Sierra Boggess

Speaking of filmed media, Gavin, what's going on in the filmed category?

I know we've actually got a few things to talk about here, and that is that a live capture of the Phantom of the Opera starring Jordan Donica, Sierra Boggess and others will be a part of a gala performance to celebrate Phantom's 40th season.

So not only is this gala performance.

happening over in London but they're going to film a live capture of it and release it in theaters next year in 2027 they said at some point so very very exciting expect this to be like the one at Royal Albert Hall where Andrew Lloyd Webber's there other cool people are there that are involved in Phantom and You'll probably get some reunion performances of old Phantoms, old Christines.

Take it or leave it.

I urged... and drew to ask Anthony Hopkins to play the Phantom with Sierra Boggess.

Because then you have the Pygmalion of the younger woman with the older man.

The relationship with Ramin, who I'm a great admirer of, was potty.

Very good.

Um, and Sierra Boggess.

Is that how you say the name?

Yeah, Boggess.

This week, we're reviewing Ava Pickett's Bloodsport after Helen of Troy at Theatre Royal Stratford East and Clifford Odette's Golden Boy at the Almeida.

For interviews, we've got Sierra Boggess on the 40th anniversary of Phantom of the Opera, while Greg Hicks, the star of Master Builder at the Arcola, answers our five questions.

First of all, though, as you'll know if you heard our announcement earlier this week, we've got an amazing offer for you to bring you even more theatre because there is no such thing as too much.

That's right.

So get booking at nationaltheatre.org.uk.

Now, October the 9th marks a remarkable 40 years since Phantom of the Opera first opened in London at His Majesty's Theatre, then, of course, Her Majesty's Theatre.

During the show's four decades, the American musical star Sierra Boggess has become one of the most beloved Christines in Phantom's history, including playing the role in the filmed 25th anniversary production, which has millions and millions of views on YouTube.

She's now back in the 40th anniversary production of Phantom in the West End, not playing Christine this time, but the diva-ish opera star Carlotta, our producer and musicals expert Timbano Mehta.

You may not recognize the names, but I do.

So, uh, but they're, they're pretty big names, like Sierra Boggess, who was the original Ariel in the Broadway production.

Susan Egan, the original Belle-

Mm-hmm

I mean, uh, I mean, uh, I don't know.

It, it just was not a super good production, and it di- they, they wasted their Sierra Boggess.

Um, she, she wasn't even a, a...

Lily, the, um, uh, Colin's mother, the go- main ghost lady character, she's an interesting character because she can't really interact with anyone.

Yeah, so I feel like we should start by talking about Phantom of the Opera.

Yeah, I've been seeing all of Sierra Boggess' posts about how you work together on Love Never Dies and now you've been reincarnated into these characters in Phantom of the Opera.

How has it been so far?

Amazing.