Phantom of the Opera

Well done, Aisha!

Re: # 62Well said

Re: # 61 Thanks alot man thats really a great piece ov advice.Atleast I will make sure not to waste ma time again.

#58 -

Anyone who watches good theatre and cultural activities (watching Phantom 10 times may imply that you are romantic by nature), exercises regularly and is into outdoors would never write stuff like that. It`s ok to share your perspectives no matter how good or bad they may be, but it`s really foolish to harp too much on ``brain`` when there is nothing in your posts that reflects an iota of intelligence. By the way, excessive use of tsk, tsk, tsk or LOL or ha ha hee hee are not considered ``intelligent`` interacts. Next time when you desire to bombard your posts with medical terms, do realize that ``brain dementia`` is a redundant term.

Based on my past interacts with you (very brief), I do not think that your intention is bad whenever you care to compose a post. It`s just that you simply do not know how to interact and communicate effectively and decently.

I hope you will look into that in 2007. I am sure you can contribute more effectively by refining your approach.

Best Wishes

Why would anyone take Zeena seriously on this issue? How can a person who can`t write a single sentence without 20 grammatical errors really appreciate good theatre?

Aisha, Orutund and others... you are wasting your time.

Re: # 57 Thanks again

Re: # 58 Ohhhhhhh thats really hurtening the situation is gettin worse day by day. I think the interactor should take rest for somedays. As to mention something and then to laugh on it alone thats really an extreme sign of helplessness and ``WANTED TO BE HEARD``like situation but all my sympathies are with the interactor. You can say anything u want as this will release your frustration. At least I will try to listen to u as much as possible cz sometimes we should help our brother/sister in PAIN,specially in such a great pain. I think there must be somethin greater than even a MIRACLE for cure.

My most favourite part of the Phantom of Opera is the last part and near end where Claudin shows Christine his human made unique and genius creation, called catacomb heaven exactly under the Opera
and tells her,``
{{They`ve poisoned your mind against me. That`s why you`re afraid. Look at your lake, Christine. You`ll love it here when you get used to the dark. And you`ll love the dark, too. It`s friendly and peaceful. It brings rest and relief from pain. It`s right under the Opera. The music comes down and the darkness distills it, cleanses it of the suffering that made it. Then it`s all beauty. And life here is like a resurrection.``}}

Abd where Christine hides her sad facial expressions by covering her face with her hands and sobs.......A must see.......


Now back to # 57 ....What a perfect example of obsessive compulsive disorder!!!! People need psych meds to control their repetitive behaviour.

Oh, I got it, The problem with #57 interactor is meiosis defect in stage 2 or 3 or straight mitotic reduction didn`t occur, hahahaha and C the results, still immatured zygote.heheheheheh. Nothing can be done, damage is already done and it is too big to be cured. tsk, tsk, tsk.

All I can do is to pray from God to redo or undone the defected meiosis or recurrence of mitotic reduction............may be will find some larva out of an immatured zygote....who knows, hahahaha, Let`s hope for some miracle.......................

Re: # 56

:)

I applaud your patience. As a good will gesture, I am willing to offer a ticket for the forthcoming ``Prelude to a Kiss``. It will be out in the next month or so - on broadway. The movie was cute. Hopefully, the play will be sweet as well.

#53, #54, #55 - And the ``sage`` continues ... Zzzzzzzz

Thanks lady

Please read this as, I can sense this flaming going on by this interactor #48, NOT #46. Thanks

Correction:-

My post # 53 is in reply to the interactor ZahraJ`s All posts plus #48.

Sorry for error, for writing # 46, instead of writing # 48. Sorry, Aisha Sarwari(Please, read it as # 48. thanks).



orotund(new nick of an old chowkie) #49/50/51
Please stop adding irrelevant nonsense to this board, which is about Phantom of the Opera. It is considered vandalism. Thanks

Before I respond to #48 immature personal posts, let me focus once again on Broadway Phantom of Opera.

I suggest all of those who are interested to see broaway Phantom of Opera, reserve your seats with your loved ones and you won`t regret a single minute of the show. Every minute is excellent and stunning with superb music. I was so much charmed and mesmerized I was afraid to blink!!!

I can sense this flaming going on by this interactor #46 due to any of the problems that she/he might have in dealing with my POV related to the topic of the articl. Now here is my 2 cents for what its worth. first from what i have read in just the first few posts of this thread what i think I really wish to tell this particulr interactor to is GROW UP. but it seems like some people haven`t matured past the ``she`s touching me stage of development`` and i`d like to apologize on behalf of such interactors to myself for making me feel a much better person in my own eyes.

