The Phantom of the Opera is Broadway's longest-running show, having run for nearly 35 years. But after a historic, record-setting run, this Broadway institution closes in February 2023. Get The Phantom of the Opera tickets now.
The Phantom of the Opera musical continues to entice crowds with the music of the night at the Majestic Theatre. It's considered the most iconic piece of work from composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, with Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe also creating the musical. Moreover, The Phantom of the Opera in New York is the longest-running musical in Broadway history, having played the Majestic since 1988. It became the first musical ever to play 10,000 Broadway performances in 2012.
What is The Phantom of the Opera about?
Based on a 1910 Gothic horror novel by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway tells of the treacherous love triangle centered on Christine Daaé, the rising star at the Paris Opera. The Phantom, a mysterious man who dwells in the opera house's underground and hides a hideous deformity behind a mask, battles with Christine's childhood sweetheart Raoul for Christine's affections. The production boasts a plethora of iconic moments, most notably the infamous chandelier that crashes down from the ceiling of the auditorium. There's also the splendorous dance sequence "Masquerade," the descent into the Phantom's underground lair during the title song, and the romantic rooftop ballad "All I Ask of You."
The musical had its world premiere in London in 1986, winning the Olivier Award for Best Musical. When The Phantom of the Opera transferred to Broadway in 1988, the show won Best Musical that year at the Tonys, too, in addition to six other awards. It has been performed in dozens of countries worldwide.
A film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera was released in December 2004, starring Gerard Butler in the title role. But the original musical is a Broadway must-see, as it has made countless audiences fall in love with the visual and aural grandeur of Broadway with costumes, songs, choreography, and more that are unmatched in splendor.
How long is The Phantom of the Opera?
The Phantom of the Opera runs 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission. This is about the average runtime for a Broadway show.
When is The Phantom of the Opera closing?
The Phantom of the Opera is set to close on April 16, 2023.
Visit the angel of music and fall under the Phantom's spell. Tickets to The Phantom of the Opera in New York are on sale now.
(Photos by Matthew Murphy)