Behind the Mask - The Making of Toronto's Phantom of the Opera [AI Upscale]

Documentary by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, ca. 1989

An in-depth look at the making of the Original Canadian production of The Phantom of the Opera by the CBC. Featuring interviews with the cast, production crew, and creative team behind the production. Detailing the rehearsal process, the restoration of the legendary Pantages, and the work that goes into bringing the award winning mega musical to the Toronto stage. It also includes the promotional music video for the title track, featuring stars Rebecca Caine and Colm Wilkinson and shot on location on stage at the Pantages.

This newly enhanced version was taken from our original VHS to DVD transfer. It was then run through Topaz Video AI v3.1.11 using the "Deinterlace footage and Upscale to HD" preset. Enhancement was using the "Dione: TV 2x FPS" AI model, with "Add Noise" set to 3, and "Grain" amount set to 5 and size set to 2. While this may yield a slightly over-sharpened file, it was felt that this was the best approach for an asset that would then be compressed and uploaded to YouTube (and further compressed). 

Presented for archival and educational purposes only.

Laird Mackintosh as Raoul

Souvenir programme - Special New Collectors Edition, Pantages programme, and insert, ca. 1995-96

As Ruthie II crashes for the final time, Canada’s own Laird Mackintosh will be stepping in to the role of The Phantom for its final performance on Broadway. Dug up these artifacts in celebration.

“It’s over now, the music of the night.”

The Phantom of the Opera - Official Music Video

Music video, ca. 1989

The official music video from the Toronto production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA starring Rebecca Caine and Colm Wilkinson, taken from the CBC Documentary, "Behind the Mask". 

 Upscaled to HD resolution with Topaz AI from a VHS to DVD source. 

Preserved for posterity at Archive.org

The Phantom of the Opera - 35th Anniversary Live on Broadway

Not usually one to post this sort of thing, but considering the historical significance I couldn’t not. Please enjoy.

The Phantom of the Opera - 35th Anniversary Live on Broadway January 26, 2023 - The Majestic Theatre New York City

Download

Cast: Ben Crawford (The Phantom of the Opera), Emilie Kouatchou (Christine Daaé), Paul A. Schaefer (u/s Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny), Raquel Suarez Groen (Carlotta Giudicelli), Craig Bennett (Monsieur Firmin), Nehal Joshi (Monsieur André), Maree Johnson (Madame Giry), Carlton Moe (Ubaldo Piangi), Sara Esty (Meg Giry), Carrington Vilmont (Auctioneer), Jim Weitzer (Monsieur Reyer/Hairdresser), Tug Watson (u/s Jeweler), Laird Mackintosh (Monsieur Lefèvre/Firechief), David Michael Garry (Joseph Buquet/Don Attilio), Jeremy Stolle (Passarino), Kfir (Hannibal Solo Dancer), Weston Krukow (u/s Il Muto Solo Dancer), Kanisha Marie Feliciano (Page), Chris Georgetti (Porter/Fireman), Trista Moldovan (Spanish Lady), Satomi Hoffmann (Wardrobe Mistress/Confidante), Elizabeth Welch (Hannibal Princess), Kelly Jeanne Grant (Madame Firmin), Janet Saia (u/s Innkeeper's Wife), Jason Forbach (e/c Marksman)

Notes: Recorded from the Front Mez. The person beside me was enjoying some theatre snacks throughout the show, so apologies for any disturbances as a result of this. I also missed the very beginning of the Entr'acte, but there's a few other masters out there should you want to do an insert. Includes the full speeches during curtain call (including the boos when they mention the closing), and the shout out to the swings. We missed you Greg!

Truly a magical night, with absolutely amazing energy. As others have said, Emilie's "Wishing..." might be the best I've ever seen.

And to the guy outside the theatre with the sign asking for an extra Playbill, who I graciously gave my extra to, only to then notice him tuck it into his jacket and continue to stand there gathering more of the limited edition Playbills: the Opera Ghost is not pleased...

- O.G.

(•}•)

Phantom Greeting Cards

Photo greeting cards, ca. 1991

Official greeting cards from the Toronto production of The Phantom of the Opera. Featuring production photos from the Toronto production (and one photo from the Canadian touring production)

Includes 6 different designs (shown here) and white envelops with a small embossed Phantom logo.

Minimal restoration was done on the photos. Please reach out if you’d like original scans.

With the UK production closing “permanently”...

