News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
The Phantom of the Opera Broadway

The Phantom of the Opera 1988

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

Get The Phantom of the Opera Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

PREVIEW The Phantom of the Opera - 1988 - Broadway

The Phantom of the Opera Production Photo
Photos
Show Video Preview
Videos

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.

Stage: Phantom of the Opera
7 / 10

It may be possible to have a terrible time at 'The Phantom of the Opera,' but you'll have to work at it. Only a terminal prig would let the avalanche of pre-opening publicity poison his enjoyment of this show, which usually wants nothing more than to shower the audience with fantasy and fun, and which often succeeds, at any price. It would be equally ludicrous, however - and an invitation to severe disappointment - to let the hype kindle the hope that 'Phantom' is a credible heir to the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals that haunt both Andrew Lloyd Webber's creative aspirations and the Majestic Theater as persistently as the evening's title character does. What one finds instead is a characteristic Lloyd Webber project - long on pop professionalism and melody, impoverished of artistic personality and passion - that the director Harold Prince, the designer Maria Bjornson and the mesmerizing actor Michael Crawford have elevated quite literally to the roof. 'The Phantom of the Opera' is as much a victory of dynamic stagecraft over musical kitsch as it is a triumph of merchandising uber alles.

Video: Watch the Complete Final THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Curtain Call on Broadway
by Alan Henry - April 16, 2023


Watch the complete curtain call from today's final curtain call of The Phantom of the Opera. Broadway's longest-running show ever, The Phantom of the Opera, took its final Broadway bow today, April 16, 2023 after an unprecedented 35-year run and 13,981 performances.

Ben Crawford Out Of Final Broadway Performance of PHANTOM; Laird Mackintosh Will Play The Title Role
by Blair Ingenthron - April 16, 2023


Current Phantom of the Opera star Ben Crawford will be out of the show for the final Broadway performance. Longtime Phantom Laid Mackintosh will step into the role this evening.

Photo: First Look at the PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Final Company Portrait
by Blair Ingenthron - April 16, 2023


The longest-running Broadway show of all time, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will play its final New York performance at The Majestic Theatre today, Sunday, April 16 at 5PM, after a record-breaking 35 years and 13,981 performances to 20 million people. Check out a portrait of the final cast, crew, orchestra, and staff here!

Original Phantom Star Michael Crawford Pens Tribute to Show for Closing Performance on Broadway
by Team BWW - April 16, 2023


As The Phantom of the Opera ends its record-breaking run today on Broadway, the original Phantom, Michael Crawford shared a tribute to the show...

Video: Former Christines Share the Stage at PHANTOM Charity Performance
by Blair Ingenthron - April 15, 2023


Watch a special, surprise curtain call presentation with leading lady Emilie Kouatchou, joined onstage by three iconic, former Broadway Christines: Sierra Boggess (25th Anniversary), Ali Ewoldt (30th Anniversary) and the original “Angel of Music” herself: original London and New York star Sarah Brightman.

Photos: Mayor Eric Adams Awards Andrew Lloyd Webber The Key to the City of New York
by Bruce Glikas - April 15, 2023


Andrew Lloyd Webber was awarded The Key to the City of New York yesterday by Mayor Eric Adams and BroadwayWorld was there for the event. Check out photos below!

Interview: Veteran PHANTOM Cast Member Carrington Vilmont on the Final Chandelier Fall
by Cara Joy David - April 17, 2023


In January 2001, Carrington Vilmont made his Broadway debut in The Phantom of the Opera. He has spent the majority of the years since in the company, appearing in the final company as the Auctioneer. As of last night, he had played 6066 performances in the musical. Today he woke up without it.

Video: Ben Crawford, Emilie Kouatchou, and John Riddle Sing 'Think of Me' From THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
by Stephi Wild - April 14, 2023


The Phantom of the Opera has released an all new music video featuring the show's closing cast. Celebrating 35 years on Broadway, watch as the production’s lead cast members Ben Crawford (The Phantom), Emilie Kouatchou (Christine), and John Riddle (Raoul) sing Think of Me.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Ends Unprecedented 35-Year Run on Broadway; Tune in at 4pm!
by Red Carpet - April 16, 2023


You have one final chance to experience the magic of Broadway's most beloved show, The Phantom of the Opera as BroadwayWorld will be bringing you live coverage from the star-studded red carpet. We have all the details here!

Video: Watch Hal Prince Talk THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in 1988 CBS SUNDAY MORNING Segment
by Michael Major - April 13, 2023


CBS Sunday Morning has shared an interview segment 1988 featuring Hal Prince discussing the opening of The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. The segment, which features footage of the original Broadway cast in rehearsals and performing, spotlights how Prince brought the musical to Broadway. Watch the video now!

Inside THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA's Epic, Final Fundraising Appeal for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
by Nicole Rosky - April 3, 2023


The Phantom of the Opera is quickly approaching its final performance at the Majestic Theatre, where it will conclude its epic 35-year run on April 16. Over the weekend, the show made its final fundraising appeal for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Executive Director Tom Viola writes about the epic night here.

Lottery Tickets for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA's Final Performance Now Available
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 24, 2023


Special lottery for tickets to the invitation-only, final Broadway performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Sunday, April 16 at 5PM are now available!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA to Present Special Charity Performance Closing Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 16, 2023


A special Charity Performance will take place on Friday, April 14 of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the iconic and record-breaking Broadway production that will end its history-making run that week. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber Teases THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA May Return to Broadway
by Stephi Wild - March 15, 2023


Andrew Lloyd Webber has teased that The Phantom of the Opera may not be leaving Broadway for good when it takes its final bow next month.

VIDEO: Ramin Karimloo Further Teases Possible Return to PHANTOM in New Video Announcement
by Blair Ingenthron - February 11, 2023


Ramin Karimloo is keeping the mystery alive regarding his possible return to Phantom of the Opera. In a new video on his Instagram account, Karimloo gets 'choked up' as he attempts to make an announcement regarding the previous TikTok post. Watch the video here!

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.

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

Videos