The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway

After 35 Years, The Broadway Run Finally Ends

The Phantom of the Opera was first staged on Broadway on January 26, 1988 and created a sensation. The musical, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, has seen multiple productions around the world and has become the longest-running show in Broadway history. The final curtain came down on the show’s Broadway run at New York’s Majestic Theatre on April 17, 2023, after more than 35 years and almost 14,000 performances, marking the end of an era.

The Story of The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera is a romantic musical that tells the story of a disfigured musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House. He falls in love with a young soprano, Christine, and becomes her mysterious tutor and protector, and also threatens the new opera managers, who are trying to replace her with a rival singer. The story is full of drama, suspense, and romance, and the music is breathtaking.

The Original Production

The original production of The Phantom of the Opera was directed by Harold Prince and starred Michael Crawford as the Phantom and Sarah Brightman as Christine. The show was an instant success and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Michael Crawford’s iconic performance of “The Music of the Night” and the spectacular chandelier crash became unforgettable moments in Broadway history.

Revivals and Productions Around the World

The Phantom of the Opera has been revived several times on Broadway, and has also toured internationally. The show has been translated into multiple languages, and has been performed in over 30 countries. The show’s international success has made it one of the highest-grossing musicals of all time, with over $6 billion in worldwide box office revenue.

The End of an Era

The Phantom of the Opera has been an integral part of Broadway history for over three decades, and its final performance was a momentous occasion. Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show’s creator, spoke of his pride in the show’s long run on Broadway:

“There’s nothing to match it, that’s the thing,” he said. “The show had two lives really. It had the original life with Hal Prince and then it had this second life with Laurence Connor, which gave it a whole new audience, it gave it a whole new lease of life, so it’s been a very special project for me.”

The curtain may have finally fallen on The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, but its legacy will continue to inspire audiences around the world for generations to come.