
Rewind: Looking Back at THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on the Anniversary of its First Broadway Preview
The Phantom of the Opera performed its first preview at the Majestic Theatre 35 years ago today.
35 years ago today, on January 9th, in 1988, The Phantom of the Opera had its first preview at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway.
On this day in 1988 The Phantom of the Opera performed our first preview at Broadway's Majestic Theatre ? pic.twitter.com/LyrGQn7pYa
- The Phantom of the Opera (@PhantomOpera) January 9, 2023
Broadway's longest-running show ever will take its final Broadway bow at the Majestic Theatre on April 16, 2023 a few months after celebrating its 35th anniversary. The show was previously set to close on February 18, 2023, but extended its run after the closing announcement due to a high demand for tickets.
BroadwayWorld was on hand for The Phantom of the Opera's 34th anniversary celebration last year, in January of 2022.
On January 9th in 2006, The Phantom of the Opera became Broadway's longest-running show in history! For Phantom's record of 'longest-running Broadway show of all-time' to be broken, Chicago will have to continue its Broadway run for another eight years.
Broadway's blockbuster phenomenon, Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, directed by the late Harold Prince, is one of the world's all-time most successful entertainment properties. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has been the longest-running show in Broadway history for well over a decade, and its astounding longevity in New York and around the world is unprecedented. On Broadway alone, the musical has played an unheard of more than 13,000 performances to 19 million people at The Majestic Theatre (245 West 44th Street). The show began Broadway previews at the Majestic Theatre on January 9, 1988 and opened on January 26, 1988 starring Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman and Steve Barton.
Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de L'Opéra by Gaston Leroux, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe and book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is directed by the late Harold Prince. Musical staging and choreography is by the late Gillian Lynne. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has production design by the late Maria Björnson®, lighting by Andrew Bridge and sound by Mick Potter with original sound by Martin Levan. Musical supervision and direction is by David Caddick and orchestrations are by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
.png)
More Hot Stories For You

March 27, 2023
Emmy Award winner Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”) started rehearsals in New York City today for her Broadway debut in Prima Facie. The production's co-producers have also been announced! Learn more here!

March 27, 2023
Tickets are now on sale for Here Lies Love. Check out an all new video, featuring Lea Salonga and David Korins touring the newly transformed Broadway Theatre!

March 27, 2023
Antonio Díaz, “El Mago Pop”, the most successful illusionist the continent of Europe has ever produced, announced that he will soon make his Broadway debut with a special version of his wildly successful, eponymous show, El Mago Pop.

March 27, 2023
Ariana Grande took to Instagram to share some photos of herself and Cynthia Erivo behind the scenes of the upcoming Wicked film.

March 27, 2023
Top stories: Read the reviews for Sweeney Todd on Broadway, and watch a message from Nathan Lane in honor of BroadwayWorld's 20th anniversary!