...can someone please get on leaking the Pro-Shots from the UK production over the years?

Grabbing at a Ghost of a Chance

Toronto Star Article, ca. 1989

An article from the Toronto Star, written by Paul Monoey, about the audition process taking place for the Toronto production of The Phantom of the Opera. Via the Toronto Star’s online archives. 

Pantages Theatre Program

Theatre program, ca. 1989

Ever wanted to page through the original program from the Toronto production of The Phantom of the Opera? Well now you can. You can now download a scanned copy of the entire program, complete with the bios for the original cast, period adverts of the era, and write-ups about the restoration of the Pantages theatre, along with notes about the production of what would go onto be the longest running show in Toronto’s history.

Download (via Mega)

This was scanned from my parent’s program, and as such should date from fairly early in the run. However, I do have a second program which was gifted to me from a cast member, that also appears to be from early in the run, but with a different photo of Colm Wilkinson. So I cannot say with absolute authority if this is the original program from the earliest days of the run, but certainly it dates back from the first year. If anyone can provide more insight please let us know and we’ll update accordingly.

Note in the “merch” order form, the Canadian cast recording is not yet available for purchase, though there’s a great shot of the iconic Roots jacket.

A wonderful piece of Toronto Phantom history that you can now relive without having to scrounge around on e-Bay.

Colm Wilkinson/Rebecca Caine Bio & Photo

Pantages Programme, Ca. 1989

Both of these pages come from the Pantages Theatre Programme from early on in the show’s run, however you’ll notice that there’s two different photos of Colm being used. 

The first image comes from my parents copy of the programme which they would have got when they saw the show, fairly early in the run. The second image comes from a program gifted to me by a cast member, and I am assuming also comes from pretty early in the run. However, I’m unable to say with authority which is the photo used in the original programme, or when the image got changed. 

If anyone has any insight, please let me know so I can update the post accordingly.

Various Promo Adverts 

Various adverts promoting the Toronto production, via the wonderful Phantom Media blog.

Canadian Cast Recording, Vinyl Artwork

Vinyl LP, ca. 1989

A few months back it was brought to my attention that the original Canadian cast recording was released on vinyl, and I made it my mission to track it down. After a few months of searching I finally managed to get my hands on a copy.

It’s really cool getting to see the artwork in a much larger format than the CD. The recording itself is fantastic, and serves as a reminder of just how much I wish the album wasn’t just a highlights recording.

I have directed The Phantom of the Opera in London’s historic Her Majesty’s Theatre, in New York’s Majestic Theatre, and in Los Angeles’ Ahmanson Theatre. I believe that the Toronto Pantages will be the best of all those theatres.

Harold “Hal” Prince as quoted in “Pantages Theatre: Rebirth of a Landmark” by Constance Olsheski

Paul Stanley Phantom Highlights

Pro-shot highlights reel, ca. 1999

Newsreel footage of Paul Stanley’s run as the Phantom during the Toronto prodution’s final months.

Buy Phantom By Phone

Television Commercial, ca. early 90s

Original Cast Recording Promo (Including vinyl LP)

Souvenir Collection Advertisement, ca. 1995

For many years I have wondered if the phenomenal Canadian Cast Recording of Phantom was pressed on vinyl. I had vague memories of it existing but never found any evidence on sites like Ebay or Discogs. 

While going through some old memorabilia this weekend I found my original Pantages Theatre program from when I saw the show in the mid-nineties and noticed this advertisement at the back of the program that advertised that there was, in fact, an LP of the Canadian Cast Recording.

Thinking that perhaps this was merely a promotional photo and that maybe it wasn’t ever actually released I did a little more internet digging and came across this article from 1991 which references the LP. CastAlbums.org also lists it, though with next to no information.

That being said, I’ve still yet to find any evidence of it actually existing out in the world. Regardless I am incredibly eager to get my hands on one, so if anyone has any leads please do let me know!!

Various Commercials

Television commercials, ca. 1992

Tenth Phantastic Year

Painting, ca. 1999, photographed 2016

It was recently pointed out by former Toronto Raoul, Laird Mackintosh, that the famous painting on the side of the Pantages Theatre (now The Ed Mirvish Theatre) is still visible from Victoria street in toronto. While the building next door to the makes it difficult to get a shot at a good angle, it’s also perhaps preserved the paint job.

It’s lovely to know that such an important piece of Toronto’s theatre history is still hiding if you know where to look. Let us hope it stays around for many years to come.