The longest-running stage musical in Broadway history, The Phantom of the Opera, takes its final bow after 35 years on Sunday.
For the special invite-only audience, it will be the last time they see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster show in New York City.
“Phantom” is based on the classic 1910 French novel by Gaston Leroux and was originally directed by Harold Prince.
It first debuted in London in 1986 and two years later in New York. Since then it has toured extensively and has been seen by 140 million people in 33 countries.
Broadway legends including Michael Crawford, who first played the Phantom, Sarah Brightman, Judy Kaye and others have taken on starring roles in the show.
On Broadway, the show is often a highlight for theater fans. The musical has over 130 cast, crew and orchestra members involved in each performance.
“It’s a full meal when you walk into this theater. There are 26 pieces in that orchestra. It’s a big cast, beautiful costumes. I mean – it’s everything. Phantom of the Opera is everything,” said theater critic Frank Diella.
“Phantom” has been a staple of the Broadway world with more than 70 major theatrical wins and 13,733 performances since its 1988 debut. Despite its legacy, the New York Post reported in September that the show was losing $1 million a month.
When Phantom fully reopened in October 2021 following the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, the show experienced a sharp decline in ticket sales. Audience members were slow to return, and those that did went to other big shows like Hamilton, Chicago, and The Lion King.
The weak ticket sales could not compensate for the soaring costs and producers decided that the show could no longer go ahead.
“Bravo, brava, bravissima!” 👏🌹 Our #PhantomLondon company wishes happy paths to the #PhantomBroadway company for their last performance tonight 🖤 pic.twitter.com/9uqYhX1UrT
— The Phantom Of The Opera (@PhantomOpera) April 16, 2023
In September, it was initially reported that the show would close in February, but after the announcement of the closure, ticket sales boomed. In November, Phantom achieved its highest-grossing week ever, earning $2.2 million, according to The New York Times.
The show’s producer subsequently announced an eight-week extension of the play through April 16.
“It [closure]) always loomed far into the future; it didn’t seem like it was anything menacing. And as we get to the final week, every moment is precious to be honest,” Phantom substitute Ted Keegan told Reuters.
Phantom tells the 19th century story of aspiring opera singer Christine Daae, who takes lessons from the mysterious Phantom to hone her vocal skills. However, things take a dark turn when the Phantom chooses Christine as his muse and she falls in love with an arts benefactor named Raoul.
Despite ending the Broadway run, all is not lost. Phantom is still playing at Her Majesty’s Theater in London. And there are plans to open a Mandarin version in China next year.