‘Phantom of the Opera,’ Broadway’s longest-running show, to end after 35 years
According to reports, The show was struggling to bounce back from the ticket shortages facing much of Broadway amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The memorable musical, directed by a British theater legend. Andrew Lloyd Webber Includes the songs “Music of the Night”, “Think of Me” and “All I Ask of You”, with lyrics by Charles Hart. It opened in New York in 1988, produced by Cameron Mackintosh and directed by Hal Prince, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
The romantic thriller is based on a novel by French author Gaston Leroux and tells the story of a disfigured masked man, the Phantom, who haunts the Paris Opera and becomes obsessed with dancer Christine Dow. He teaches her to sing, makes her unwilling muse to his genius, and later kidnaps her to his lair.
The production is known for its dramatic set design – and a spectacular moment in which a grand chandelier falls from the ceiling.
“As a producer you dream that a show will go on forever,” Mackintosh told Associated Press. “Indeed, my production of Andrew’s ‘Cats’ proudly proclaimed for decades ‘Now and forever.’ Even so, ‘Phantom’ has surpassed that show’s extraordinary Broadway run. But all shows eventually close.
Like other creative industries, Broadway was hit hard Epidemics, with theatres Closing to audiences in 2020. Shows return in fall 2021, and theater critics prediction Revival of New York’s cultural life. But the eventual closure of “Phantom” underscores the difficulties still facing the expensive entertainment industry. Since July, vaccine requirements for audience members have been lifted and mask-wearing has become the norm. optional.
In total, the show would end after 13,925 performances. It has won more than 70 major theater awards and has been seen by more people. 140 million people Worldwide.
In its 35 years, acting stars have included Michael Crawford, George Lee Andrews, Howard McGillan, Judy Kaye and Sarah Brightman, among many others. Created in 2021, by Emilie Kouatchou History As the first black actress to be cast as Christine on Broadway. The show was also adapted into a film in 2004, starring Jared Butler in the title role.
Weber has ruled the world of musical theater for more than 50 years and has written huge hits including “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “The Woman in White” and “Cats.” ran away 18 years on Broadway, ending in 2000. He is one of the few artistes who have achievedEGOT Status” After receiving Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.
With “Phantom” retiring its Broadway crown, the next longest-running show There is a revival of “Chicago,” which opened in 1996, followed by “The Lion King,” which opened a year later.
However, in theater, as in life, endings can lead to new beginnings, and “Phantom” will be performed for the first time in Mandarin in 2023. arrives in china. He also made his own The first at the Sydney Opera House last month.
Fans can still purchase tickets for the Broadway performance through Jan. 22, and tickets for the final shows should sell out “soon,” according to the theater company.