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The Phantom of the Opera Broadway

The Phantom of the Opera 1988 - Articles Page 1.8

Run Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Ages: 10+
Opened: January 26, 1988
Closing: April 16, 2023

The Phantom of the Opera - 1988 Broadway History , Info & More


Based on Gaston Leroux’s horror novel, The Phantom of the Opera tells the enticing story of a disfigured Phantom who haunts the depths of The Paris Opera House. Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of the young soprano Christine, The Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. The Phantom's obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide. Audiences are in for a thrilling night of spectacle and romance, accompanied by Broadway’s most unforgettable score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, including "Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," and "Masquerade." Directed by the late Harold Prince and produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group, the musical opened on Broadway on January 26, 1988. It won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and became the longest-running show in Broadway history on January 9, 2006.


The Phantom of the Opera - 1988 - Broadway Cast

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera
9 / 10

The London audiences aren't wrong. 'The Phantom Of The Opera' is romantic musical theater hokum in the grand manner - hokum cordon blue - and it justifies the feverish buildup that has given it a $16,500,000 advance. It's good for a Broadway run of several years. Andrew Lloyd Webber has taken the Gaston Leroux potboiler about the love-crazed disfigured genius who lives in the catacombs of the Paris Opera and fashioned it into a thrilling and musically rich mass legit entertainment. The 19th century period spectacle, scenic legerdemain, soaring melodies and exceptional singing are at the service of an involving and piquantly offbeat love story, all of it staged with brilliantly organized flair by Harold Prince, back in top form.

The Phantom of the Opera
4 / 10

To look on the bright side first, The Phantom of the Opera is a terrific technical achievement. If you want scenery and costumes, sight gags and sight thrills, they're all there—$8.5 million worth of them—on the aptly named Majestic stage. And who doesn't want to see candles sprout all around an underground lake (even if it does not make technological sense) and a giant chandelier almost crash into the audience below (even if it looks more like a giant balloon changing courses in midair)? It is good, mindless fun, and costs less than a trip to Disney World... The only areas in which The Phantom of the Opera is deficient are book, music, and lyrics.

Video: Ramin Karimloo Teases THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Return on TikTok
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 7, 2023


In a newly-posted TikTok, Ramin Karimloo is teasing a possible return to The Phantom of the Opera! In the TikTok, Karimloo FaceTimes with his son as they go through a series of Phantom masks.

Photos: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Celebrates 35 Years on Broadway
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - January 27, 2023


The Phantom of the Opera celebrated 35 years on Broadway last night, January 26, at the Majestic Theatre. The production opened on January 26, 1988. BroadwayWorld was there to capture some special moments from the big night, including members of the creative team, the cast's curtain call, and more!

Video: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Celebrates 35th Anniversary With a Special Curtain Call
by Stephi Wild - January 27, 2023


The Phantom of the Opera celebrated 35 years on Broadway last night, January 26, at the Majestic Theatre. Following the show, a special curtain call was held, featuring a performance and speech from members of the cast. BroadwayWorld was there to capture the big moment and you can check out the video here!

Video: Celebrating 35 Years of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - January 26, 2023


35 years ago today, on January 26, 1988, The Phantom of the Opera opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre. Check out a playlist of videos from the course of the show's historic Broadway run.

VIDEO: HAUSER Shares 'The Phantom of the Opera' Theme Filmed at Her Majesty's Theatre
by Michael Major - January 20, 2023


The music video, the first to have ever been recorded on stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s iconic West End, stars HAUSER playing cello as  “The Phantom” alongside his obsession “Christine Daaé” in a heart-touching performance. This dramatic new visual showcases the storyline of the longest-running Broadway musical in a refreshing new way.

Bid On Two House Seats to the 35th Anniversary Performance of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 10, 2023


Charitybuzz is hosting an auction to benefit Broadway Cares / Equity Fights. You and a guest can enjoy two VIP house seats to the 35th Anniversary performance of The Phantom of the Opera on January 26 at 8 pm in New York.

Rewind: Looking Back at THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on the Anniversary of its First Broadway Preview
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 9, 2023


Look back at The Phantom of the Opera on the anniversary of its first preview at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway!

Photo: Hillary Clinton Visits THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
by Stephi Wild - December 20, 2022


Hillary Clinton took a trip to the Majestic Theatre to check out the iconic musical The Phantom of the Opera one final time before it closes its doors after 24 years. The politician and Broadway fan took to Instagram to share a photo of herself at the show.

Watch: Jeremy Stolle Discusses His 15 Years with THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on WHY I'LL NEVER MAKE IT Podcast
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 14, 2022


Listen to Jeremy Stolle discuss his fifteen years with The Phantom of the Opera on the Why I'll Never Make it podcast.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Delays Final Broadway Performance
by Team BWW - November 29, 2022


As BroadwayWorld first reported in September, Broadway's longest-running show ever, The Phantom of the Opera, will soon take its final Broadway bow at the Majestic Theatre... but it will happen a bit later than originally announced.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA to Launch 'The '88 Collection' of Vintage Apparel
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 14, 2022


In anticipation of its 35th anniversary in New York City, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is launching The ’88 Collection: special vintage apparel inspired by the original 1988 Broadway merchandise.

