The Phantom of the Opera Broadway

The Phantom of the Opera 1988

Run Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Ages: 10+
Opened: January 26, 1988
Closing: April 16, 2023

The Phantom of the Opera - 1988 - Broadway History , Info & More

Based on Gaston Leroux’s horror novel, The Phantom of the Opera tells the enticing story of a disfigured Phantom who haunts the depths of The Paris Opera House. Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of the young soprano Christine, The Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. The Phantom's obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide. Audiences are in for a thrilling night of spectacle and romance, accompanied by Broadway’s most unforgettable score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, including "Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," and "Masquerade." Directed by the late Harold Prince and produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group, the musical opened on Broadway on January 26, 1988. It won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and became the longest-running show in Broadway history on January 9, 2006.

The Phantom of the Opera - 1988 - Broadway Cast

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Phantom of the Opera

A grand 'Opera'
9 / 10

It is a spectacular entertainment, visually the most impressive of the British musicals. Perhaps the most old-fashioned thing about it is it's a love story, something Broadway has not seen for quite a while. To say the score is Lloyd Webber's best is not saying a great deal. His music always has a synthetic, borrowed quality to it. As you listen you find yourself wondering where you've heard it before. In this case you've heard a lot of it in Puccini, in the work of other Broadway composers and even the Beatles. Nevertheless he seems to be borrowing from better sources, and he has much greater sophistication about putting it all together. There are some droll opera parodies, several beautiful songs, an impressive septet and a grand choral number, all richly orchestrated.

STAGE VIEW; Now, About That Chandelier That Goes Crashing
3 / 10

In the end, The Phantom of the Opera can be no more than the sum of its pictorial effects. It's no opera (not with those bland melodies, not with lyric phrases like 'Be My Guest' and 'Make My Night'), it's not a display case of serious acting, it's not humor (not even self-mockery). It's pyschologically lightweight, long on melodramatic grotesquerie, and it can only on its visual chills. Will three chills, plus candles that swarm like fireflies, do you?

Video: Watch the Complete Final THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Curtain Call on Broadway
by Alan Henry - April 16, 2023

Watch the complete curtain call from today's final curtain call of The Phantom of the Opera. Broadway's longest-running show ever, The Phantom of the Opera, took its final Broadway bow today, April 16, 2023 after an unprecedented 35-year run and 13,981 performances.

Ben Crawford Out Of Final Broadway Performance of PHANTOM; Laird Mackintosh Will Play The Title Role
by Blair Ingenthron - April 16, 2023

Current Phantom of the Opera star Ben Crawford will be out of the show for the final Broadway performance. Longtime Phantom Laid Mackintosh will step into the role this evening.

Photo: First Look at the PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Final Company Portrait
by Blair Ingenthron - April 16, 2023

The longest-running Broadway show of all time, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will play its final New York performance at The Majestic Theatre today, Sunday, April 16 at 5PM, after a record-breaking 35 years and 13,981 performances to 20 million people. Check out a portrait of the final cast, crew, orchestra, and staff here!

Original Phantom Star Michael Crawford Pens Tribute to Show for Closing Performance on Broadway
by Team BWW - April 16, 2023

As The Phantom of the Opera ends its record-breaking run today on Broadway, the original Phantom, Michael Crawford shared a tribute to the show...

Video: Former Christines Share the Stage at PHANTOM Charity Performance
by Blair Ingenthron - April 15, 2023

Watch a special, surprise curtain call presentation with leading lady Emilie Kouatchou, joined onstage by three iconic, former Broadway Christines: Sierra Boggess (25th Anniversary), Ali Ewoldt (30th Anniversary) and the original “Angel of Music” herself: original London and New York star Sarah Brightman.

Photos: Mayor Eric Adams Awards Andrew Lloyd Webber The Key to the City of New York
by Bruce Glikas - April 15, 2023

Andrew Lloyd Webber was awarded The Key to the City of New York yesterday by Mayor Eric Adams and BroadwayWorld was there for the event. Check out photos below!

Interview: Veteran PHANTOM Cast Member Carrington Vilmont on the Final Chandelier Fall
by Cara Joy David - April 17, 2023

In January 2001, Carrington Vilmont made his Broadway debut in The Phantom of the Opera. He has spent the majority of the years since in the company, appearing in the final company as the Auctioneer. As of last night, he had played 6066 performances in the musical. Today he woke up without it.

Video: Ben Crawford, Emilie Kouatchou, and John Riddle Sing 'Think of Me' From THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
by Stephi Wild - April 14, 2023

The Phantom of the Opera has released an all new music video featuring the show's closing cast. Celebrating 35 years on Broadway, watch as the production’s lead cast members Ben Crawford (The Phantom), Emilie Kouatchou (Christine), and John Riddle (Raoul) sing Think of Me.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Ends Unprecedented 35-Year Run on Broadway; Tune in at 4pm!
by Red Carpet - April 16, 2023

You have one final chance to experience the magic of Broadway's most beloved show, The Phantom of the Opera as BroadwayWorld will be bringing you live coverage from the star-studded red carpet. We have all the details here!

Video: Watch Hal Prince Talk THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in 1988 CBS SUNDAY MORNING Segment
by Michael Major - April 13, 2023

CBS Sunday Morning has shared an interview segment 1988 featuring Hal Prince discussing the opening of The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. The segment, which features footage of the original Broadway cast in rehearsals and performing, spotlights how Prince brought the musical to Broadway. Watch the video now!

