The Phantom of the Opera: Rebecca Judd returns as 'Madame Giry'

Rebecca Judd returns to the role of 'Madame Giry' on 2 Mar 2009 in Andrew Lloyd Webber�s The Phantom of the Opera, the longest-running show in Broadway history.

Judd had taken a leave of absence from the show from 9 Feb 2009, with the role covered in her absence by Nancy Hess.

Hess, who performed her final performance on 28 Feb 2009, will rejoin the National Tour of the musical beginning 14 Apr 2009.

Judd's Broadway credits include 'Sweeney Todd' (multiple: 1989 revival) and 'The Secret Garden' (Claire: 1991).

The Phantom of the Opera now stars Howard McGillin (The Phantom), Marni Raab (Christine Daae - played by Elizabeth Loyacano at some performances), Tim Martin Gleason (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).

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Group, Inc. and directed by Harold Prince, the musical recently celebrated an unprecedented 21 Years in New York, where it plays at The Majestic Theatre. The musical opened on 26 Jan 1988, following previews from 9 Jan, it is currently selling tickets through to 8 Aug 2009.

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 New York production opened on 26 Jan 1988 with a then record advance of $18 million. The musical went on to sweep the 1988 Tony Awards, winning seven, including Best Musical. The Phantom of the Opera also won seven Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards.

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 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.