Second I can also put an end to his/her childish behaviour, but, then I feel she needs to be educated about certain things in real life, where everyone isn`t like me to diffuse her kiddish temper tantrums.

Third I can not ban her mind`s out bursts on this board or just boot them out of as a whole b/c I don`t need to stoop to her obviously immatured behaviour to keep on repeating the same thing over and over again.

Imagine having to tell this particular immature interactor, oh what a prime example of humans that you would be showing us. That is exactly like finding a sensible interactor and a sensible board and saying to that sensible interactor,``Runaway from me I haven`t matured enough for you to interact sensibly with me , so come back in a 2000 years I might be matured by then if I am not now(unfortunately).
I gave you my decision of making my option to request you not to interact with me again and again. You have obviously decided to pursue me(afraid to write stalk me) with your desired outcome.

On the other hand my desired outcome is what I outlined in my post # 41 to request you to stop ineracting with me as I hate to put anyone in my ignore list b/c I have enough brain cells to control my obsessive compulsiveness and to have the basic manners and decency of respecting other peoples desires of not communicating with you. Which you obviously lack.


Your body matured fast, but, sadly your brain cells couldn`t keep pace with it and they haven`t undergone this process of maturation.
You are still in infantile stage of your growth.

Enough said.

(Hope this works, LOL, what if she comes back again with same kind of repetitive posts, hahaha)

orotund(new nick of an old chowkie) #49/50/51
Please stop adding irrelevant nonsense to this board, which is about Phantom of the Opera. It is considered vandalism. Thanks

#51 - ``Curse of the Phantom`` :)

!

Re: # 48Hay hay hay........... ladies just calm down. I think we already have many differences as a nation and to create differences on such smaller issues i think its not sensible. Instead of telling eachother to grow up I think u must show some maturity and respect for each other. If some foreigner visits this website and finds u fighting eachother like this I think its rather more shamefull then to have PHANTOM character projected wrongly. I really salute both of u for using such a high vocabulary which I think is not suitable at all for a PUBLIC FORUM like this as very body reading is not an english literature student or somthin like that. I think in discussions like that we should have a bit of tolerance for each others point of view only a lil bit which can make us all good people to live with.

Re: # 44 ohhhhhhhh really its getting worse and worse u have written two times within 7 minutes thats great. I think u should stop crying on this new nick matter now as no one is actuallly listening POOR U except HUMBLE ME who really feal sympathies for you.

Re: # 43 Hi everybody i i think some people have got somewhat ``KHUSHFEHMI`` u can say that people are actually giving so much attention to them and believe me this disease is really dangerous for their health. I will be very happy to help u out of this dilema.

#47 - I think you have some issues that make you find serious interacts funny and your own incoherent composition ``sensible``. In addition to that, you lack basic decency in your interacts. Please stop extracting words from others` interacts to come back at them. It reflects poor communication skills.

(I just wish no one else on Chowk EVER watches Phantom that many times. Those of us who are into art, theatre and culture, we find it very disturbing to read your state of mind. May God grant you peace and harmony in 2007 and also route you to the right bookstore for the latest Time-Out Issue. Amen!)

Good Luck!
Note: You have an option to put me on your ignore list. I would strongly encourage you to do that. My critique is toward your posts so just read them in the right context. No need to medically evaluate them. It`s even funnier when you start doing it. Let`s leave it at that.

#46

Dear Aisha_sarwari

Yes, I found your description of whatever, a personal attack for those who differ from your POV. I hope you just stick to the main topic of your article and show more professionalism.

Thanks for responding.

#45

ZahraJ

You are wrong, It`s you who really need to grow up. Your whole interaction is gibberish. And not only gibberish, but, full of nonsense.

How many times I requested you not to interact with me? You see , now, you didn`t take a second to attack me personally. What`s your beef with me? do I know you? No. And I don`t wish to know you either.

Childish and funny that is you. LOL(I am not the topic of the article, madam)

Why are you so dheeth?

Re: # 41

Why would you find my description of the phantom a personal attack, I wonder?

Aisha Sarwari

Re: # 44

Gibberish. Grow up!

I am waiting for another nick to come back along with the writer and start ranting. LOL

This is sooooo very funny for me. Childish...huh

orotund

New nick of an old chowkie. LOL

All these Pakis are personally attacking me. LOL.

This is the height of their illgoical approach. I am not the topic of the article. And almost all of them are trying their head over heels to knock me down with their useless rants.

Coming back and forth with new nick. LOL. Funny, hahahahahah

Re: # 41

Well said Aisha as u have really supported the fact to discourage illogical critics and i think the person advising you should take a look at his own writing as the height of the lost temper and morality is quite vivid from the writing but I also dont agree with the description of the phantom u have made as he is actually the main character of the drama around which the whole story revolves.I think at the end he proved to be a really good guy actually forced by the negelection of the society to carve his way to darkness.

