Jay Armstrong Johnson debuts as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway

Broadway alum Jay Armstrong Johnson assumes the role of Raoul from Rodney Ingram.

Broadway's longest-running show of all time The Phantom of the Opera, which recently celebrated 30 years on the Great White Way, welcomes Broadway alum Jay Armstrong Johnson to the cast at the Majestic Theatre tonight, as he assumes the role of Raoul. His previous Broadway credits include the 2009 revival of Hair, Catch Me If You Can in 2011, Hands on a Hardbody in 2013, and the role of Chip in the 2014 revival of On the Town. Rodney Ingram played his final performance as Raoul on April 28.

The current principal cast of The Phantom of the Opera includes Ben Crawford (as The Phantom), Ali Ewoldt (as Christine Daaé), Jay Armstrong Johnson (as Raoul), Laird Mackintosh (as Monsieur André), Craig Bennett (as Monsieur Firmin), Raquel Suarez Groen (as Carlotta), Carlton Moe (as Piangi), Maree Johnson (as Madame Giry), and Kara Klein (as Meg Giry). Kayley Ann Voorhees continues as the production's alternate Christine Daaé.

Directed by Harold Prince, The Phantom of the Opera officially opened at the Majestic Theatre on January 26, 1988, following previews from January 9, and went on to sweep the 1988 Tony Awards, winning seven categories including "Best Musical".

The Phantom of the Opera features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe) and a book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Based on the classic novel 'Le Fantôme de L'Opéra' by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of "a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command."

The musical features scenic design by the late Maria Björnson, lighting design by Andrew Bridge and sound design by Martin Levan. Musical staging and choreography is by Gillian Lynne. Orchestrations are by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The Phantom of the Opera Tickets are available now for performances through to November 4, 2018.

^{(Photo courtesy of The Publicity Office)}