In the book he was a tenor. He was said to have the "angel of a voice", in which case brighter voices fit better. It also fits better with the character beneath the dark facade. The vulnerable, shier person, who only dares to do what he does because of his mask, his ghostly reputation... he gets away with things because he knows he can do so. He has ways of getting out of every trouble in the opera house. He is not really that dark. Not truly. Or he is, but it's like a shadow side of his personality, that comes out because he's able to be so anonymous and not persecuted... until people see his face.
I could care less about his skin color. Norm Lewis is just amazing! Why are people talking about his skin color rather than his talent? It seems to not do him justice.
He's my favorite Javert, just has that menace the character needs, every scene where he's directly against any other character, you just feel that presence
I wish he had also played him in the movie. I love Russell Crowe, but I'd been hoping to see Norm onscreen in the part since I first heard they were making a movie, and I just don't feel like Russell's voice or style were right for the part. Love listening to him with his band, though.
+chris green Philly It is because they intended to use the whole mask in the show (the one you see in the ads), but it covered too much of the face, and made it difficult to both act and sing. Therefor they changed it to a half mask, but the ads were already made. They decided to go with the ads that were already made, because a) it is expensive to make new, and b) it looked cool on the posters. :)
I’m still hoping that Norm will come and do Phantom in London. I loved his Javert when he did it in London. I believe it’s time to opening casting for shows like phantom, les mis etc.
Wow what a voice he has, his voice is truly haunting and powerful although like Micheal Crawford too. I think it's great to have a black phantom even as a white lass, he has such talent with his voice
Jeez I wish i saw him live. He's my favorite phantom! I saw Eric Ruiz as phantom with Katie Travis as Christine. Both were AMAZING, but there's something that Norm seems to add to phantom that's special and I would of loved to see that live.
Must've been a tiny bit awkward that Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess played father and daughter in The Little Mermaid and play romantic partners in this show. I'm grateful I got to watch him and Sierra in Phantom, it was spectacular.
I mean, they weren't playing romantic partners though? Christine's love interest is Raoul. She never loved the Phantom. She just pitied him. Phantom's love for a Christine was unrequited and more so an obsession than actual love. Plus they're actors so they're professional.
On June 12, 1967 Loving v. Virginia struck down the ban against inter-racial marriages. What I saw here was no one thought twice about an inter-racial couple. Definite progress. I do wonder if they will ever change the color of the mask to something other than white.
TheTzaddisister Yes！！！He's already been in the Broadway of king Triton, and it would be great if he were in the movie version!!!!!!!!Norm is soooooooooo amazing!!!!😭😭😭😭😭😭
I just thought about something. I heard this man’s voice on Jesus Christ superstar last Sunday on Easter. It would be cool if he played Michigan J frog in that classic Mary Mellodys if they brought it back. Well, if they did a remake of one froggy evening, they should have Norm Lewis do the voice of the frog.
well before him they hired robert Guilluame ( Benson) to play the phantom but the public wasn't having it (a black guy playing the phantom) back then..norman lewis is really good
Yes but however after running in the West End he did go to Broadway and then ended up touring with the rest of the original cast. My parents got to see them I'm so jealous
Ariana LaMark Did you see Michael Crawford on Broadway? You said your parents saw him? If you didn't see both Michael Crawford and Norm Lewis on Broadway how can you agree or disagree?
He's a great Phantom but the greatest to ever sing on Broadway? In the very least Michael Crawford would like a word....dude was vying heavy for some woke points there lol
So if anyone thinks a person who happens to be black is the best at said thing over a more famous white person, it's woke? Maybe they just think Norm is the best. Some people like Michael Crawford the best, some people like Ramin Karimloo the best and others Norm Lewis. Doesn't always have to be woke.
Norm himself said that it's very hard for a person of colour to get a role like this and when you add the fact that he's on fricking Broadway than it's a whole different thing
Why does color even have to be a rammed issue? I get it, but why does it have to be this way? And that he says "colored" to him. I hate humans. Mostly.
