my table was in tears during this. It was just so incredible.
Hugh was an AMAZING Phantom... I got chills every time he sang.
Wow. He has a really pleasant voice. Sweet, sensual, he can hit high and low notes. I'm melting right now. He is really fantastic.
Well, it was a private concert and he spoke to the audience a lot like that, sharing some stories about himself and the songs he was performing. It was a chance for the audience to get to know him and everyone really enjoyed that.
I love his voice!
I never saw him as Phantom, but I did see him in Martin Guerre and even got him to sign my book. And I saw him in Lestat, and he signed that one too. Too bad both of them flopped, although Martin Guerre is still one of my favorites to this day. I also saw him in Company here in Seattle, but didn't get that one signed. I hope he knows that I was still there:-)
Yes, he was pointing at me. That meant a lot coming from him because he's really a genuinely wonderful person.
Hugh IS Erik.
i was lucky enough to see the man twice. beautiful, beautiful man full of emotions and this PRESENCE that few possess on Broadway (or elsewhere). i sincerely hope he comes back to the Opéra Populaire, and soon.
~Thea
It's combination. His mother was classically trained and he's mentioned that his grandmother had a beautiful voice. He began singing when he was 12 going on 13. His parents took him to see the original "Annie" and he said, "I can do that!" He started lessons and had his first role a few months later in "The Sounds of Music."
love this... he is the only man who should ever play this part...
I just saw him play Phantom on Saturday. He was amazing.
I sat in the front row next to huge during music of the night on the stage. Omg i was in tears. I was crying until huge spit on me.
Whoo! Go, Hugh! And my favourite song, too!
It was held in Bucks County, Pennsylvania on 9/17/06. It was a cabaret-style show to benefit AIDS research through amFAR.
WOW Thank you Paula! Very nice vid!
Jenn
Going to see him TONIGHT!! Will let you know how it is!
*imitates Hugh* Thank you Paula! :) :) Can't watch these clips at the moment, but I will definitely be doing so later. And I'm subscribing to your clips... why didn't I before???
As always, Panaro is the best. If anyone has clips of him actually IN the play, I'd worship you and such. I've seen his most incredible scene- Where he hits the perfect note in "All I Ask of You Reprise", and that's the preferable scene I'd love to see.. I really hope whoever posted it posts it again. Don't let The Man bring youse down. xD (Curse youtube and it's copyright rules.)
No doubt- from what I've seen and heard, and what you say of him- I'd love to see him in concert or performance. WORLD TOUR- That'd be awesome, as he connects well with an audience. Yeah... XD
Both Hugh and my contact at his label have said they're aiming for a fall release for the CD. I assume he's going to really focus on it when he gets back from Europe and the Streisand tour. I'll definitely be keeping everyone updated about the album at his site as soon as things really start to come together for it.
He's finally recording his first solo album.
in my opinion he is the best phantom and this is how the phantom should sound. his voice is very and beautiful
Aw, he's so sweet- esspecially during that talk in bit, he was pointing at you?
Wouldn't be my favourite phantom as everyones tastes differs, but he'd be up there somewhere- Cannot wait to get my hands on his cd-
Hes coming back September 7th!
No, the pianist was Phil Reno, musical director for "The Drowsy Chaperone.
Hugh is amazing. He was my first Phantom, and he'll always have a special place in my heart for that. Does anyone know when his solo album comes out?
he srsly needs his cd, a soundtrack of phantom of the opera broadway would be amazing , saw them in begining of may--AMAZING!!
Absolutely swoon-worthy
@heylookitsrobyn Hugh is back playing the Phantom right now. Howard McGillin played the role for a few years after Hugh left, then John Cudia took over for Howard. But Hugh came back to the role last September.
I wish I could play the piano like that.
I agree.
Because not only is he singing "MOTN," but he's doing it OUT of costume, so we can see his gorgeous face! XD
It's the name of The Phantom in the original novel by Gaston Leroux.
I think part of the problem was the fact that they did have a chance to really run through the songs before the performance. He arrived maybe half an hour before the performance. He and Hugh were supposed to at least give the song list a quick look, but by the time Hugh stopped to chat with people he recognized, they barely had time for that. Not to mention, repeated mike issues. I look forward to your e-mail, though!
Hugh is so awesome. I wish he was still doing phantom... Does anyone know whats he's working on now?
The pianist was Phil Reno, musical director for "The Drowsy Chaperone." Poor Phil almost didn't make it to the benefit do to a flight delay. Hugh said he was running through the songs on the piano in case he had to provide his own accompianment. I actually rather like the faster arrangment, though. It wouldn't work in the musical, but for a concert setting, I thought it was fine.
