Longest running show on Broadway, ‘Phantom of the Opera’ to close

Sept 16 (Reuters) – “The Phantom of the Opera,” the longest-running present on Broadway, is ready to shut on Feb. 18, 2023 resulting from a pointy drop in ticket gross sales even after New York theaters reopened following the pandemic lockdown.

“Phantom” is a staple throughout the Broadway world with over 70 main theater wins and 13,733 performances since its debut in 1988. Regardless of its legacy, the New York Put up reported that the present was dropping $1 million a month.

Followers mourned the information throughout social media, reflecting on what the present has meant to thespians and audiences alike. In January, the present solid Emilie Kouatchou as its first Black American actress to painting the lead function of Christine. The choice broke racial limitations and made Broadway historical past however her performances will probably be short-lived.

The musical will rejoice its thirty fifth anniversary in January adopted by a closing Broadway efficiency on Feb. 18.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” relies on the basic novel by Gaston Leroux and was initially directed by Harold Prince. Broadway legends together with Michael Crawford, who was the primary to play the Phantom, Sarah Brightman, Judy Kaye and others have taken main roles within the present.

“Phantom” tells the nineteenth century story of aspiring opera singer Christine Daae who’s taught by the mysterious Phantom to hone her vocal expertise. Nevertheless, issues take a darkish flip when the Phantom chooses Christine as his muse, and he or she falls in love with an arts benefactor named Raoul.

Reporting by Danielle Broadway; Enhancing by David Gregorio

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