Phantom of Opera

This is the character of a disfigured musical genius who is actually hero and is matchless in his character and genius mind.

#40 LOL

Total twisted concept and essence of the phantom of Opera. This reflects your biasedness and personal conflict to the ones who don`t agree with your POV and your narrow approach towards those who criticise your article, not you.

Look @ you, you took NO time to personally attack those who disagree with you. WoW!!!

This is what you studied drama , journalism and films from? tsk, tsk, tsk.
I am not phantom, you did not write this article about me.

I just gave my pov. And look @ you all hissing over my critical posts. Where did I attack you personally?

If any writer doesn`t have a courage to take criticism and is ready to personally attack the readers reviews , my suggestion is then don`t even dare to write anything for any web site.

If, writers are unable to grasp readers opinions, then they should first learn , how to handle the stress of criticism over a public web site.

So, at the end, who is a Phantom?

Obviously, the one who is unable to comprehend all the posts and starts retaliation in a derogatory way. Who is unable to take confrontation and starts acting Phantom. LOL, again.

This board with lots of multiple nicks of old chowkie. LOL.

Who is a Phantom?

Someone who`d rather live in the underground, appear larger than life by creating a false sense of mystique/importance, display the characteristics of control, clever evil, live on the criticism of the talents of others, only appear in public with a mask, underplay their own limitations when confronted by belittling the source, acting aggressive, assertive, overconfident, all-learned, and hiding behind a repeated utopia of real theater to which he/she seemingly aspires, yet crush any divisible goal toward it.

Enough said.

Ian,

Good to see you here on Chowk. Each day you folks perform, ending in applause, you teach more people the culture of theater. Its a great contribution.

This was a good line, ``What personally irks me is when people make far reaching comparisons between productions here to productions that have been staged abroad, it is like comparing Mexican to gorgonzola cheese, of course productions abroad will be better, they are better organized, better funded and have thousands of professionally trained individuals at their disposal.``

Sincerely,

Aisha Sarwari

Re: # 38
Thanks alot

Re: # 24

Well said.

Re: # 35
Nooooooops not at all its not an old chowkie its a brand new one now if some body cannot gather some supporters for his/her illogical ideas what can we say. I think its like the behaviour of our political parties nowadays who believe that ``If there are fair elections they will win but if they dont win the elections were not conducted fair enough``. I can only request people to be optimistic as if they are not able to do something atleast support the one who has taken some initiative.

@zeena

no.. i`m writing for the first time in this forum! Nothing in the world is absolute at its vry first instant, it takes time. i`m vry hopeful that theatre in pakistan wud go far (simply by adoring this effort.....)

orotund #34

Another new nik by an old chowkie. LOL

Hi Everybody;

This the first time I am going to share my views in writing on a forum. As a silent viewer and admirer I am forced to write on seeing some really sarcastic and discouraging comments about the play “THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA”. I went to watch the play last night that is on 9th of January and I was really amused to see such strong and beautiful performances by the artists who haven’t even got a single “FORMAL LECTURE” on performing arts. They are merely doing it in the guidance of charismatic MR Sharabeel, his back stage team and their personal talent which was like pouring out of them.
Rudaba Nasir acting as Christine was really awesome. Her delivery of dialogues, beautiful voice, facial expressions and her stamina to perform for such an exhaustive period of time in front of a big crowd nearly makes her a perfect candidate for the role. Ian Eldred (Raoul) and Nauman Faizi (Gerald) were really worth watching while performance as they were really fulfilling the need of their characters and above all the pick of the drama was the performance of “THE PHANTOM” himself .The role was performed up to excellence by Omair Rana who was so passionate in delivering the dialogues that even the mask he was wearing could not hide the expressions of anger, hate and love on his face in different scenes of the play.
The rhythm and tempo along with the use of music were made such that no one can take his/her eyes of the stage at least I couldn’t .The set,lighting,choreography,music,makeup,costumes and above all the delivery of dialogues was marvelous.
As I have noticed some people immediately start comparing, what they see, with foreign countries. I don’t know if they have got some phobia of comparison or some inferiority complex regarding their local things but I haven’t ever heard a single word of optimism or a useful suggestion from such people. Anyhow I can only suggest rather request MR Sharabeel not to get disheartened by such illogical critics and continue to put on far better performances with the same zeal , zest and creativity. On the other hand I congratulate MR Sharabeel on involving the youth at so tender age in his plays which can help in boosting their confidence and will help in preparing a breeding ground for future prospects. Looking forward for your next performances and also offering my heartiest congratulations to all the participants of the play wither back stage or onstage on conducting such a beautiful play and also thanks a lot to WARID TELECOM for bringing such a beautiful play to us.

