I saw the play yesterday...and afterwards met the girl who played Chirstine. She happened to be eating at the table next to us.
I guess I am the only one who didn't want Christine with the Phantom, but that comes from seeing the play before the movie. The musical doesn't make you like the Phantom as much, he seems much scarier and really dark.
I saw the play for the first time when I was in the second grade. I loved it then and loved it yesterday. The music is fabulous and the story is amazing.
I watched the movie today and although it does differ from the play it is still really good. I like the musical version more, but the movie is nice for the at home viewing pleasure. For those of you who haven't seen the musical, you need to if you can find it at a theatre near you. It is an amazing three hours that will leave you with goosebumps!