Howard McGillin Exits THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 7/25

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA star Howard McGillin will sing his last "music of the night" this evening as he ends his long run in the production's title role. Now, after 10 years since his first of many engagements with the production, he has decided to pursue other theatrical ventures and will play his final performance tonight Saturday, July 25th.

With his record-breaking tally of 2,544 performances, Mr. McGillin has long been the ‘Phantom' longevity champ in New York - having played the title role more than any other performer on Broadway. 

Mr. McGillin will be going out on top with a new record as well, as his tally has now cemented his status as the World's Longest-Running ‘Phantom.' (In second place with just under 2,400 performances is the late Rob Guest, who played the role in Australia and New Zealand. Americans Franc D'Ambrosio - the longtime record-holder before Guest - and Brad Little follow with over 2,100 performances each.) 

Beginning Monday evening, July 27th, there will be a new ‘man behind the mask' in the Broadway production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, which is the longest-running show in Broadway history. John Cudia, will take over the role on Broadway after a nearly decade-long association with the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, directed by Harold Prince. No stranger himself to PHANTOM performing Longevity, Mr. Cudia and his return to the New York Company is the latest chapter in his long history with the show, which began almost ten years ago. 

The role of the masked and lovelorn 'Erik', The Phantom of the Opera' was created by Michael Crawford. Crawford won a 1988 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his legendary performance in the role.

The longest-running show in Broadway history (a feat it achieved in 2006 when it surpassed the then-record run of Cats), THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is the winner of 7 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Since its Broadway debut on January 26, 1988, the musical has grossed over $720 million, making it the highest-grossing show in Broadway history. Having since surpassed Cats' record by a phenomenal 3 years and 1,300 performances, it has now played over 8,800 performances - the only show in Broadway history to do so - and all with no end in sight.

Its international success - equally staggering - is represented by total worldwide grosses estimated at over $5 billion. This colossal figure makes PHANTOM the most successful entertainment venture of all time, surpassing not only any other stage production, but also far surpassing the world's highest-grossing film Titanic (at $1.2 billion) and such other blockbusters as The Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park and Star Wars.

Worldwide, over 65,000 performances have been seen by 80 million people in 25 countries and 124 cities. There are currently ten productions around the world: London, New York, Budapest (Hungary), Osaka (Japan), Warsaw (Poland), Copenhagen (Denmark), Perth (Australia), Buenos Aires (Argentina), the U.S. National Tour and a revised production in Las Vegas at The Venetian.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber recently confirmed that he has greenlit production on a sequel to the show, Phantom: Love Never Dies.

Based on the classic novel by Gaston Leroux, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.

Continuing in their roles in The Broadway Cast are Jennifer Hope Wills (Christine), Ryan Silverman (Raoul), George Lee Andrews (Monsieur André), David Cryer (Monsieur Firmin), Patricia Phillips (Carlotta), Cristin J. Hubbard (Madame Giry), Evan Harrington (Piangi), Heather McFadden (Meg Giry) and Marni Raab (Christine at certain performances).

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is directed by Harold Prince. Lyrics are by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe) and the book is by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has production design by the late Maria Bjornson, lighting by Andrew Bridge and sound by Martin Levan. Musical staging and choreography is by Gillian Lynne. Orchestrations are by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The performance schedule for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is Monday evenings at 8 PM, Tuesday evenings at 7PM, Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 PM. Ticket prices range from $26.50 - $121.50. To order tickets visit telecharge.com or call (212) 239-6200. 

For more information visit, www.thephantomoftheopera.com.

Photo by Joan Marcus