Dear Zeena,

Ian Eldred is the young actor who played Raoul in Lahore`s performance. I can vouch for his existence.

Ian,

Man great performance... Aisha and I saw your performance and loved that little thing you did with Shah Sharabeel at the end ... ``teen guna lagan``.

We are great fans.

Yasser Latif Hamdani

#30 and # 31

Both new nicks , but, created by old chowkies. LOL.

Why people get back to my pov, when all they have to defend a very weak and pointless effort of a production which seems total flop when we compare it to the actual Broadway phantom of Opera.

Now, all of these Pakis ( prolly one Paki creating multiple nicks) trying their head over heels useless efforts to convince me that Lahore Phantom of Opera was grrrrreat or at least grrrrreat effort and that I shouldn`t compare Lahore Phantom of Opera to the original one...........

Let me make it very clear one by one.

Lahore Phantom of Opera is a third rated imitation of Broadway`s. Ofcourse I`d compare this one to the original one , if, I`d already seen the original one and not only seen , but, am obsessed with the original one. Yes, I wouldn`t have compared it to anything, if, Lahore`s one would have been the real and original new creation.

When you make a fake copy of some diamonds, you can`t make those customers happy who have already had the taste of the real ones, you know, why? b/c they `ll definitely compare`em with the original ones. And why not, when you have the audacity to imitate some world class musical, then you should also have the audacity to face the sharp edge , double sword razor critique.

Why to blame me for criticising or ridiculing or downplaying this amateur production?

Well, well, well, I have all the right to criticise this stupid imitation the way I felt it could be.

If, you don`t wish any comparison, then don`t imitate other genius minds, have the audacity to create something originally genius, why to be FLOPPED COPY CAT?

If you`re unable to make some originals, based on your own cultural roots world wide popular shows, then try not to insult world class musicals by copying`em horrendously.

Pakis are good for nothing, at least Indians are good @ copying lil better ones. Pakis, whenever they try to copy something, they endup being big laughing stock for the rest of the world and exclusively for Indians.

And, on top of everything, then these Pakis show over reaction and hyper sensitivity on small issues. Thats the reason they are what they are and they are where they are....tsck, tsk, tsk.

This INSIGNIFICANT anon board is an alive example of such attitude and hypersensitiveness.

Pakis are based on copying and imitating every aspect of their theater, dramas and films.
Look @ their films, they are copying Indian films and where they`re? Down the drain......LOL

Pakis are NOT good even in copying or imitating. Howcome they can create something original?

They are ready to imitate anything , anytime in a third class way and then are unable to face lil bit of ciriticism, as if, it was their original creations. WoW!!!!!! Wonderful!!!

When you imitate something , then you`re giving me an open invitation for comparison.
Samething, when someone copies old singers songs, I hardly find them worth it. I simply don`t listen to the new versions with stupid voices , I feel they shouldn`t imitate, if, they have no talents even atleast 25% equivalent to the original singers. That is an insult for the original ones.

I hope my POV is clear, but, these idiot Pakis won`t see the crystal clear, they always end up re attacking in the most senseless way.

I saw the topic and couldn’t help but leave a comment, if people who attended the Phantom of the Opera in Lahore were already acquainted with the West end or Broadway productions of the similar play then they would no doubt have been left slightly offended and affronted at the lip synching, amateurish acting and lack of grandiose sets.

The Phantom of the opera in Lahore does indeed pale in comparison to other ‘poto’ productions in the West, but I do believe it is a start of some sort considering that Pakistan has no theatre academy of any sort or theatre halls that have an efficient and well-organized infrastructure to cater to plays of this kind, most of the theatre halls in Lahore are in dire need of reconstruction and maintenance as well as new lighting additions, but this is not me trying to write up a sanctifying justification, its just simply how I see it from inside the theatre circle.

I believe that right now ‘anyone’ making an effort is doing a rather decent job, because there are hundreds of critiques who can intellectually and articulately ‘talk’ good theatre, but very few put in the hard work to put up a production or take the time to build up the theatre scene here by opening up acting or technical schools or even provide much needed funding that could be used by entrepreneurs willing to put in the time and effort to stage a play.

Can anyone name one institute or foundation here that provides scholarships or bursaries to talented individuals in Pakistan to pursue theatre academics abroad? I certainly don’t know of any if they do exist.