STUPID NEW ANCHOR, “I think he’s the best Phantom ever that been one Broadway.” Yet this was his first time seeing the show. The black is FAR from THE BEST, his high-“Be” was shaky and out of turn at first. FAR from the best, color aside!
He's a good actor but he's not Phantom material. This is just change to spite the original. He's not even a tenor. The character description of the Phantom does not fit this man. The same as a blond-haired blue-eyed Javert does not fit as well, nor does in fact, a pale blond-haired blue-eyed or dark-skinned, short-haired actor playing Jesus Christ. These characters in their Orthodoxy are not to be changed as any other rigid character. If you feel so strongly that there are not enough black actors on Broadway or characters then begin writing Productions so there will be the opportunity and roles where they may fit the bill or should anyone be cast into a role that they bear no resemblance to let them use makeup to make them look like the original character. Anyone.
I loved him but first of all: i personally think that norm lewis is better because he also has an incredible singing voice And second of all: this is a video about norm Lewis, why are you compering phantoms?
+angelea williams White in the sense of "white skin" is colour though. There does not exist a human that is literally white, nor one that is literally black. They are very light pink or beige, and very light or dark brown.
FINALLY! A deep voice for Phantom! I always thought Phantom should sound much older than Christine and Raoul!
Cow Henderson Agree that's why Gerard Butler has been my favorite and now norm Lewis is my second favorite
Well, dang. I never thought of that before. Of course. Obviously.
You should check out Anthony Warlow. He’s a lyric baritone and we had him on the Australian tour!
His deep voice makes an amazing contrast to Christine's.
In the book he was a tenor. He was said to have the "angel of a voice", in which case brighter voices fit better. It also fits better with the character beneath the dark facade. The vulnerable, shier person, who only dares to do what he does because of his mask, his ghostly reputation... he gets away with things because he knows he can do so. He has ways of getting out of every trouble in the opera house. He is not really that dark. Not truly. Or he is, but it's like a shadow side of his personality, that comes out because he's able to be so anonymous and not persecuted... until people see his face.
The very white phantom mask and his gourgeous black skin make beautiful contrast !
Did they forget he's played Javert on Broadway and the west end in Les Miserables?
I could care less about his skin color. Norm Lewis is just amazing! Why are people talking about his skin color rather than his talent? It seems to not do him justice.
He's my favorite Javert, just has that menace the character needs, every scene where he's directly against any other character, you just feel that presence
I wish he had also played him in the movie. I love Russell Crowe, but I'd been hoping to see Norm onscreen in the part since I first heard they were making a movie, and I just don't feel like Russell's voice or style were right for the part. Love listening to him with his band, though.
TalulahCarmichael2 Same.
OrcDragon65 He’s mine as well. His presence is perfect for the role.
I never heard of Norm Lewis until now. His voice is very impressive.
Ahh the way he sings "close your eyes"♡♡♡ my heart bursts. he's so handsome & has the most beautiful sultry voice!
Now that the show is coming to an end I can say that Norm was my absolute favorite phantom. Incredible. The deepest voice and the most incredible.
I just heard him for the first time and OMG!! WHAT A VOICE AND PRESENCE! HE WAS BORN FOR THE ROLE! NEXT, THE LEAD IN LES MISERABLES PLEEEEEEEASE
I love Norm Lewis especially for his voice... because I ALWAYS wanted a Phantom with a deep voice.
Never noticed how the mask you usually see on Phantom ads is totally different than the style of mask they use in the show
+chris green Philly It is because they intended to use the whole mask in the show (the one you see in the ads), but it covered too much of the face, and made it difficult to both act and sing. Therefor they changed it to a half mask, but the ads were already made. They decided to go with the ads that were already made, because a) it is expensive to make new, and b) it looked cool on the posters. :)
Also, the whole mask interfered with the microphones which are like tac'd onto the temple and jaw I think?
I love his deep voice and personality. ...as well as I loved Gerard Butler....