Inside THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA's Epic, Final Fundraising Appeal for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
by Nicole Rosky - April 3, 2023

The Phantom of the Opera is quickly approaching its final performance at the Majestic Theatre, where it will conclude its epic 35-year run on April 16. Over the weekend, the show made its final fundraising appeal for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Executive Director Tom Viola writes about the epic night here.

Lottery Tickets for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA's Final Performance Now Available
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 24, 2023

Special lottery for tickets to the invitation-only, final Broadway performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Sunday, April 16 at 5PM are now available!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA to Present Special Charity Performance Closing Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 16, 2023

A special Charity Performance will take place on Friday, April 14 of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the iconic and record-breaking Broadway production that will end its history-making run that week. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber Teases THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA May Return to Broadway
by Stephi Wild - March 15, 2023

Andrew Lloyd Webber has teased that The Phantom of the Opera may not be leaving Broadway for good when it takes its final bow next month.

VIDEO: Ramin Karimloo Further Teases Possible Return to PHANTOM in New Video Announcement
by Blair Ingenthron - February 11, 2023

Ramin Karimloo is keeping the mystery alive regarding his possible return to Phantom of the Opera. In a new video on his Instagram account, Karimloo gets 'choked up' as he attempts to make an announcement regarding the previous TikTok post. Watch the video here!

Video: Ramin Karimloo Teases THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Return on TikTok
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 7, 2023

In a newly-posted TikTok, Ramin Karimloo is teasing a possible return to The Phantom of the Opera! In the TikTok, Karimloo FaceTimes with his son as they go through a series of Phantom masks.

Photos: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Celebrates 35 Years on Broadway
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - January 27, 2023

The Phantom of the Opera celebrated 35 years on Broadway last night, January 26, at the Majestic Theatre. The production opened on January 26, 1988. BroadwayWorld was there to capture some special moments from the big night, including members of the creative team, the cast's curtain call, and more!

Video: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Celebrates 35th Anniversary With a Special Curtain Call
by Stephi Wild - January 27, 2023

The Phantom of the Opera celebrated 35 years on Broadway last night, January 26, at the Majestic Theatre. Following the show, a special curtain call was held, featuring a performance and speech from members of the cast. BroadwayWorld was there to capture the big moment and you can check out the video here!

Video: Celebrating 35 Years of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - January 26, 2023

35 years ago today, on January 26, 1988, The Phantom of the Opera opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre. Check out a playlist of videos from the course of the show's historic Broadway run.

VIDEO: HAUSER Shares 'The Phantom of the Opera' Theme Filmed at Her Majesty's Theatre
by Michael Major - January 20, 2023

The music video, the first to have ever been recorded on stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s iconic West End, stars HAUSER playing cello as  “The Phantom” alongside his obsession “Christine Daaé” in a heart-touching performance. This dramatic new visual showcases the storyline of the longest-running Broadway musical in a refreshing new way.

The Phantom of the Opera FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Think of Me
Angel of Music
Little Lotte
The Mirror
The Phantom of the Opera
The Music of the Night
I Remember
Stranger Than You Dreamt It
Magical Lasso
Notes [i]
Prima Donna
Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh
Why Have You Brought Me Here
Raoul, I've Been There
All I Ask of You
Masquerade
Why So Silent
Notes [ii]
Twisted Every Way
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
Wandering Child
Bravo, Bravo
The Point of No Return
Down Once More
Track Down This Murderer
What Time has Done to Me
The Phantom of the Opera has had 7 productions including Broadway which opened in 1988, US Tour which opened in 1990, Los Angeles which opened in 1990, US Tour which opened in 1992, Las Vegas which opened in 2006, US Tour which opened in 2013 and West End which opened in 2021.
Best Musical , , Best Book of a Musical for Richard Stilgoe, Best Book of a Musical for Andrew Lloyd Webber, Best Choreography for Gillian Lynne, Best Costume Design for Maria Bjornson , Best Direction of a Musical for Harold Prince , Best Lighting Design for Andrew Bridge , Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Andrew Lloyd Webber, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Charles HartBest Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Richard Stilgoe and Best Scenic Design for Maria Bjornson .
Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Richard Stilgoe Best Book of a Musical for Andrew Lloyd Webber, Best Choreography for Gillian Lynne, Best Costume Design for Maria Bjornson , Best Direction of a Musical for Harold Prince , Best Lighting Design for Andrew Bridge , Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Andrew Lloyd Webber, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Charles Hart, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Richard Stilgoe, Best Scenic Design for Maria Bjornson , .
The Phantom of the Opera has been nominated for several awards. These include Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, Outstanding Choreography for Gillian Lynne, Outstanding Costume Design for Maria Bjornson, Outstanding Director - Musical for Harold Prince, Outstanding Lighting Design for Andrew Bridge, Outstanding Music for Andrew Lloyd Webber, Outstanding Musical for Phantom of the Opera, Outstanding Orchestration for David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Outstanding Set Design for Maria Bjornson at the Drama Desk Awards. Additionally, the show has been nominated for Best Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as Best Costume Design and Best Set Design, both by Maria Bjornson.
The Phantom of the Opera has won several awards, including Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Costume Design, Outstanding Director - Musical, Outstanding Lighting Design, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Orchestration, and Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards. It has also received awards for Best Broadway Musical, Best Costume Design, and Best Set Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards.

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