What personally irks me is when people make far reaching comparisons between productions here to productions that have been staged abroad, it is like comparing Mexican to gorgonzola cheese, of course productions abroad will be better, they are better organized, better funded and have thousands of professionally trained individuals at their disposal. One cannot go to the Phantom of the Opera in Lahore and have mildewed and verbose visions of a Michael Crawford or Sarah Brightman belting out soprano tunes, quite the opposite.

And in response to a comment to someone said, it seemed like no one was trying, I can assure you, everyone is putting up a paramount effort to entertain the audiences, they are simply not used to having to perform for 16 days straight not to mention the rehearsal hours that were put in before it was staged, no one in this production is professionally trained, they are learning through trial and error because here there isn’t any other way to learn, there are no dramatic coaches and no experienced actors that have attended theatre courses outside of Pakistan,

The audience is an unforgiving lot lol I`m the first to acknowledge that, and it should be that way if a set of standards are to be set, but I believe critique must be made around some sort of encompassing realism, realize the unfortunately many constraints that exist here and base your critique and assessment on that.




But I believe an intellectual discourse of this kind is healthy, after-all if we are to constantly and frequently state that Theatre is Pakistan is ‘Amateur’ then of course it will stay that way, but at the same time Constructive and practical criticism is necessary, stating where exactly one felt the production lagged or was flimsy keeping in mind as I said earlier the resource constraints that exist in this country, and if anyone cares enough for theatre here then I think they need to come forward and say ‘how can we help and what can we do’? If they are that concerned, Instead of putting down the little lot that are trying to make a pro-active effort to improve English theatre here.


Warm Regards,
Ian Eldred

@Zeena..

Posing ur tremendous philosophy, we, the audience, are still of the believe that it was a very fine effort indeed. I love the sets and the design; editing was perfect. The whole concept was exquisitely comprehended. If exectly u r not of the view that it was evn an effort... then i believe u do something better and let the ppl knw u r an outrage..! If u cant appreciate or do anything worth mentioning then stay in your chambers and avoid comming out in winter. I hope it is clear to u.

thx! Now u give me a decent smile..

Sobia dear

I am not ridiculing anything or anyone. I do respect your pov, but, it doesn`t mean I have to agree with everything that you stated about their good effort. I didn`t see any effort at all, so, that was my observation.

I hope you`re fine and enjoying lahore`s weather.

Alright, Sobia

Lahore`s Phantom of Opera was grrrrrrrreat. Happy.

Now, give me a good smile.

zeena,
please remember, Phantom of the Opera in Lahore was an amateur production..they neither had the sets nor the mature actors that Broadway has..there`s no need to ridicule and compare because there IS no comparison..for a small play with amateur actors and sets, it was a well-done effort...i watched about 70% of it but had to leave early, and I`m not sure if I`ll go again, but from what little I saw, I could tell that a lot of effort had been put into the play.

I saw the Pakistani version about 3 years ago, and I want to say again that I very much liked it. As a matter of fact, this was my review then:-

http://www.chowk.com/show_article.cgi?aid=00003644&channel=&threshold=1&layout=0&order=0&start=60&end=69&page=10


2000-2200, 17th April`04:- for these two hours, I am able to put the complete Indo-Pak Hindu-Muslim pissing-competition observation-comparision thing behind me.

I am in a super-chilled air-conditioned auditorium full of people sitting everywhere, seeing and being seen, who look and sound like they are from DefCol, New Delhi, talking English and Punjabi in accents I can relate to. The content is not important, often not relevant, the syntax and grammar used with or without lisps define class, style, cash as well as alleged intelligence. I am surrounded by people, young, middle-aged and old, who are obviously from The Correct Set. A long on wind and short on humour speech by the otherwise erudite Director on cell-phone manners falls on instrument clasped ears of people who simply do not seem to know how to set their phones on silent or vibrator modes.

``The Phantom of the Opera`` is a play which probably needs no introduction, I can either tell you the story here, or I can take time out to give credit where it is due. I choose the latter, you can surely buy from a wide range of CDs and DVDs. The dance steps, if you wish to, are great value for money in case you wish to amaze other people in nightclubs the world over.

But all the same . . . for almost two hours, we watch and listen to the agonisingly romantic unfolding of love above and below the surface of the world. Set in the late 19th Century, the set designer Sarah Adeel`s work, and the backdrops placed by the Hunerkada Team, Zulfikar Bureny as groupleader, at the Islamabad Club Auditorium, are absolutely gorgeous, vividly exotic. I can still sense the colours used. The same group also presents the human sculptures, which come to life only when the Phantom is into the last verses of his passionate love song. ``Up there is all hell``, belts out the Phantom from his lair, below. How true?

