UP ON THE MARQUEE: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Gets a Makeover!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the longest-running show in Broadway history is in its unprecedented 24th year in New York, playing at The Majestic Theatre. In honor of it's upcoming landmark 25th year, the theater marquee received a makeover and below, BroadwayWorld brings you a look!

National Tour star Trista Moldovan recently made her Broadway debut on PHANTOM when she assumes the leading role of Christine Daaé beginning Friday, December 9. Ms. Moldovan is the fifteenth actress to take over as the Broadway production's leading lady. She succeeds Sara Jean Ford, who played her final performance as Christine on Saturday evening, December 3. She is joined onstage by Hugh Panaro (The Phantom), Kyle Barisich (Raoul), Michele McConnell (Carlotta), Aaron Galigan-Stierle (Monsieur André), Kevin Ligon (Monsieur Firmin) and Christian Sêbek (Piangi). At certain performances, Marni Raab plays Christine.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is the longest-running show in Broadway history. Since surpassing the then-record run of Cats in January 2006, the production has played an additional 6 years and over 2,400 performances - which by itself would be a smash hit run for a Broadway musical. Its longevity is unprecedented and PHANTOM remains miles ahead of all competition. The long-closed Cats remains a distant second, having run just shy of 18 years. The closest currently-running show is the revival of Chicago, which reached 15 years in November 2011.

On Broadway, since its debut on January 26, 1988, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has grossed over $835 million, making it the highest-grossing show in Broadway history. Total attendance is over 14.5 million and it is the winner of 7 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Now in its phenomenal 24th Year, the Broadway production remains a box office camp and continues to play with no end in sight. It is on track to become the first Broadway show to reach 10,000 performances (in February 2012) and 25 Years (in January 2013).

Its international success - equally staggering - is represented by total worldwide grosses estimated at over $5.6 billion. This colossal figure makes PHANTOM the most successful entertainment venture of all time, with revenues higher than any film or stage play in history, including Titanic, Star Wars and far surpassing the world's highest-grossing film Avatar (at $2.7 billion). Worldwide, over 65,000 performances have been seen by 130 million people in 27 countries and 145 cities. The flagship London production, which opened in 1986 at Her Majesty's Theatre, celebrated 25 years in October. The show has won more than 60 major theater awards, including seven Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards in the West End.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

The new Phantom marquee up at The Majestic Theater

As an Equity actor, Peter is photographing the industry from the inside out. He has performed in numerous shows regionally, sung a duet with Richard Chamberlain in the National Tour of "Scrooge," and starred in "The Zoo Project" which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. When not on stage, he can be found photographing headshots and live theatre in NYC, Chicago and LA. As an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop, he also acts as a retouching artist for photographers city-wide. For more information, please visit: http://www.pjzstudios.com

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