How Phantom Of The Opera lasted 35 years, enthralling 140 million people in 33 countries
Broadway’s theatrical masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera, that has held the spotlight on Manhattan, New York, for 35 years, concluded its final act yesterday (April 16), marking the end of its illustrious tenure as the longest-running stage musical in Broadway's history.
The crowd comprised a select few who were granted the privilege of an invitation and consisted of performers who graced the stage during the play's 35-year run, as well as an abundance of theatrical stalwarts including Lin-Manuel Miranda and Glenn Close.
According to The New York Times, the final performance was repeatedly punctuated with thunderous applause, not only for the leading cast but also for its adored props, such as the monkey music box and the gondola being navigated through an underground lake, festooned with sparkling candelabras.
Following the final curtain call, the show's stagehands who tirelessly crafted the elaborate spectacle, night after night, joined the cast onstage and were met with a reverberating round of applause.
Phamily. #PhantomBroadway pic.twitter.com/DXcBlTckEn
— The Phantom Of The Opera (@PhantomOpera) April 16, 2023
Adapted from the timeless 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux, "Phantom" was originally directed by Harold Prince and premiered in London in 1986, followed by its debut in New York two years later. The musical has since toured extensively and enthralled over 140 million spectators across 33 countries, featuring the likes of Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, and Judy Kaye in leading roles.
35 Years on Broadway, 7 Tony Awards, 1 Magical Love Story That Lives On.
— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) April 16, 2023
Saying Goodbye to our Angel of Music, @PhantomOpera on their #Broadway Closing Night and sending love to all the creative, cast, crew, and audiences that have celebrated along the way. pic.twitter.com/Gx8PwMe8ve
With over 130 cast, crew, and orchestra members involved in each performance, Phantom has become a must-see spectacle for Broadway enthusiasts. The plot follows the tale of an aspiring opera singer, Christine Daae, who is trained by a mysterious figure known as the Phantom to enhance her vocal abilities. The story takes a dark turn when the Phantom becomes infatuated with Christine, who is in love with a benefactor named Raoul.
Phantom has significantly impacted popular culture in various ways, transcending the realm of theatre and permeating film, television, music, and literature. The show's pervasive influence on pop culture can be attributed to its compelling storyline, memorable characters, breathtaking music, and unforgettable production design.
The 2004 film adaptation of the musical, directed by Joel Schumacher, brought the tale to a wider audience and garnered critical acclaim. The film starred Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, and Patrick Wilson and grossed over $154 million worldwide. It was also nominated for three Academy Awards and won the Best Art Direction award. Furthermore, the film soundtrack reached the top ten on the Billboard 200 chart, proving that the show's music resonated with a broad audience.
The show's signature song, "The Music of the Night," has been covered by artists across various genres, including Barbra Streisand, Michael Crawford, and Beyoncé. Moreover, the musical has been referenced in several songs, such as Lana Del Rey's "Gods and Monsters" and Kanye West's "All of the Lights."
Phantom has left an indelible mark on popular culture, transcending the boundaries of theatre and influencing various forms of art and media. Its enduring popularity attests to its lasting impact, and it continues to inspire and captivate audiences across the globe.
The show's original star, Michael Crawford, underwent extensive physical transformations to embody the Phantom. He lost weight, shaved his head, and wore prosthetic makeup, which took several hours to apply before every performance. Crawford's dedication to the role earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, and his portrayal of the Phantom remains one of the most iconic in Broadway history.
Congratulations to all of this year's Tony Award Nominees! Throwback to when Phantom took home 7 Tonys including Michael Crawford's win for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/bEgNv6dPhB
— The Phantom Of The Opera (@PhantomOpera) June 12, 2022
The chandelier that famously crashes to the stage during the show's climax weighs over a ton and has 6,000 beads and crystals. Also, the show's costume designer, Maria Bjornson, won a Tony Award for her intricate and ornate costumes, which include over 230 costumes for the ensemble alone.
Already wishing you were somehow here again…. pic.twitter.com/bm4LLskmrF
— The Phantom Of The Opera (@PhantomOpera) April 17, 2023
Following the news of the play's closure last year, the Palais Garnier in Paris - where the events of Gaston Leroux's original Phantom novel take place - opened its Box of Honor to guests for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay in collaboration with Airbnb. The Box of Honor was transformed into a grand bedroom, allowing guests to rest after exploring the building's famous halls, including the underground lake where the story's Phantom resides.
Despite its legendary status and accolades including over 70 major theatre awards, a cumulative $1.36 billion gross and a staggering 13,981 performances since its Broadway debut in 1988, the New York Post reported last year that the show was losing $1 million each month. When the musical reopened in October 2021 after pandemic restrictions were lifted, it suffered a significant decline in ticket sales, with audiences returning slowly or opting to watch other popular shows such as Hamilton, Chicago, and The Lion King.
Due to the substantial increase in production costs and insufficient revenue from ticket sales, producers ultimately decided to discontinue the show. The iconic Phantom half-mask and single rose posters that were a universal symbol of mystery, intrigue, and seduction, that long adorned Times Square will soon be removed, and the Majestic Theater will be unoccupied for the first time since the musical's debut.
Our city, our home, we love you New York. #PhantomBroadway pic.twitter.com/zLkwLTzjqe
— The Phantom Of The Opera (@PhantomOpera) April 12, 2023
Notwithstanding the end of its Broadway run, The Phantom of the Opera continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with ongoing performances at Her Majesty's Theatre in London and plans for a Mandarin version to open in China next year.