The Phantom of the Opera: John Cudia assumes the role of 'The Phantom'

John Cudia assumes the role of 'The Phantom' on 27 Jul 2009 in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical The Phantom of the Opera. Cudia comes to the Broadway role after starring in the musical's national tour.

Cudia first played 'The Phantom' on Broadway last summer when he stepped in to play the title role for a limited engagement of 10 weeks. This time, he officially assumes the role.

Cudia succeeds longtime 'Phantom' star Howard McGillin, who played his final performance on 25 Jul 2009. McGillin has long been the �Phantom� longevity champ in New York � having played the title role more than any other performer on Broadway. Now, after 10 years since his first of many engagements with the production, he has decided to pursue other theatrical ventures.

Cudia is only the 12th actor to take over the role of �The Phantom� on Broadway during the production�s more than 21-year run. He follows (in order): Michael Crawford, Timothy Nolen, Cris Groenendaal, Steve Barton, Kevin Gray, Mark Jacoby, Marcus Lovett, Davis Gaines, Thomas James O�Leary, Hugh Panaro and Howard McGillin, as well as four additional temporary replacements: Jeff Keller, Ted Keegan, Brad Little and Gary Mauer.

The most successful stage musical of all time, the Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Group, Inc. production of Andrew Lloyd Webber�s The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince, celebrated its twenty-first anniversary on Broadway on 26 Jan 2009, when it became the first Broadway production ever to have run 21 years.

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. The production is currently selling tickets through to 19 Dec 2009.

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 now stars John Cudia (The Phantom), Marni Raab (Christine Daae - played by Elizabeth Loyacano at some performances), Ryan Silverman (Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny), George Lee Andrews (Monsieur Andre), David Cryer (Monsieur Firmin), Patricia Phillips (Carlotta Giudicelli), Rebecca Judd (Madame Giry), Wayne Hobbs (Ubaldo Piangi) and Heather McFadden (Meg Giry).

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.