Men Behind the Mask - Kevin Gray, Cris Groenendaal, Davis Gaines & Howard McGillin

Cris Groenendaal, who took on the role of the Phantom on March 20, 1989 began his journey with the show by originating the role of manager Monsieur Andre, and understudying the role of Raoul on Broadway.

"I went through the basic audition process to win the role of Andre, which was a great experience. I'd been playing that role, along with understudying Raoul, for a year and three months. Michael Crawford had left the show then, and had been replaced by Timothy Nolen and they were beginning to look for someone to replace him. I had auditioned for Michael's replacement, prior to that, and they had me learn the role making me one of the official covers. After my first performance as a cover, they offered me the chance to replace Timothy and of course I jumped at it." Having been part of the show for 15 months already, Cris knew that he was somewhere special. "It was extraordinary, and you knew that it was a hit every time that you went out there. Being in the show provided security in a business where there is none, and extraordinary hype like I've never experienced. I remember Hal Prince saying that too, back when we were in previews, to 'just concentrate on the moment to moment work, because you can kind of let the show get away from you if you don't. Just concentrate on what you're doing, and what you need to be doing for the show, because that's what's important.' That was great advice, and helped us all stay grounded despite the insanity that was going on around us."

For this actor, the success of the show wasn't a surprise. "Even before I left, which was after 2 years and 3 months, I had predicted that it was going to be the longest running show in history. It's got a great story, a classic love triangle, really great music, and the direction and the design elements are just absolutely extraordinary. What's always excited me about the show is the cinematic, seamless direction. You can't believe that they're capable of doing what they do and it takes your breath away. It's also an intriguing story, which is beautifully told in every way shape and form. I think that Americans especially love the underdog, which the Phantom is a classic example of. Even though he's all powerful, he's kind of sad and pathetic at the same time. At the core of him is this love, but he's also killing people. I think that people are in a sense of still rooting for him at the end, because they've taken the journey with him. You need to keep them on that journey that the character takes in order to keep them with you. I can't wait for the 9th!" Groenendaal's days under the Phantom umbrella aren't over either, as he's currently involved with a concert series that's been playing across the United States entitled "The Three Phantoms." Along with Kevin Gray, and Craig Schulman (with Mark Jacoby, and Ted Keegan taking turns as well over the years), they've been playing symphonies the world over. Next up are dates in Hawaii in Late January. Click here for more information on the upcoming concerts.

Kevin Gray donned the Phantom's mask on December 3, 1990 after previously joining the company and making his Broadway debut as Raoul, replacing Steve Barton. He played that role for six months, and then took over as The Phantom, replacing Steve Barton then as well. This made Kevin the second actor to play both roles, and he later played the title role on tour.