Hammad Azim as the Phantom is behind a mask throughout, but does he know how to deliver, dance and twirl and put forth stage presence! The two female leads manage to complement each other, the bitchy Carlotta played by Rushika Weerasooriya and the winsome opera singer Christine played by Ambreem Mirza. Of the page girls, the audience favourite was the wonderful drag queen cameo by Jalal Manzar Bashir. Ali Azfar Naqvi plays a pliant manager while Salman Akhtar as the opera owner and husband to Carlotta, strikes the correct chords from the married males present. But best of all, in my opinion, is Raja Zia-ul-Haq as Gerard the composer, probably the one role that inspires every human emotion from onstage and off.

Once again:- buy the CD. See the DVD. If somebody can get hold of the Islamabad version, music set by Marcus Morris, and review it at The Chowk . . .? Somebody from Lahore, perhaps?

The advertisements in the little booklet they give before the play are indicative - Serena Hotels helps you experience time, U-Fone pays via SMS, Bank Alfalah is a caring bank, Dolce Vita have a sleep system with imported German springs and a local model in a purple caftan, Nestle hi-calcium and low-fat milk gives you vitality and repeats the message in Urdu with Swiss quality, Nestle once again gives you hi-calcium low fat yogurt as well as butter rozana, and finally Nestle Everyday instant something gives you energy. Next, First Fidelity Leasing Modaraba gets you a new car in just 72 hours, Nirala Sweets are proudly upholding traditions since 1948, Grapevine does something I can not really figure out but it may be an events/PR firm, Pepsi says Pepsi, and Red Earth cosmetics show a lot of leg. The Director pauses as he rattles off the list of sponsors.

The mysterious GG at http://www.rungg.com shows some sad throwback to the `60s kind of guys next to the Thuraya Satellite Mobile phone for 34k only, after which you are invited to Trust Commercial Bank Limited before you move on to WakGas, the largest and the only ISO 9002 LPG purveyors. Akhtar Ali and Asociates work in a distinguished way to do advisory and sales tax, and Dawn Bread pushes an oversize club sandwich into a little girl`s mouth while Diet Coke promises you that you shall look good and feel even better with 1 calorie. Mobilink will reshape communications, and finally, on the rear cover, apna hai Total shows a young boy too young for tricycles hugging a gas station attendant. That, by the way, is what the ``and our sponsors who we love a lot`` speech was like, both before and after the show.

Then, in addition, both before and after the show, the Director thanked everybody in the audience he could place, and some he couldn`t, or who were probably not there but would get feedback. Most of all, it did seem as though he was getting a boner for the Islamabad authorities, something about getting permission for this play and hoping for future permission for an amusement park or something like that. Perfectly valid. The butter, I mean, rozana applied on, thick.

Many people who left for a smoke or a bite during the interval were not let back in, and could be heard thumping on the doors, in vain.

+++

Happy New Year, all. Shall prevail on Shah Sharabeel to please try to do his show in Delhi, also. I shall never be able to forget or repay the absolute generosity he showed to an unknown Indian in Islamabad that night.

#19
scout jii

I am absolutely not trying to stop anyone from trying whatever they wish to try. Even , if, they have nude beaches in Pakistan I would be the first one to accept`em wholeheartedly.

You know me very well, I am a very liberal kind of person, I accept everything with open heart and mind.

I strongly felt that by imitating Broadway Phantom of Opera with poor performance was like BELITTLING the actual one.

Please, read my respons #25 to aisha, where I gave an noor jehan`s example of how much it hurts to see poor imitation of your beloved singers as well.

Dear aisha_sarwari

Well said. Believe me I would be the first one to applaud a really GOOD EFFORT, if, I feel it is. In my POV it wasn`t a good effort either.

So, there is no question of being egoistic here. That was my honest opinion that I strongly felt about it.

May be if I weren`t that much crazy about the original Phantom of Opera, I would have applauded the mere effort of Lahore one.

Lahore`s Phantom of Opera was a totally weak grip with poor performance of all the characters.

Let me give you an example to compare with.

I love Noor Jehan`s almost all songs, now whenever I hear some new singers imitating her songs in a thrid rated way, I feel sad about it. Its like belittling actual Noor Jehan`s songs.

I hope I am clear about my POV.

Thanks for your respons.

Dear Zeena,

``I am madly in love with Broadway Phantom of Opera and I can`t bear any third class imitation of my beloved musical.``

Only a fool can compare the real musical, which by the way I have attended, since I worked in NY and SF, where the best of US theater is created and have done a significant portion of my undergrad in theater, a department affiliated with UCLA`s. I know what real theater is and this was indeed a far cry.

What is sad is someone like you who claims to love it, would not even lend moral support to a sincerely good effort to a grassroots production like Center Stage Productions. Good theater is more than just flawless drama and great splendor. Its about the ability to transport an audience to another world. This play did just that and at no point did it stretch believability.