@RosesNightengales He just had his contract renewed. I believe he'll be there for at least six months before it comes up for renewal again.
Will he play the Phantom till the end of the year? Going to NYC in September, would love to see him!
This was really good..I'd have to say he sings the falsetto A flat the best ("close your eyes....soar")
wow love it your amazeing I can see why they asked him to come back a and play phantom wow 2 best I have herd sences mikel C :)
@ojj75 His contract is until June, but he might renew. Just nothing official yet.
@Alia101 AGREED. best Phantom I've seen.
I thought no one would be able to be as good as Michael Crawford (the original Phantom) but thankfully I'm wrong. :)
I wish I did...but no one recorded that part.
Do you know how long Hugh's going to be in Phantom for?
I know! Who played the piano for this concert?
when and where is this concert held??
WHY DONT THEY HAVE HIM RECORDED?!?
@stitchgrl777 Yes, he meant Hal.
One person's "best" is another person's "worst." I know a lot of people are going to disagree with you so I need to say this now - if this thread turns into yet another Gerry vs. (fill in your favorite stage Phantom) fight, I will temporarily disable comments. There are plenty of forums to carry on the old stage vs film debate.
Could he be any more perfect?
@xXxInnocentAngelxXx1 yeah he really doesn't like to take pictures after shows. I saw him the other night and my friend that's in the show brought me to his dressing room after and he told me he doesn't like to take pictures with any of his makeup on or after he takes it off because his face is really shiny from the remover. he's such a sweet guy though.
The pianist's definitely going a tad too fast, but Hugh Panaro is brilliant anyway. He's my all time favorite Phantom - I was lucky enough to see him twice! Oh, but if only I'd known about stage doors then!
I think he rushed Hugh through a lot of what I've seen from this footage . . .Phil wasn't looking at Hugh to take the musical cues from him, and while I would have loved to have been at this concert, I wish Phil had taken his time to allow Hugh to display his full talent. He rushed him right through Being Alive, too. I'll have to e-mail you about my experience of meeting Hugh at the Opening Night party for Company
"Being Alive" was the final song in a 2 hr concert during which he struggled with a fever & lung constriction from a spider bite. The illness progressed during the course of the show & he ended up in the ER later. Despite it, the final song was well-received by his audience, many of whom were not familiar with him & he got the standing ovation he deserved. He is the last person who would get by on "being cute." As for Phantom, it's strictly your opinion & many respectfully disagree.
Hmph. He sounds so pretty... *sniffs indignantly* Some people get all the luck! *loathes those who've heard Hugh live*
He is fucking hot. And sings like an angel.
Lestat ran for about a month of previews on Broadway and closed about a month after opening night. It had short trial run in San Francisco before that.
The show had a lot of problems. The books weren't well-adapted for the stage, the revisions were didn't work well, there was a lack of good promotion. So, it was a serious flop, despite a good cast.
is it just me or does he sound scottish while singing this ?
but gerard butler is da bomb,(the best) even though he did it in the movie. hes still the best
what is up with the rushing piano!! Booo.
When hugh said "He called me", he meant "Hal Prince called me" right?
hahaha oh god that's so funny
While I do like Michael Ball, I'm not entirely sure what he or the London production really have to with a cabaret performance by a former Broadway Phantom.
lol dude, i wasnt saying hugh panaro was bad. i think all stage phantoms are really good. but i like gerard butlers voice cuz its gruff and manly lol
Quite good! Except I think he might have been a little flat on the high note :P
Like the piano!
I agree, although, Hugh is a natural tenor and Josh Groban a baritone... so that's probably why ;)
Sort of comparing apples to oranges, but regardless, I like Hugh better anyway.
Wow he is an amazing phantom! The best in my opinion. His voice is absolutely beautiful!
But what the hell was with the pianist? He was going way to fast!
Nope. Not ALW, s'far as I can tell. ^_^ But, of course, there's always the possibility (however small) that I may be wrong... meh.
While I'll love Hugh until the day I die...WHY WAS THE SONG SO FRIGGIN' FAST??!! ARRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!! That totally ruined it for me!!! ::sobsobsob::
eh...
He might be better than Michael Crawford and dare I say it Gerard Butler. (The latter was a joke).
This is unbelievable.
He's not too bad here in a concert setting. However, Panaro was simply the worst "name talent" to ever play Phantom. His performance was pitchy at best; pompous arrogant and over the top at worst. His version of "Being Alive" was also particularly bad. Being cute isn't enough.