This year is the musical's 34th anniversary on Broadway. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The Phantom, a mysterious character who inhabits the rafters, sabotages the ongoing operato get what he wants from the new owners. With a book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, music by Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart,The Phantom of the Operais based on the novelLe Fantme de L'Opraby Gaston Leroux. She said what trailblazers have sacrificed for her makes her want to pay it forward by always doing her best. This haunting tale of love, light, and music with its celebrated cast and Tony award-winning music will surely make for a night that will be hard to forget. Webber does an amazing job of creating these specific characters, who, as an actor, you can also just embody them differently. Our website is made possible bydisplaying online advertisements to our visitors. It marked the milestone by debuting its first Black Christine on Broadway, played by Emilie Kouatchou. The cast is led by Ben Crawford as The Phantom, Meghan Picerno as Christine and John Riddle as Raoul . I always love to research understudies just in case the lead is not performing. Kouatchou said just thinking of all the trailblazing Black women that were overlooked for the role but who nonetheless made it possible for her to play Christine makes her emotional. I will saythat.. Essential MoMA: Klooks Guide to New Yorks Famed Museum of Modern Art. A Short Guide to Booking a Klook Car Rental and Driving Abroad. The Phantom of the Opera has released an all new music video featuring the show's closing cast. | Just like the Phantom, we all have to mask up! John Riddle as Raoul, Laird Mackintosh as the Phantom and Emilie Kouatchou as Christine, take a bow at the end of the final performance of the Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theater in New York City on April 16, 2023. It's been very creatively freeing to be able to start with a blank slate in a sense. Returning to lead the cast are Ben Crawford as The Phantom, Meghan Picerno as Christine Daa, and John Riddle as Raoul, with Bradley Dean as Monsieur Andr, Craig Bennett as Monsieur Firmin, Raquel Suarez Groen as Carlotta Giudicelli, Maree Johnson as Madame Giry, and Carlton Moe as Ubaldo Piangi. / Photo courtesy of The Publicity Office), You Pick the Nominees! I still give notes to the actors, to the orchestra. While this Phantom will close for good in February, it would not be shocking to see it return in a much cheaper iteration in a few years. Former cast member Laird Mackintosh has a long history with the show, stretching back to the Toronto production from 1993 for 5 years (3 of them as Raoul and covering The Phantom). "So, I have a very enviable spot in my life in the fact that I had something to go to, which was nothing!" Dylan Parent Phantom, sources said, has struggled to recover since it reopened in October 2021 following the pandemic closure, and is losing some $1 million a month. Current Phantom of the Opera star Ben Crawford will be out of the show for the final Broadway performance. And whatever problems they have out on the street and in their daily lives, they come in here and it's like a little kid tripping on a fairy tale or something. In 2023, PHANTOM will be playing across a total of 15 countries, in 8 languages and 4 continents. Youre trying to get me to spill some Phantom secrets, she coyly responded. Check out the video below! Feb. 19, 2022, 3:01 AM PST. Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images Lucy St. Louis recently became the first Black actor to play the role when she reopened the London production of Phantom as Christine in July. Directed by the late Harold Prince, the Tony-winning musical has been closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic. Im learning to take things as they come and realize that my journey is going to happen when it needs to happen. Keeping this in mind grounds Kouatchou and informs her purpose-driven life and career. Disney is celebrating its 100th anniversary this 2023, so here are 100 reasons why you absolutely have to go to Disneyland Resort California this year! Also joining the production in her Broadway debut is Emilie Kouatchou, who plays the role of Christine Daa at certain performances. May 1, 2023, By This combination has long left audiences wondering if any of the singing is prerecorded. It follows a deformed composer who haunts the grand Paris Opera House. This year is the musical's 34th anniversary on Broadway. The couple announced their engagement via tandem Instagram posts. Andrew Lloyd Webbers musical plans to play through the holidays, and then cap off its storied run on Feb. 18. This story originally appeared on Today.com. 1. Seeing and hearing musical theater classics like All I Ask of You, Angel of Music, Think of Me, Music of the Night, the show-stopping