Rare to see someone have the same opinion, loved the edge they both bring to the role.
No taste, no ears.
Tenebris Rex Imagine saying someone has “No taste” or “no ears” just because YOU don’t like who they like.
When we gonna get a black Christine?? 😁😌😌
shahdae williams it wouldn't work, the resonance is different for opera, works for Les mis, but not here.
Thatperformer387 what you mean the "resonance is different?" Why do you think it works for Les Mis and not here?
shahdae williams it wouldn't make sense because in that time period they would not give an African American girl a chance to lead an opera.
It would make sense because, without vocalizing it, it would add to why they work so hard to make sure Carlotta stays on board
David Jack It could definitely be possible because the Carlotta I went to see live was mixed. It would still work.
I’m still hoping that Norm will come and do Phantom in London. I loved his Javert when he did it in London. I believe it’s time to opening casting for shows like phantom, les mis etc.
I focus more on how good he sounds for the role, and he’s damn near perfect
Wow what a voice he has, his voice is truly haunting and powerful although like Micheal Crawford too. I think it's great to have a black phantom even as a white lass, he has such talent with his voice
I agree -- difficult to decide between Crawford and him. Definitely the two best !
Fabulous voice! What a phantom.. ❤️
Jeez I wish i saw him live. He's my favorite phantom! I saw Eric Ruiz as phantom with Katie Travis as Christine. Both were AMAZING, but there's something that Norm seems to add to phantom that's special and I would of loved to see that live.
He's the second black phantom. Robert Guillaume was the first.
Norm is the first black Phantom on BROADWAY. But overall yes he's the second black Phantom
He really kills it, too.
He is magnificent 😘❤️
He is so gooood aaaaaaarghhhh
I want Full version with Norm Lewis
Me too
I Love Norm Lewis With All My Heart And Always Will
The most suited voice imho :) beautiful
He's also the first black Javert
Robert Guillaume, from "Benson" played the Phantom, too! I believe before Norm Lewis, but I don't know in which production.
In Los Angeles, not Broadway
Amazing!!
Amo esse homem. Talentoso demais! Intérprete maravilhoso!
Lewis is MARVELOUS!
Awesome voice.
He crawled on the bench I was sitting at when I was watching Sweeny Todd in New York
The magic of theatre is that on the stage such things are completely irrelevant.
How beautiful.
Absolute stud !
I want to see his stranger than you dreamt it!!
Must've been a tiny bit awkward that Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess played father and daughter in The Little Mermaid and play romantic partners in this show. I'm grateful I got to watch him and Sierra in Phantom, it was spectacular.
They are actors.
I mean daddy is quite fitting.. ;)
I mean, they weren't playing romantic partners though? Christine's love interest is Raoul. She never loved the Phantom. She just pitied him. Phantom's love for a Christine was unrequited and more so an obsession than actual love.
Plus they're actors so they're professional.
Well i mean the phantom is like thirty years older than Christine so it's already gross
Shahdae Azura, I think a Black Christine would be a good idea!
On June 12, 1967 Loving v. Virginia struck down the ban against inter-racial marriages. What I saw here was no one thought twice about an inter-racial couple. Definite progress. I do wonder if they will ever change the color of the mask to something other than white.
He should be King Triton in the new Little Mermaid!
TheTzaddisister Yes！！！He's already been in the Broadway of king Triton, and it would be great if he were in the movie version!!!!!!!!Norm is soooooooooo amazing!!!!😭😭😭😭😭😭
@@LadyCassiopeia he should be
When we start talking about colour, there we stop loving music
Go Norm!! 💁🏼♀️
SOMEBODY HALP MAI I NEED DIS ALBUM NOWWWWWZ
But he wasn’t. Robert Guilliam from “Benson” was the first black phantom back in 1989. Please get your facts correct.
I just thought about something. I heard this man’s voice on Jesus Christ superstar last Sunday on Easter. It would be cool if he played Michigan J frog in that classic Mary Mellodys if they brought it back. Well, if they did a remake of one froggy evening, they should have Norm Lewis do the voice of the frog.
