After greater than three many years, “The Phantom of the Opera,” the longest-running present in Broadway historical past, is closing.
A consultant verified the present will play is remaining efficiency on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. It should have performed 13,925 performances.
Directed by the late theater legend Harold Prince and that includes the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, “Phantom” opened Jan. 26, 1988. At that 12 months’s Tonys, it was nominated for 10 awards, profitable 7 — together with Greatest Musical. One of many exhibits it beat that 12 months? Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.”
“As a British producer who has been fortunate sufficient to have been producing in New York for over 40 consecutive years, it has been an unparalleled honor to have introduced the longest-running musical in Broadway’s historical past,” stated producer Cameron Waterproof coat in a information launch. “That this legendary present has thrilled New York for almost 35 phenomenal years is sort of astounding to me.”
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As a lot part of town panorama because the Empire State Constructing and the Statue of Liberty, the blockbuster phenomenon has lengthy been a New York Metropolis landmark. Whereas not a important hit, the vacationers saved coming 12 months after to 12 months to see the present’s lavish units and costumes, massive solid and Broadway’s largest orchestra.
Mesmerized by the skills and fantastic thing about the younger soprano Christine, The Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love together with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession units the scene for a dramatic flip of occasions the place jealousy, insanity and passions collide. That includes songs like “Wishing You Have been By some means Right here Once more,” “All I Ask of You” and “The Music of the Night time,” the present performed to almost full capability (1,655) many years after opening.
Primarily based on the traditional novel “Le Fantôme de L’Opéra” by Gaston Leroux, the present’s lyrics are by Charles Hart, with further lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, and a guide by Richard Stilgoe and Webber. It has performed to over 145 million folks in 41 nations and 183 cities in 17 languages.
However earlier than it closes, the present on the Majestic Theatre, 245 W. forty fourth St., will have a good time its thirty fifth anniversary on Jan. 26. The on-sale date for tickets for the ultimate 4 weeks of performances — together with the thirty fifth anniversary, Valentine’s Day and the ultimate efficiency — in addition to particulars on all celebrations, will probably be introduced at a future date.
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“Phantom” turned the longest-running present in Broadway historical past on Jan. 9, 2006 — when it surpassed the almost 18-year run of “Cats,” one other musical that includes the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Representatives say it has been seen by 19.5 million folks and grossed $1.3 billion. In New York, the present employed an estimated 6,500 folks (together with 450 actors) throughout its greater than 30-year run.
The musical modified the panorama for touring throughout the nation, inspiring the renovation of theaters and opera homes. The three authentic U.S. nationwide excursions mixed grossed over $1.5 billion, taking part in 216 engagements in 77 cities to 31 million folks.
As Broadway bids farewell, the present continues to be taking part in in London. A manufacturing lately appeared on the Sydney Opera Home, and the primary Mandarin language model of the present will open in China in 2023, the discharge stated. Antonio Banderas needs to create a Spanish language manufacturing, the discharge added.
The New York manufacturing presently stars Ben Crawford as The Phantom and Emilie Kouatchou as Christine. Ticket costs vary from $29 to $169, with premium tickets additionally accessible. Name 212-239-6200 or go to Telecharge.com for extra info.
