The Phantom of the Opera Howard McGillin returns as The Phantom

Howard McGillin returns to the title role of The Phantom this evening (28 Jul 2008) in the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera, the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, directed by Harold Prince, at The Majestic Theatre.

McGillan - Broadway's longtime Phantom, having played the role over 2000 times - left the show on 17 May 2008 to work on a film, John Cudia played the role of The Phantom during his absence.

The winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera has been seen by over 12.5 million people and grossed over $675 million. On 3 Jul 2008 it became the first show in Broadway history to reach 8,500 performances, and earlier this year, on January 26, 2008, it became the first show in Broadway history to celebrate 20 years.

The Phantom of the Opera had its world premiere on 9 Oct 1986 at Her Majesty�s Theatre in London, winning every major British theatre award including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards.

The Broadway production 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 Fant�me de L�Op�ra 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 stars Howard McGillin in the tile role with Jennifer Hope Wills as Christine and Tim Martin Gleason as Raoul.

The musical also co-stars George Lee Andrews (Monsieur Andr�; Mr. Andrews is the only cast member to have been with the Broadway production for the entire run), David Cryer (Monsieur Firmin), Patricia Phillips (Carlotta), Rebecca Judd (Madame Giry), Wayne Hobbs (Piangi) and Heather McFadden (Meg Giry). (At certain performances, Elizabeth Loyacano plays Christine.)

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 Phantom of the Opera has production design by the late Maria Bj�rnson, 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.