Masquerade, and of course, the titular The Phantom of the Opera performed live by the phenomenal The Phantom of the Opera Broadway cast. The Phantom Of The Opera takes place in the decadent Paris Opera House where the Phantom - a man ashamed of his physical appearance - hides from the real world in the darkness of the theatre. He was really adamant about making sure that Christine felt like me, and that I didnt have to put on any sort of airs that I thought an ingenue character had to be or a Christine had to be, she said. Broadways second-longest-running show, the revival of John Kander and Fred Ebbs Chicago, is well behind in the race, having been running 25 years and playing 10,090 performances. Ben Crawford Fans Also Viewed . On Monday, it will all be over. Crawford has been out of the show since April 1st. The Phantom of the Opera has been performed in 15 languages and was the first musical to gross over $6 billion. Please note, this sub does not allow any bootleg or sales posts/requests. But Black representation on Broadway has recently increased. It was a big conversation when I was rehearsing first with our production supervisors. Copyright 1991-2023 Playbill Inc. All Rights Reserved. Among the judges are Olivier winner Amber Riley and Frozen star Samantha Barks. Andrew Gans Ben Crawford (born May 22, 1982) is an American singer and stage actor from Tucson, Arizona. The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway Ben Crawford and Ali Ewoldt with Jason Forbach as Raoul Taken during Ali's final week in the production (Taken on my pho. "I think the enduring appeal is because it's so romantic and because audiences escape into it," the late director said for the 25th anniversary. Randi Richardson reports for TODAY Digital and NBC BLK from New York. The Phantom of the Opera stars Ben Crawford and Kelsey Connolly have announced their engagement! This story has been shared 185,893 times. Cameron Mackintosh's other reimagined production of The Phantom of the Opera has broken box office records across the UK and the U.S., most recently at the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and will open in Vienna in 2024. A 2019 reportby the Actors Equity Association found that just 8% of Broadways nearly 52,000 actors and stage managers are Black. Christine a young soprano starts the musical with a small role in the show within the show, but becomes the Phantoms love interest and he uses his influence to get her the lead role by any means possible. He made his Broadway debut in 2006 in Les Misrables as the understudy for Jean Valjean and Javert. ", "The Phantom being misunderstood, I think is a big symbol for a lot of people," says Ben Crawford, who now has the distinction of being the last Phantom to haunt the Majestic Theatre on Broadway. Endless thanks to Denny and Seth, as well as her amazing family. His Broadway credits includeCharlie and the Chocolate Factory(Mr. Salt), the titular character in Shrek The Musical, Big Fish (Edward Bloom u/s, Don Price), Les Misrables (Javert/Valjean u/s) and On the Twentieth Century (Bruce Granit u/s). "It gives me discipline and structure in my life, and it gives me a constant way to maintain my craft. Ben Crawford currently plays the Phantom and Emilie Kouatchou is Christine Daa. "It's given me the ability to have security, to plan ahead," says Poole. Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of the young soprano Christine, The Phantom lures her as his protg and falls fiercely in love with her. Oh, gosh. Crawford has been out of the show since April 1st. The Phantom of the Opera, for those who've never seen it, is the story of a disfigured genius who haunts the Paris Opera House, pining away for a young soprano, Christine, who's in love with a dashing count. Phantom continues to play in London at Her Majestys Theatre soon to be renamed His Majestys Theatre following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and recently had some of its original staging revised. Planning to go to Disneyland Resort California for your next holiday? Step-by-Step Guide: How to Secure Your Disneyland Resort California Tickets on Klook. Meghan Picerno and Ben Crawford in "The Phantom of the Opera", This production ended its run on April 16, 2023, You Pick the Nominees! Talaura Harms Some even send him their own artwork. Lloyd Webbers lush songs (with lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe), Harold Princes innovative staging, Gillian Lynnes balletic choreography and the lavish set and costume designs by Maria Bjrnson are seared into the minds of generations of theatergoers. "So, you know, it was the right decision to take at the right time. Kouatchou still remembers the first time she hit the stage playing Christine as an understudy in October 2021. Longtime Phantom Laird Mackintosh will step into the role this evening. Updated by the minute, our Dallas Cowboys