Davis Gaines played the Phantom on Broadway, in Los Angeles, and in San Francisco, after starting in the show as a Broadway Raoul in 1990.
This interview with Davis was conducted by Carrie Hernandez in September 1995, for the Phantom Appreciation Society’s “Beneath the Mask”.
How did you initially land the role of the Phantom?
I had played the role of Raoul here in New York for a brief four month period in 1990. From that, the powers that be became familiar with my work. So when an opening came up in the Los Angeles production, I auditioned and got the part. I opened there on April 30th 1991, replacing Michael Crawford, and stayed until the production closed there, two years and four months later! I really credit Hal Prince, Phantom’s director, for having confidence in my work and casting me in the role.
How did you research and/or prepare for the part?
Prior to my involvement with Phantom, I saw quite a few other actors play the role. While I didn’t want to copy any of them, I was able to see what worked and what didn’t. I also read as much as I could about the Phantom as well as watching the early movies. I treated the role like I would any first time part and tried not to be influenced by what had been done before.
How much freedom do you have in interpreting the role?
While there is a definite framework of blocking, I feel I was given quite a bit of freedom to bring my own interpretation to the role. I think Hal (Prince) trusts my instincts and has let me bring new and different things to the role. As any actor does, I bring my own life experiences to a role and my work on this role continues to evolve. My performance today feels very different than the one I started out with and hopefully, it will continue to grow.
In your opinion, what is it that makes Erik tick? What insights do you have regarding his personality and/or reasons for doing things?
Wow, what a question! I probably could fill up a whole issue with this one! He’s a very complicated character, and it gives the actor playing him so much to draw from. Besides the obvious things about the Phantom, there are many other traits and emotions that are totally subjective. That’s why each actor you see playing the role is different. To me, the Phantom’s pain is paramount. The pain from abuse, rejection, and his not being able to experience intimacy and love is a major part of his dilemma.
What was it like to switch from the role of Raoul to the role of the Phantom?
It wasn’t actually an immediate switch. There were ten months in between my time as Raoul on Broadway and starting as the Phantom in LA. During that time I did a production of “Carousel” and had surgery on my ankle (I broke it playing Raoul during a performance when Raoul jumps off the bridge into the ‘water’). I m glad I got to play Raoul prior to the Phantom. It made me that much more familiar with the show and provided some valuable insights from the other side.
Are there major differences in playing New York and Los Angeles?
I suppose the main difference is the size and style of the actual theatres. The Ahmanson in Los Angeles was a huge modern theatre with a playing area twice the size of the Majestic, and lots of backstage space. The Majestic is one of the grand old Broadway houses, relatively small, with little wing space. The Curran Theatre in San Francisco (where I played for four months as the Phantom) is even smaller. I think the show looks better in the older theatres and it gives the show a more intimate feel for both the actors and the audience.
What is the approximate total of all your performances in the role of Phantom?
Around the first of November, I will have performed the role of the Phantom 1,600 times… but who’s counting!
What is it like to play the same role so often and for such a long time? What are some of the challenges and how do you keep it fresh?
I never thought I would have the opportunity to play a single role for this amount of time; and to be honest, I never thought I would want to. But it has turned out to have been an incredible learning experience. I feel like I’ve grown as an actor and as a person. Doing a role this long challenges me every night to keep it fresh and new for the audience and myself. Luckily, this character is so complex and interesting, I can always find new things to bring to him by digging deeper into his mind. Vocally, I still find it challenging and fun to sing and I’m having a great time after all these years.
What do you think makes the show so appealing?
Well, of course, I think a lot of it has to do with the music as well as the incredible technical feats. The staging, the costumes, the sets all combine to provide a stunning-looking show. But I also have to believe that people keep coming back to see the show because of how they relate to the characer of the Phantom and what he goes through.
What is a typical performance day like for you?
There is really no typical performance day for me. Every day is different. Some days are extremely busy and others are pretty low-key. I like to get at least 8 hours sleep (preferably longer). I think sleep is very important in helping one s body and voice recover during the eight show a week schedule. I do continue to audition for other projects. In fact, in the last few months I ve had a small recurring role on the soap opera “Guiding Light”, which takes up many hours during a given day. Currently, I’m also going to a physical therapist twice a week to correct some over-use injuries from years of Phantom, and I try to fit in a little time at the gym every day, too. Sometimes I enjoy lunch with friends and family and show out-of-town guests around New York. I enjoy cycling and roller-blading in Central Park on weekends. So as you can see, my days are quite full of activities, and I enjoy the time to myself, outside the show.
What are your plans for the future?
Well, I hope to remain here in the role until something new and challenging comes my way. I would love to originate a role on Broadway and also work in the West End some day, too. I will continue to pursue work in television and film as well. My most immediate project, which I’m actually working on at the moment, is to record and release my first solo album. I hope to go into the studio before the end of the year and have it out by early next year. Then I’d love to follow it up with some concerts in certain cities across the country.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us that has not been elicited by any of the preceding questions?
No, I think we’ve about covered it. It was a pleasure meeting you and thanks for including me in the Phantom Appreciation Society’s magazine!