Critiquing ‘Phantom’

How astute of Sean Mitchell (“Phantom Fever,” April 30) to have checked with John Lithgow for a critique of “Phantom of the Opera.” I am sure that Los Angeles music lovers were waiting with bated breath to hear the opinion of the star of “Harry and the Hendersons.”

As for the “politically provocative” Donald Freed, his psychobabble was equally enlightening.

Shouldn’t someone tell these guys that “Phantom” is a musical, and that beautiful music and skillful performances by the likes of Michael Crawford and L.A.’s own Reece Holland have always had universal appeal?

STEPHANIE PHILLIPS

Walnut