Step off your ego and applaud a good effort when you see one. If theater that you watch promotes elitism then please feel free to trumpet the handful of plays you attended.

Aisha Sarwari

``Instead of imitating Broadway musicals , why can`t Pakis concentrate upon their own new inventions with better outcome? ``

There are lots of theater groups all over the world who perform Broadway musicals, they all do it differently. And something like the original ``Phantom...`` is very hard to beat, I totally agree.
But you can`t stop people from trying.

I just hope if they were as bad as you say, they try to improve or make some changes.

#19
Hey, scout

My dear friend

Well, you make all the sense. I don`t wish to belittle Pakistanis artists efforts at any cost. The thing is I am madly in love with Broadway Phantom of Opera and I can`t bear any third class imitation of my beloved musical.

And, sadly I saw this Lahore musical quite recently , so, am quite emotional about it.

I can`t watch the ruined musical.

Instead of imitating Broadway musicals , why can`t Pakis concentrate upon their own new inventions with better outcome?

Why to destroy the best Broadway musical?
They should do whatever they are good @.

I am back from Pakistan. It was a good trip.

#20 ZahraJ

Look at your repetitive and rather annoying interactions with me over and over again like a parrot.

wawawa, If, your microcephalic mind is unable to comprehend my posts#1, #4, #7, #9, #10
, #13, #15 and # 16, then I feel sorry for your state of mind.

My sincere advice for you is to do some research on broadway musical, specially Phantom of Opera. Do some google search and then you might be able to make some sense out of your idiotic and senseless interactions with echolalia.

I know it hurts, my dear. You`re taking my POVs way too, seriously. Don`t take`em @ heart and your pea B, otherwise you`ll endup bewildering in a confused state of mind.

I didn`t start interacting with you ever, you`re the one jumping back and forth with all this hoopla and then attacking my POV with your own idiocy. For heaven`s sake , try to make some sense.

I don`t find you capable enough of any sort of discussions in the past, present and future.

So, keep out of my way.

Thanks

Zeena -

If after watching the play 6 times, you could not compose a reasonable and succinct comparison of what was ``bad`` or ``required improvement`` in the Phantom you watched in Lahore, then I suggest that you watch the play again 6 times. Once you are done with that, then we will discuss musicals, lyrics, stage, performance, characters, ambience, and delivery. Till, then I suggest that you enjoy the beautiful lyrics -
(I loved the songs)

Christine
``In sleep he sang to me, In dreams he came,
That voice which calls to me, And speaks my name.
And do I dream again? For now I find.
The Phantom of the Opera is there - Inside my mind.``

Phantom
Sing once again with me, our strange duet,
My power over you, grows stronger yet.
And though you turn from me, to glance behind.
The Phantom of the Opera is there - Inside your mind.``

Take Care
Bye

Zeena,

I don`t think we should belittle the efforts of Pakistani artists. If anything we should engage in CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. If I had been there, and felt that the performance was lacking... I would have tried to get in touch with the artists or producers and talked to them about it.

Hope your trip is going well. Take care

#12 I don`t quite understand the point - Bhutto was hanged even tho he went on a hunger strike - you should ask your pakistani husband how these things work - at any rate, you should have spiced it with sexual escapades of Gandhiji & Nehru so you`d have a lot of hits. Now even Yasser is hanging out at the other boards..

Lota of the Opera..hahahah

#11 ZahraJ

Just to remind you incase you have brain dementia, this article is about Phantom of Opera.

So, if we won`t discuss Phantom of Opera in this article, what will we discuss?

So, my advice to your lack of insight is to keep yourself reminding about the exact topic of the article for future articles.

I am NOT the topic of this article(as you made it very obvious)

Please, thank me NOT for this excellent advice. My pleasure.

correction for #13

BTW, try to learn how to develop a refined taste in future......Thanks

this is a good start. pls post the reviews of Ramleela held during the next Dussera.

#11 ZahraJ

Rather its you who seems annoying and appears tasteless or clueless about what you`re trying to convince me about my taste and not only about my taste , but, about a refined taste of thousands of those who are obsessed with Phantom of Opera (The real one).

FYI, Phantom of Opera (broadway) doesn`t appeal only me, but, masses from all over the world. People make special tours to see exclusivley this particular musical on Broadway.

And, Please try to avoid negative criticism upon other people`s opinions. Everyone has hius/her own right of opinion.

You`re the one who started this idiotic and repetitive interaction with me. I don`t.

And, please stay out of my way in future.

Good luck

BTW, try to learn who to develop a refined taste in future, but, for someone like you I would rather suggest to stick with Lahore Phantom of Opera(Your kind of refined taste is unable to recognise black and white.)