NFL Tracker: News and views and moves inside The Star and around the league . The Majestic Theatre, the best musical house on Broadway, has finally been freed up after nearly four decades. And a revamped Broadway version of the composers musical Cinderella at the Imperial Theatre will be announced as soon as next week. The right show could be grossing $3 million a week there, rather than $1 million from Phantom.. All guests must wear a mask at all times except when eating or drinking in the designated areas. ThePhantom of the Opera marked Connolly's Broadway debut, but Crawford is a bonafide veteran, having appeared in Shrek The Musical,Les Misrables, Big Fish, On The Twentieth Century, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in addition to his extended tenure as the titular Phantom. Actor Richard Poole says the closing is bittersweet. "People [here] have watched him grow up. By Randi Richardson. Choose Your Favorites for the 2023 Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards. The flagship London production, which celebrated its 36th anniversary on October 9, continues to play stronger than ever post-Covid, with no end in sight. Lin-Manuel Miranda. The entertainment industry at large has struggled with diversity and representation, especially Broadway. And not to mention the iconic chandelier hanging from the ceiling of the theater you wont get another experience like this on Broadway. Unaware of Christine's love for Raoul, The Phantom's obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide. The Phantom of the Opera stars Ben Crawford and Kelsey Connolly have announced their engagement! Read Klooks guide on each one here. Ben has also starred in over twenty regional theatre productions ranging from Che in Evita (Studio Tenn), Starbuck in 110 in the Shade (Ford's Theatre), Luther Billis in South Pacific (Ogunquit . The couple previously starred together as The Phantom and Meg Giry in The Phantom of The Opera. Save up on your adventure with Klooks best deal on car rentals, hotels, and attractions, 10 Disneyland California Souvenirs You Have to Take Home. . Phantom marks Bens sixth Broadway show and he is beyond grateful to be able to jump into this iconic role. [UPDATED] Your Trusty Guide for Travel Requirements, Rules, and Reminders for Your Next Trip to Mainland US. Ticket prices range from $29-$169, with Premium tickets also available. While Broadway prepares to bid farewell, The Phantom of the Opera continues to play around the world. Every Phantom is different, every Christine is different. I try and bring myself to her as much as I can even in just the inflection of my voice, something as simple as that. California dreamin? But its really cool to compare, you know?Anyway enjoy! This story has been shared 114,619 times. Based on Gaston Lerouxs 1910 novel, The Phantom of the Opera, the musical follows the story of The Phantom, a mysterious composer who haunts the Paris Opera House, and his muse, up-and-coming opera-star Christine Daa. Check out these travel requirements, rules, and reminders before planning your trip to Mainland US! Emilie Kouatchou (left) and Ben Crawford in Broadway's "Phantom of the Opera." Matthew Murphy. Josh Gad. As with many other shows, ticket sales for "Phantom" lagged when Broadway reopened after COVID-19. 40 Year Olds. . Lloyd Webber may be back to Broadway soon enough. hide caption, 25 Years Strong, 'Phantom Of The Opera' Kills And Kills Again, Not My Job: We Quiz T-Pain On 'The Phantom Of The Opera'. There have been 16 Phantoms of the Opera on Broadway from Michael Crawford, who originated the role, to Ben Crawford (no relation), who will ring down the curtain, after an unprecedented 35 . He's played The Phantom over 200 times in New York, with his last performance in early March. Guests under the age of 18 may present their school ID. If you caught the travel bug but you don't know where to go, here's a list of countries open for travel now to help you determine where your next adventure will take place! A flop movie version, starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum, was released in 2004. 7 Incredible Places to Visit On Your Las Vegas to Phoenix Road Trip. Since opening on January 26, 1988, the New York production has played an unheard of nearly 14,000 performances to over 20 million people at The Majestic Theatre (245 West 44th Street). | Jay Armstrong Johnson and Kaley Ann Voorhees, By Here's how to book your Disneyland tickets! . 