The Phantom: Mary Michael Patterson and Jeremy Hays

Mary Michael Patterson, who made her Phantom debut on 29 Jul 2013 as the alternate 'Christine Daaé,' will assume the role of the show's principal 'Christine' from 26 Aug 2013. Marni Raab, who currently stars as the principal 'Christine,' will resume performances as the show's alternate 'Christine.'

Patterson made her Broadway debut in the recent revival of 'Anything Goes,' including being seen as 'Hope Harcourt.' Her other credits include 'Liesl' in 'The Sound of Music' at Carnegie Hall and leading roles in Regional productions of 'Sense and Sensibility - The Musical' (Marianne Dashwood), 'White Christmas' (Judy Haynes) and 'Singin' in the Rain' (Kathy Selden).

Also on 26 Aug 2013 Jeremy Hays will make his Phantom when he plays the role of ' Raoul,' the third romantic lead in the musical. Hays will assume the role from Kyle Barisich who's played the role of 'Raoul' on Broadway for over 2 years.

Hays made his Broadway debut in the first revival of 'Les Misérables' and went on to originate the role of 'Enjolras' for the 25th Anniversary production at Paper Mill Playhouse and the subsequent National Tour. He also toured the U.S. as 'Rum Tum Tugger' in 'Cats.'

As previously announced, Hugh Panaro will return to the title role on 26 Aug 2013 after having starred as 'Jean Valjean' in The St. Louis MUNY production of Les Misérables.Panaro's long association with The Phantom of the Opera stretches back to 1989, when he first played the role of 'Raoul' for almost 1,000 performances. He was later invited to take over the starring role, which he's since done in three separate engagements for over 2,000 performances and counting.

The Phantom of the Opera opened at the Majestic on 26 Jan 1988, following previews from 9 Jan, and went on to sweep the 1988 Tony Awards, winning seven, including Best Musical.

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 Phantom of the Opera has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is directed by Harold Prince. Lyrics are by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe) and the book is by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The musical's principal cast currently stars Peter Joback (The Phantom), Marni Raab (Christine Daae), Kyle Barisich (Raoul), Timothy Jerome (Monsieur Firmin), Michele McConnell (Carlotta), Ellen Harvey (Madame Giry), Christian Sebek (Piangi) and Kara Klein (Meg Giry).
Mary Michael Patterson plays the alternatate 'Christine Daae' at some performances.

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