No more Phantom of Opera interactions , please.

Re: # 2

Don`t say that, I edited the part out where the possibility of a hanging him would be futile given his dramatic fasts.

Zeena -

Thank you for your not so informative post. It`s like saying that what appeals to me is great and what doesn`t is worthless. What if someone holds an opposite opinion? That must mean that they have no clue. What`s that you did not like in the 20 minutes? You could not spell it out. Please do not post 10 times repeating the same post. That`s annoying.

Out of curioisty, why did you need to watch the play so many times? Don`t tell me there is nothing left on-and-off broadway. I suggest picking the latest Time-Out when you visit your next destination. It will tell you a lot more than you`d like to know :)

Good Luck!
No more Phantom(s) of the Opera!
I suggest refining your taste :)

Broadway Phantom of Opera is not just a musical, it is a PHENOMENON in itself. It is a History in itself.

But, who knows Pakis will invent some superb and new Phantom of Opera, just like their movies.

Oh, well. Since Pakis have launched this huge success as Phantom of Opera , I will suggest Broadway`s musicals should be replaced with Paki musicals In Lahore.

and, all Musicals fans should go and watch Lahore musicals instead. hahahaha

Zeena,

I am afraid I don`t agree.

The actors Omair Rana and Ian Eldred have both worked in New York as well... Shah Sharabeel also studied drama in the US.

There is absolutely NO comparison between Broadway Phantom of Opera and Lahore Phantom of Opera(which is an insult to any musical ).

Comparing the two is equivalent to comparing Hollywood with Lollywood.....hahahahaha

And then stating that lollywood is ofcourse better or best(whatever). It is like comparing Lollywood movies with Broaway`s musicals. Wawawawa.

Soyasauce,

Since you asked... Racist Casteist Hindu Fascist Gandhi did not feature in the Phantom of the Opera.

Phantom Of the Opera in the Lahore was a roaring success... and got a standing ovation from the crowd which consisted of many foreigners who had seen the original thing.

It has been going on for a while... btw... which is why Shah Sharabeel has huge corporate sponsorship....

#3
Anyone who has real taste for musicals, will tell you the difference between Lahore Phantom of Opera and Broadway`s one.

If, you didn`t care much for Broadway show, that means you don`t have any taste for any musicals. So, it is hard for you to grasp the exact essence of my post # 1.

As for as I know, Broadway Phantom of Opera is the father of all Musicals so far. For all those who have this sophisticated taste will agree with me that Broadway Phantom of Opera is like Musical GOD/ Godess with brilliant performance of all characters, spectacular play with all that completeness which satisfies our inner soul.

When ever I see this great musical of all times, I feel out of the world experience. No matter how many musicals I have been to, none effects my heart, mind and soul with the utter emotional magic of Broadway Phantom of Opera. The sets, the story, the characters, the actors, and most of all, the music is the best of all times.

Broadway Musical has depth in characters with intense emotions , powerful theme and music that no other play can imitate it in it`s real sense.

Broadway Phantom of Opera remains my all times favourite, I saw it few times and still I can see it numerous times with more interest. Simply marvelous!

Lahore Musical is an utter insult for the real one.

Any I also happened to see Movie of Phantom of Opera. Unfortunately that turned out to be an absolute disappointment for me.

That`s interesting. I am reminded of Ms. Perin Cooper who directed some of the best productions in Lahore a few decades ago at Kinnaird. Same is true for efforts by Faiz`s family and Naveed Shahzad.

Zeena - What was so bad about the play that you decided to leave within the first 20 minutes? I have seen the play on Broadway and did not care much for it. The movie is out as well. I am curious to learn about your findings from Lahore. Please do care to share. Thanks.

I don`t see any mention of Gandhiji - your editing skills require improvement.

Phantom of Opera in Lahore played by Pakistanis. Hahahahaha

What a horrible joke!

Real Phantom of Opera on Broadway must be extremely proud to have him performed in a remote thirdworld poor country occupied with 95% of real life monsters in it`s population.

Bizarre!!!!

Paki idiots are unable to imitate even their own culture. And now they are performing Phantom of Opera.

I happened to see Phantom of Opera on Broadway twice, in Toronto once, in London Soho once and in New Orleans once.
Before seeing Phantom of Opera in Lahore, I felt proud to see such a great musical multiple times. I was simply in love with the broadway musical.

After seeing Phantom of Opera in Lahore, I felt as if somebody slapped on broadway`s phantom of opera.

Phantom of Opera in Al Hamra last week took me 20 minutes to get up and left the hall. I couldn`t take it anymore. What an insult for the real one!!!!