Theater
The Phantom of the Opera is closing on Broadway
Broadway’s longest-running show will ends its run in February 2023
The Phantom of the Opera, Broadway's most reliable tourist magnet for 35 years, began haunting the New York City stage way back in 1988. It still draws folks who judge it one of the best Broadway shows, clamoring for cheap Broadway tickets. Back in 1988, it cleaned up at the Tony Awards with eight wins. The plot, borrowed from a 1910 potboiler by Gaston Leroux, tells of Christine Daaé, a naïve young soprano whose secretive voice teacher turns out to be a deformed musical genius who inhabits a candlelit lair beneath the Paris Opera House. (Although the Phantom is serial killer, extortionist, kidnapper and probable rapist, Christine and audiences are mysteriously drawn to him. Who doesn’t love a bad boy?) While the epic synth-rock chords of the title song may ground Phantom in the 1980s, the show’s Puccini-inflected airs are far grander than most of what one hears elsewhere on Broadway. And although there may not be much depth to the musical’s story (by Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe) or lyrics (mostly by Charles Hart), the production—directed by the legendary Hal Prince—has been carefully maintained and refurbished over the years, and remains a marvel of sumptuous surfaces.
What is The Phantom of the Opera?
The Phantom of the Opera is a romantic musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart (with additions from Richard Stilgoe). Lloyd Webber and Stilgoe also wrote the musical's book. It was directed by Hal Prince. Phantom began Broadway previews at the Majestic Theatre on January 9, 1988 and opened on January 26. The production continues to play at the Majestic. It is, by more than 3,000 performances, the longest-running show in Broadway history.
Where is The Phantom of the Opera playing?
The Phantom of the Opera plays at Majestic Theatre, located at 245 W 44th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue.
When is The Phantom of the Opera playing?
The Phantom of the Opera plays eight times a week, on the following schedule: Monday at 8pm; Wednesday at 8pm; Thursday at 2pm and 8pm; Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm and 8pm; and Sunday at 5pm. A new schedule begins in 2023; be sure to check ahead of time for changes.
How do I get tickets to The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway?
Tickets to The Phantom of the Opera are sold through Broadway.com. You may also purchase them through through Telecharge or in person at the Majestic Theatre box office.
How long is The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway?
The running time of The Phantom of the Opera is 2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission.
When is The Phantom of the Opera closing?
The Phantom of the Opera is scheduled to end its record-breaking run at the Majestic Theatre with a charity performance on April 16, 2023.
Who is in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway?
The principal cast of The Phantom of the Opera currently includes Ben Crawford (the Phantom), Emilie Kouatchou (Christine), Julia Udine (Christine alternate), Paul Adam Schaefer (Raoul), Nehal Joshi (Monsieur André), Craig Bennett (Monsieur Firmin), Raquel Suarez Groen (Carlotta), Maree Johnson (Madame Giry), Carlton Moe (Piangi) and Sara Esty (Meg).
What awards has The Phantom of the Opera won?
1988 Tony Awards
• Best Musical
• Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical - Michael Crawford
• Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical - Judy Kaye
• Best Direction of a Musical - Harold Prince
• Best Scenic Design - Maria Björnson
• Best Costume Design - Maria Björnson
• Best Lighting Design - Andrew Bridge
1988 Drama Desk Awards
• Outstanding Actor in a Musical - Michael Crawford
• Outstanding Director of a Musical - Harold Prince
• Outstanding Music - Andrew Lloyd Webber
• Outstanding Orchestrations - David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber
• Outstanding Set Design - Maria Björnson
• Outstanding Costume Design - Maria Björnson
• Outstanding Lighting Design - Andrew Bridge