Video: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Gets Ready to Say Goodbye to Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - September 28, 2022


As BroadwayWorld reported earlier this month, The Phantom of the Opera, Broadway's longest-running show ever, will take its final Broadway bow at the Majestic Theatre on February 18, 2023, soon after celebrating its 35th anniversary. Watch a brand new video promo for the musical's final months.

Cameron Mackintosh Says THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 'Will Come Back at Some Point'
by Team BWW - September 19, 2022


Broadway's longest-running show ever, The Phantom of the Opera, will take its final Broadway bow at the Majestic Theatre on February 18, 2023, soon after celebrating its 35th anniversary. The beloved show might not be gone forever, however. Producer Cameron Mackintosh said: 'I'm sure 'Phantom' will come back at some point. After I took 'Les Miz' off, it came back twice!'

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the Longest-Running Broadway Show of All-Time, Sets Closing Date
by Team BWW - September 16, 2022


All good things must come to an end, and after a record-breaking 35 years on Broadway, so must The Phantom of the Opera. BroadwayWorld has just learned that Broadway's longest running show ever, The Phantom of the Opera, will take its final Broadway bow in February 2023.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA to Serve as Setting For New Peacock Murder Mystery Anthology Series THE SHOW MUST GO ON
by Michael Major - September 9, 2022


The series was created by Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist's Austin Winsburg, Robert Greenblatt. Lloyd Webber will also be involved with the creation of the series and is also rumored to be a part of the cast. Season one of The Show Must Go On will follow a fictitious televised live production of The Phantom of the Opera.

Listen: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Global Edition Released, Featuring Complete Cast Recordings in 7 Languages
by Chloe Rabinowitz - September 2, 2022


The Phantom of the Opera special Global Edition album has been released! Made up of 8 discs of complete cast recordings in 7 languages (including Korean, German, Swedish, Japanese and more). Listen here!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Holds Virtual Open Call for Raoul
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 24, 2022


The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway is holding a virtual open call for the role of Raoul. To submit, prepare a video of you singing the cut of 'All I Ask of You' from the musical. 

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Will Be Performed in Mandarin For the First Time in 2023
by Stephi Wild - July 18, 2022


The Phantom of the Opera is headed to China next year! The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical will be performed in Mandarin for the first time in 2023, adding to the existing list of 183 cities and 17 languages it has been performed in. 

Words From The Wings: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA's Jordan Donica Shares Favorite Backstage Moments and More!
by Stephi Wild - July 15, 2022


BroadwayWorld is bringing you Words From the Wings, a new series of interviews that take fans behind the scenes of some of their favorite Broadway stars' backstage routines! We're chatting with Jordan Donica, who just took over the role of Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway! Check out his answers here!

Photos: Jordan Donica Returns to the Role of 'Raoul' in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway
by Show Highlights - June 2, 2022


Jordan Donica returned to the Broadway production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in the role of Raoul. Mr. Donica previously made his Broadway debut in the role June 13, 2016 – January 28, 2017. Check out photos of him back in the production.

The Phantom of the Opera History

Other Productions of The Phantom of the Opera

1988   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1990   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
1990   Los Angeles Los Angeles Production
Los Angeles
1992   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
2006   Las Vegas Las Vegas Production
Las Vegas
2021   West End Original London Production
West End

The Phantom of the Opera - 1988 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor - Musical Michael Crawford
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress - Musical Sarah Brightman
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Choreography Gillian Lynne
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Maria Bjornson
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director - Musical Harold Prince
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical Judy Kaye
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Andrew Bridge
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Andrew Lloyd Webber
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Musical Phantom of the Opera
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestration Andrew Lloyd Webber
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestration David Cullen
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Set Design Maria Bjornson
1988 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Charles Hart
1988 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Andrew Lloyd Webber
1988 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Richard Stilgoe
1988 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Actor - Musical Michael Crawford
1988 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Broadway Musical 0
1988 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Costume Design Maria Bjornson
1988 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Set Design Maria Bjornson
1988 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Andrew Lloyd Webber
1988 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Richard Stilgoe
1988 Tony Awards Best Choreography Gillian Lynne
1988 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Maria Bjornson
1988 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Harold Prince
1988 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Andrew Bridge
1988 Tony Awards Best Musical Cameron Mackintosh
1988 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Andrew Lloyd Webber
1988 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Richard Stilgoe
1988 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Charles Hart
1988 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Michael Crawford
1988 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Judy Kaye
1988 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Maria Bjornson

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