100 Reasons Why You Should Visit Disneyland Resort California This Year. In celebration of Black history, Kouatchou sat down with TODAY to discuss disrupting an industry set in its ways and the significance of Black representation on Broadway, especially in predominately white musicals and plays. She is beyond thankful to have been a part of the Phantom Phamily for so many years! Privacy Policy. Blocking belongson the stage,not on websites. ", So, Phantom is going out with a bang it's been selling out again. Former cast member Laird Mackintosh has a long history with the show, stretching back to the Toronto production from 1993 for 5 years (3 of them . And, you know, I think people's memory now is back with people saying Phantom of the Opera is one of the great successes of all time, which is what one always prays when a great show finishes. Broadways groundbreaking musical Phantom of the Opera has once again made history. "I was retiring anyway," he says. Following the performance, the current Phantom, Ben Crawford, gave a speech honoring the show. The Phantom of the Opera, Andrew Lloyd Webber's mega hit musical, is closing after more than 35 years. Music supervisor and conductor David Caddick has been around since the very beginning he was music director for a staged reading on Andrew Lloyd Webber's estate back in 1984. The cast is ledbyBen Crawfordas The Phantom,Meghan Picernoas Christine andJohn Riddleas Raoul. hide caption. ", But even the longest running show in Broadway history has to close at some point. Or who was his understudy before the pandemic. So things like that; just remembering that although I do have to stay in the confines of the time period and in dialect, I can be as expressive as myself, Emilie.. After three decades at the Majestic Theatre, The Phantom of the Opera still runs like a well-oiled machineincluding its . And it came to my dressing room in a box with, like, holes in it so it could breathe. 5% off your 1st booking with code BetterOnApp, Earn Klook credits to save on future bookings, Nearly half a million activities - just taps away. 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. https://www.flickr.com/photos/time-to-look/29568642003/in/photostream/. Jeff Keller played a limited replacement engagement, Ted Keegan played a limited replacement engagement, Brad Little played a limited replacement engagement, Gary Mauer played a limited replacement engagement. Sara Esty joins the company as Meg Giry. Year after year, it remains a staple in the musical theatre canon, and Kouatchou attributes the musicals success to composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. The long-running musical resumes performances at the Majestic Theatre on October 22, . Sign up for reopening news, announcements, and exclusive discounts on tickets to your favorite shows! May 1, 2023, By As much a part of the city landscape as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, The Phantom of the Opera has long been a New York City landmark. Stage Actors. Known for its stellar music and stage production, Phantom of the Opera has won seven Tony Awards including best musical and was made into a major motion picture starring Emmy Rossum as Christine in 2004. For the other 124 people employed by The Phantom of the Opera, it's time to find a new gig. As Christines star rises, and a handsome suitor from her past enters the picture, the Phantom grows mad, terrorizing the opera house owners and company with his murderous ways. The three original U.S. national tours combined grossed over $1.5 billion, playing 216 engagements in 77 cities for an unprecedented total of 36.5 years and over 14,500 performances to 31 million people - making it the most successful and continuously-touring show in U.S. history. Seamlessly booking your Phantom of the Opera tickets on, Christine Daa is played by Emilie Kouatchou, Monsieur Firmin is played by Craig Bennet, Carlotta Guidicell is played by Raquel Suarez Groen, The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway is currently showing at the Majestic Theater on 247 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036. Previews on Broadway began January 9, 1988, with an official opening January 26. The PHANTOM Orchestra - Broadway's largest, with 27 members - performs under the musical supervision of David Caddick. The production also features musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne, scenic and costume design by Maria Bjrnson, lighting design by Andrew Bridge, and sound design by Martin Levan with Caddick as music director. The musical also changed the landscape for touring across the country - inspiring the renovation of theaters and opera houses across the country to house it and revitalizing the economies of countless U.S. cities. In the New York production alone, an estimated 6,500 people (including 450 actors) have been employed during its more than three decades run. The complete Phantom orchestraBroadways largestalso returns, under the continued musical supervision of David Caddick with the musicals original orchestrations. Find out which is the perfect one for you! The first Mandarin language version of PHANTOM, presented by SMG Live, with Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Really Useful Group and Troika Entertainment and based on the original