The musical opened in London's West End in 1986 and on Broadway in New York in 1988, in a production directed by Harold Prince and starring English classical soprano Sarah Brightman (Lloyd Webber's then-wife) as Christine Daaé, screen and stage star Michael Crawford as the Phantom, and international stage performer ...

Who played the Phantom with Sarah Brightman?

The original Broadway cast featured Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, Judy Kaye, and the late Steve Barton. The Phantom of the Opera became the longest-running show in Broadway history January 9, 2006, when it surpassed the nearly 18-year run of Cats.

How many actors have played the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera?

There have been 52 leading actors.

In total, 16 actors have portrayed the titular Phantom on Broadway, while 36 actors have played Christine Daaé. Michael Crawford originated the role of the Phantom in 1988, winning the Tony Award for his performance. Sarah Brightman first portrayed Christine.

Who played the best Phantom of the Opera?

Ramin Karimloo

He has played the Phantom in multiple productions, including the West End, Broadway, and the 25th Anniversary concert. He is known for his powerful vocals and emotional performances.

Who played the Phantom the longest?

Howard McGillin (born November 5, 1953, in Los Angeles, California) is an American actor. He is known for his role of John Jasper in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1985) and for portraying the role The Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera from 1999 to 2009 on Broadway.

'The Phantom of The Opera' Sarah Brightman & Antonio Banderas

What is the best version of The Phantom of the Opera?

1 'The Phantom of the Opera' (1925)

With its eerie setting, gothic horror atmosphere, and dark tone, it's easily the most faithful version of the novel, complete with a memorable starring performance by "The Man of a Thousand Faces" himself, Lon Chaney.

When did Sarah Brightman play in Phantom of the Opera?

Brightman starred as Christine Daaé in Lloyd Webber's adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera on October 1986. Once again, the role of Christine was written specifically for her.

Who replaced Sarah Brightman in Phantom of the Opera?

When Crawford, Brightman, and Barton left the cast to open the Broadway production they were replaced by Dave Willetts, Claire Moore, and Michael Ball respectively. The production celebrated its 10,000th performance on 23 October 2010, with Lloyd Webber and the original Phantom, Crawford, in attendance.

Is Ben Crawford related to Michael Crawford?

The Phantom of the Opera

He was covered the last fifteen days by Jeremy Stolle, Ted Keegan, and Laird Mackintosh. He has no relation to the originator of the role, Michael Crawford.

Who was the first actor to play Phantom of the Opera?

Michael Crawford was the original phantom back in 1986. Anecdotally, Michael was offered the part after Andrew Lloyd Webber and his then wife Sarah Brightman arrived early for her singing lesson and happened to overhear the end of the previous students lesson.

Did Christine and the phantom sleep together?

Spoilers. Christine and the Phantom are shown having graphic sex twice.

Did Antonio Banderas sing in Phantom of the Opera?

I had no idea Antonio Banderas could sing!! And he plays this part so well. Why wasn't HE cast in the movie instead of Gerard Butler?!

Who was originally cast as Christine in Phantom?

What are some fun facts about Sarah Brightman?

International singing superstar, Sarah Brightman is the world's biggest selling Soprano. She pioneered the classical crossover music movement and is famed for possessing a vocal range of over 3 octaves. Sarah is the only artist to have simultaneously topped the Billboard dance and classical music charts.

Was Michael Crawford The Original Phantom of the opera?

In 1991, 1,300 performances and three and a half years later, Michael Crawford left The Phantom of the Opera. He will always be known by fans of the musical as the original and best Phantom.

Is Sarah Brightman a classical singer?

Sarah Brightman (born 14 August 1960) is an English classical crossover soprano, actress, songwriter and dancer. She began her career as a member of the dance troupe Hot Gossip and released several disco singles as a solo performer.

How many children did Andrew Lloyd Webber have with Sarah Brightman?

He then wed soprano Sarah Brightman, who later starred as the lead in his 'Phantom of the Opera,' in 1984 and divorced her six years later. They did not have any children together, however, with his next wife, Madeleine Gurdon, Andrew added three more children to the brood: Alastair, William and Isabella.

Are Alex and Sarah Brightman related?

Alex Brightman (no relation, repeat: no relation) was born in 1987 to an American mother also named Brightman in Saratoga, Calif., who worked at a dialysis clinic. Still, Brightman and “The Boss” have enjoyed toying with the press' fascination with the name.

Why is Broadway discontinuing Phantom of the Opera?

The musical — a fixture on Broadway since opening on Jan. 26, 1988 — has weathered recessions, war, terrorism and cultural shifts. But the prolonged pandemic may have been the last straw: It's a costly musical to sustain, with elaborate sets and costumes as well as a large cast and orchestra.

Why is Phantom of the Opera closing 2023?

But even the longest running show in Broadway history has to close at some point. Producer Cameron Mackintosh says Phantom was losing money, even before the pandemic. So, last September, he and Andrew Lloyd Webber announced a final date.

Why is The Phantom of the Opera so good?

It was spectacular and quiet, fantastical and grounded. In its balance of grandeur and simplicity, it became not only a classic of the musical theater canon but a symbol for Broadway itself.