Tonight, a new principal cast member joins the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the longest-running show in Broadway history. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Group, Inc. and directed by Harold Prince, the musical recently celebrated an unprecedented 21 Years in New York, where it plays at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street).
Ryan Silverman, who previously starred as ‘Raoul' in the Las Vegas production, takes over the role on Broadway starting this evening, Friday, April 24.
He succeeds long-time star Tim Martin Gleason, whose final performance will be Thursday evening, April 23. Mr. Gleason will leave the production to assume the title role in the touring company of the hit musical.
Mr. Silverman recently left the Vegas production, having played ‘Raoul' from August 20, 2007 to February 10, 2008. He's one of three stars of the Vegas production to join the Broadway Company, following Tim Martin Gleason (who created the role of ‘Raoul' there and who Mr. Silverman replaced) and Elizabeth Loyacano (who created the role of ‘Christine' there and who has been the ‘Christine' Alternate on Broadway since December 2007).
In the Broadway production's more than 21 years, Mr. Silverman becomes only the thirteenth actor to be cast as ‘Raoul' (not including alternates and understudies). He follows, in order: Steve Barton, Kevin Gray, Davis Gaines, Hugh Panaro, Keith Buterbaugh, Ciaran Sheehan, Brad Little, Gary Mauer, Jim Weitzer, Michael Shawn Lewis, John Cudia and Tim Martin Gleason.
Ryan Silverman just returned from London, where he performed at the Olivier Awards, having starred as Tony in the Olivier-nominated West End engagement of West Side Story. That run was part of the musical's 50th Anniversary International Tour, in which Silverman also starred. He recently performed the role of Karl in the Encores! production of Music in the Air opposite Kristin Chenoweth. He made his Broadway debut in Cry Baby and his other New York credits include both The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King u/s) and The Most Happy Fella at New York City Opera. He's toured nationally as Sky in Mamma Mia! and was a cast member of the Chicago production of Wicked (Fiyero u/s). Regional credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy), West Side Story (Tony), Cinderella (Prince) and Grease (Danny). Hailing from Sherwood Park, Alberta, his Canadian credits include Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius), Forever Plaid (Smudge), Sweeney Todd (Anthony), Blood Brothers (Eddie) and Assassins (Booth). This Saturday, March 14, Mr. Silverman will perform as a special guest at James Barbour's weekly concert series Love Songs at Sardi's.
The longest-running show in Broadway history (a feat it achieved in 2006 when it surpassed the then-record run of Cats), THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is the winner of 7 1988 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Since its Broadway debut on January 26, 1988, the musical has grossed over $715 million, making it the highest-grossing show in Broadway history. Total New York attendance is at 13 million. Having since surpassed Cats' record by a phenomenal 3 years and 1,200 performances, it has now played over 8,700 performances - the only show in Broadway history to do so - and all with no end in sight.
