The Phantom of the Opera, John Cudia to return as Phantom, from 22 May - 26 Jul

John Cudia will play the Phantom from 22 May - 26 Jul 2008 in the the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera, the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, directed by Harold Prince, at The Majestic Theatre.

Cudia assumes the role from Howard McGillin - Broadway's longtime Phantom, having played the role over 2000 times - who is taking a break from the show to film a movie. It is expected McGillin will return to the musical in July.

Cudia has previously played the role of 'Phantom' and 'Raoul' in the National touring production of the musical. He has also played the role of 'Raou,l' and for two and a half years was the cover for the lead role of The Phantom, in the Broadway production. Cudia has also appeared on Broadway in the original production of 'Les Mis�rables' (1987) playing the role of Feuilly. This will be the first time that Cudia has played a lead role in a Broadway musical.

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 4 Apr 2008 it became the first show in Broadway history to reach 8,000 performances (it has since played over 8,300), 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. Having donned the mask in over 2,000 times, Mr. McGillin has performed the title role more than any other actor in the Broadway production.

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), Kim Stengel (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.