Original Phantom Michael Crawford to Participate in Show's Record-Breaking Celebration
Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de L'Opéra by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera "tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command," according to press notes.
Howard McGillin, who has played the title role on Broadway more than any other performer, will play the Phantom for the record-breaking performance. Sandra Joseph, who has played the role of Christine throughout the country including over 1,000 times on Broadway, will co-star. Joining them are Tim Martin Gleason as Raoul, George Lee Andrews (who has been with the show for the entire run) as Monsieur André, Tim Jerome as Monsieur Firmin, Anne Runolfsson as Carlotta, Marilyn Caskey as Madame Giry, Larry Wayne Morbitt as Piangi, Heather McFadden as Meg. (Currently on maternity leave, McFadden will return the first week in January. Until then, the role of Meg is being played by Kara Klein, direct from the national tour in her Broadway debut). At certain performances, Rebecca Pitcher, most recently Christine with the current national tour, plays the role of Christine.
The Phantom of the Opera features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is directed by Harold Prince. Lyrics are by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe) and the book is by Stilgoe and Lloyd Webber. The musical has production design by the late Maria Björnson, lighting by Andrew Bridge and sound by Martin Levan, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. Orchestrations are by David Cullen and Lloyd Webber.
The Phantom of the Opera had its world premiere on October 9, 1986 at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, winning every major British theatre award including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards. The New York production, starring London stars Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, opened on January 26, 1988. The musical won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
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