production, will open in China at the Shanghai Grand Theatre in May 2023, which will be followed by a large-scale tour of China. In an era when Hollywood actors are dominant on Broadway, preferring strictly limited runs that give them career options and flexibility, 9,382 performances may endure as something more than a world record. To our regret, he's required to take a little more time." Thank you to everyone who has helped celebrate 34 years of #PhantomBroadway ! "I was very keen to write something which was a high romance at the time, having done Evita and having done Cats and various things, which didn't let me go in that direction at all," Lloyd Webber recalled in 2013, for the show's 25th anniversary on Broadway. No matter whats going on during my day if I had a bad day or if I feel like Im not doing my best on stage or whatever I just know that me being on stage is bigger than what is necessarily going on with me, she said. It tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as 'The Phantom' who haunts the depths of The Paris Opera House. Sara Esty takeson the role of Meg Giry. "It has a world of its own. The theater that new show is currently going into, the Shubert, has about 350 fewer seats. Emilie Kouatchou (left) and Ben Crawford (right) performing the title song in "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway. But shes at peace with how things unfolded. Kouatchou is the first Black actor to play the role of Christine in the Broadway production. The Ensemble features Giselle O. Alvarez, Polly Baird, Janinah Burnett, Xiaoxiao Cao, Kanisha Marie Feliciano, David Michael Garry, Chris Georgetti, Kelly Jeanne Grant, Satomi Hofmann, Ayaka Kamei, Ted Keegan, Kfir, Kelly Loughran, Scott Mikita, Greg Mills, Trista Moldovan, Justin Peck, Richard Poole, Lindsay Roberts, Janet Saia, Paul Adam Schaefer, Carly Blake Sebouhian, Jeremy Stolle, Carrington Vilmont, Jim Weitzer, Elizabeth Welch and Erica Wong. In fact, Shubert chair Bob Wankel wanted the Majestic for the upcoming musical Some Like It Hot, but was reluctant to give Phantom the boot. The New York production currently stars Ben Crawford as 'The Phantom,' Emilie Kouatchou as 'Christine,' Paul Adam Schaefer as 'Raoul' (John Riddle returns to the role on April 3), Nehal Joshi as 'Monsieur Andr,' Craig Bennett as 'Monsieur Firmin,' Raquel Suarez Groen as 'Carlotta Giudicelli,' Maree Johnson as 'Madame Giry,' Carlton Moe as 'Ubaldo Piangi' and Sara Esty as 'Meg Giry.' I want to take care of myself, but its so important that audiences see someone who looks like me playing Christine.. Regional: Kennedy Center, Long Wharf Theatre, Goodspeed, PCLO, Casa Maana, MUNY. Can't decide where to bike? Fun fact: Did you know that this exact theater has been home to The Phantom of the Opera since 1988? Hammann is one of several members of the orchestra to have a "Phantom baby" her son, Jackson just turned 18. Were in a period of intense change in this industry, and Im just happy that I could be a part of that change.. In October 2021, seven plays by Black playwrights with predominately Black casts debuted. Musical supervision and direction is by David Caddick and orchestrations are by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. [UPDATED] Dont Know Where to Go? Note: Laird Mackintosh played the Phantom at the final performance on Sunday, April 16, filling in for Crawford who was ill.] Like other Phantoms before him, he has a special relationship with the Phans who've visited the show over and over. The castalso featuresBradley Deanas Monsieur Andr,Craig Bennettas Monsieur Firmin,Raquel Suarez Groenas Carlotta Giudicelli,Maree Johnsonas Madame Giry andCarlton Moeas Ubaldo Piangi. Any clue as to who it might be? Review Roundup: Sean Hayes Stars In GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR On Broadway! . The production has grossed a staggering $1.3 billion. Thats one of the reasons why its stood the test of time.. "At the moment, it's about maintaining what we have: keeping the show vibrant. Hop in! . Blocking belongson the stage,not on websites. Last Fall's closing announcement instantly resulted in sold out performances and lines around the block of The Majestic Theatre, in advance of the final performance, which will be its colossal 13,981st. The Phantom of the Opera's running time is 150 minutes long (or roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes) with an intermission between both acts so you . She has toured the country with An American in Paris and Phantom. I think about it every day. Choose Your Favorites for the 2023 Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards. "They saw that I had dinosaurs in my room," he says, "because when I play with my kids on FaceTime, my son loves dinosaurs, so they 3D printed this velociraptor that's, like, in a tuxedo with a phantom mask.
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