hi there! i managed to catch raphael wong as phantom a couple weeks ago and def enjoyed his performance, but it's looking unlikely that i'll be able to go again and see josh piterman to compare... if you're willing to share, i'd love to hear your thoughts on the two in the role :)
Hi!, sure I'd be happy to give some (very short) notes haha!
Singing wise: there's no question for me that Raphael is better (just my opinion pls dont come for me yall) I think his deeper and richer voice fits the Phantom more for me than Josh's lighter one. Also, I;m not a huge fan of Josh's high notes, particularly during MOTN and that long sustained note at the end of the song during "night". It sounds weak and slightly strained, as opposed to Raphael's more smother note. (also not a huge fan of Josh's vibrato)
Acting wise: I do prefer Josh, I think he plays a more emotional, 'desperate for love' type of vibe which really shows through during his STYDI and his Final Lair. His "fear can turn to love" is one of my faves ngl, it's just so pleading, with the whine in his voice during "love" and his hands reached out in supplication as hes singing, and his broken "oh, christine"..... AHHHH :SOB: A couple of times I've seen him like almost full on sob during ALIOY Reprise :sob: Raphael's acting was more subdued and controlled. Both choices are great, I just prefer a more desperate/ hopelessly in love w Christine kind of phantom (cough Earl's final lair cough). While Josh isnt quite at that level it's certainly more than Raphael's. Now that is not to say Raphael's acting was bad in anyway. Like I said his Phantom has its own merits, his more controlled acting shows a different side of Erik which I also love.
Overall it really just comes down to personal preference, I prefer a more deeper and smoother sounding phantom as well as that almost aggresively desperate kind of feel. Both actors have their benefits, and one is not better than the other. Now, I would love to see Daniel's Phantom to truly get a proper comparison between them all haha (if someone has an audio of him pls hit me up im open for trades :wink: )
