Gary Mauer to Play Three Weeks as Bway's Phantom

Beginning Monday, April 30, Gary Mauer will step into the title role of The Phantom of the Opera- the longest-running show in Broadway history - for three weeks at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street).  Mauer previously played the romantic lead 'Raoul' in the production and still holds the record as having played the role on Broadway more than any other performer (at over 1,500 times).  He now joins the New York Company as 'The Phantom,' a role he headlined on the National Tour.  

Mauer will be stepping in during a vacation for current leading man Howard McGillin.  Mauer willl appear as The Phantom for three weeks, from Monday evening, April 30 through Saturday evening, May 19.  Mr. McGillin, who has played the title role on Broadway more than any other performer (at over 1,800 times), will return on Monday evening, May 21.  

Mauer has a long history with the musical.  He began as a Swing with the Broadway Company in 1995, and later played the role of Raoul in two separate stints (1996-98 and then 1999-2001), including the Tenth Anniversary performance in 1998.  He starred in the title role on the National Tour for over two years, from January 2004 to April 2006.  It was during this time that the Broadway production broke the record to become the longest-running show in Broadway history, and Mauer was part of the onstage, appearing as one the dozen U.S. Phantoms to take part in the post-show festivities celebrating that milestone.

In addition to Phantom, Mauer has appeared on Broadway as Enjolras in Les Miserables.  His national touring credits include The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and the Harold Prince production of Show Boat, in which he appeared opposite his wife, Bethe Southard.  They also appeared opposite each other in the national tour of Phantom, as she played the leading role of Christine at certain performances.  Favorite Regional credits include Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Anthony in Sweeney Todd and Frederick in Pirates of Penzance.

The show had its world premiere on October 9, 1986 at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, winning every major British theatre award including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards.  The New York production opened on January 26, 1988 with a then record advance of $18 million.  The musical went on to sweep the 1988 Tony Awards, winning seven, including Best Musical.  

Based on the classic novel Le Fantome de L'Opera by Gaston Leroux, the musical "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," as press notes state.

The musical continues to star Jennifer Hope Wills as Christine and Michael Shawn Lewis as Raoul.  The musical also co-stars George Lee Andrews (Monsieur Andre), David Cryer (Monsieur Firmin), Anne Runolfsson (Carlotta), Marilyn Caskey (Madame Giry), Roland Rusinek (Piangi) and Heather McFadden (Meg Giry).  At certain performances, Susan Owen plays Christine.  Mr. Andrews has been with the production for its entire run.  

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 show 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 show is Monday and Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m.  For tickets, call Tele-charge at (212) 239-6200, visit www.telecharge.com or visit The Majestic Theatre box office (247 West 44th Street). Visit www.thephantomoftheopera.com for more information.

Photo of Gary Mauer by Joan Marcus

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