Since the mid-1980s, more than 145 million people in 183 cities have seen the show performed in 17 languages. Other international productions are also expected to move forward. The flagship London production, which debuted in 1986, will keep going "with no end in sight," according to a spokesperson for the show.
It’s hard to imagine The Great White Way without The Phantom Of The Opera as it was and still is one of only a few titles that non-theatre types might recognize, and functioned as a gateway musical for those wanting to dip their toes into the world of Broadway. Phantom of The Opera on Broadway The Phantom Effect Recently the show expanded its representation and found its first Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) in Ali Ewoldt and its first Black Christine in Emilie Kouatchou, who is currently starring in the production. The show itself is the event.įamiliar Broadway names include Michael Crawford and Norm Lewis playing the titular role and Sarah Brightman, Rebecca Luker and Sierra Boggess portraying soprano Christine Daae. Phantom never could or had to bring in any box office ringers to stay afloat. The vocal demands of the leading roles prevented Phantom from stunt casting. In fact, the megahit can take credit for being the biggest individual source of income and jobs on Broadway and in American theatrical history. The show made a lot of people a lot of money not only on Broadway but nationally and internationally as well. While it certainly marks the end of an era- thirty-five years, almost 14,000 performances, and a gross of $1.3 billion- there is nothing to grieve. In more recent years, however, theatergoers could easily find deep discounts to the iconic musical about a subterranean masked impresario obsessed with a beautiful soprano. It remained at the top of the boards for many years. And since reopening post-pandemic, Phantom has not been able to do so.īack when it opened, on Jan 9, 1988, Phantom was the hottest ticket in town. Even seemingly untouchable long running hits like Phantom still need to meet their weekly running costs. Phantom of The Opera Closing after 35 Years Phantom Cites Opera-ting Costs As Reason For ClosureĪll good things must come to an end. Expect ticket sales to be brisk from now until then. A closing date has been set for February 18, 2023. Phantom fans- or phans (as they affectionally known) will still have several months to catch the OG masked singer at the Majestic Theatre one more time before the show bids farewell.
The Phantom Of The Opera (with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart, and a libretto by Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe) announced that it will close after a thirty-five year run on Broadway, the longest in the Rialto’s history. When Will The Curtain (And The Chandelier) Come Down on Phantom?