Scandal brought me here. #swoon
Not just a victory for diversity; but a victory for baritones.
well before him they hired robert Guilluame ( Benson) to play the phantom but the public wasn't having it (a black guy playing the phantom) back then..norman lewis is really good
Wrong. The first Black Phantom was Benson. AKA Robert Guillaume.
The first black Phantom ON BROADWAY
Seriously....do you people even listen?!
I have friends who are extremely talented yet barely ever get anything. Just because their not traditional appearing. It’s SAD.
Norm Lewis sounds way better than Gerald Butler.
No offense Norm but you're actually the second black phantom.
+AliSakurai Your right Robert Guilam was first
+AliSakurai he's the first on Broadway
Exactly!
The first on BROADWAY, why do people keep ignoring that detail?
we all have our views though i do love mc
The only acceptable Florida man
❤️❤️❤️
Norm Lewis can play any one in my book!
I disagree with the guy at the end, Michael Crawford, best Phantom ever, end of story.
Michael Crawford wasn't on Broadway though. He specifically said Broadway.
Yes but however after running in the West End he did go to Broadway and then ended up touring with the rest of the original cast. My parents got to see them I'm so jealous
Michael was very much on Broadway.
Ariana LaMark Did you see Michael Crawford on Broadway? You said your parents saw him? If you didn't see both Michael Crawford and Norm Lewis on Broadway how can you agree or disagree?
Okay but Ramin Karimloo though....lol
He's a great Phantom but the greatest to ever sing on Broadway? In the very least Michael Crawford would like a word....dude was vying heavy for some woke points there lol
So if anyone thinks a person who happens to be black is the best at said thing over a more famous white person, it's woke? Maybe they just think Norm is the best. Some people like Michael Crawford the best, some people like Ramin Karimloo the best and others Norm Lewis. Doesn't always have to be woke.
And I thought that Robert Gillaume had played the Phantom in the 80's - he was also black no?
Robert never played Phantom on BROADWAY. Norm is the first black man to play phantom on BROADWAY
Disappointing that being black and getting a job is a thing the media dictates is apparently newsworthy.
Norm himself said that it's very hard for a person of colour to get a role like this and when you add the fact that he's on fricking Broadway than it's a whole different thing
ramin is the best without a doupt , this guy is good but not for this type of singing....
No bad;-)
Why does color even have to be a rammed issue? I get it, but why does it have to be this way? And that he says "colored" to him. I hate humans. Mostly.
STUPID NEW ANCHOR, “I think he’s the best Phantom ever that been one Broadway.” Yet this was his first time seeing the show. The black is FAR from THE BEST, his high-“Be” was shaky and out of turn at first. FAR from the best, color aside!
He's a good actor but he's not Phantom material. This is just change to spite the original. He's not even a tenor. The character description of the Phantom does not fit this man. The same as a blond-haired blue-eyed Javert does not fit as well, nor does in fact, a pale blond-haired blue-eyed or dark-skinned, short-haired actor playing Jesus Christ.
These characters in their Orthodoxy are not to be changed as any other rigid character. If you feel so strongly that there are not enough black actors on Broadway or characters then begin writing Productions so there will be the opportunity and roles where they may fit the bill or should anyone be cast into a role that they bear no resemblance to let them use makeup to make them look like the original character. Anyone.
so i guess we should let someone with a deformed face and tone deaf play the part because... looks?
Gerald Butler is the best phantom!
I loved him but first of all: i personally think that norm lewis is better because he also has an incredible singing voice
And second of all: this is a video about norm Lewis, why are you compering phantoms?
white is a color.
William Hammons white is the ABSENCE of color. try again
+angelea williams
White in the sense of "white skin" is colour though. There does not exist a human that is literally white, nor one that is literally black. They are very light pink or beige, and very light or dark brown.
this really is a dumb comment, sorry
?