The Phantom of the Opera Ryan Silverman to play 'Raoul' from 23 Apr tickets are now on sale through to 12 Sep 2009'

Ryan Silverman, who previously starred as �Raoul� in the Las Vegas production of The Phantom of the Opera, will take over the role on Broadway starting 24 Apr 2009. He succeeds current and long-time star Tim Martin Gleason, whose final performance will be 23 Apr 2009.

Silverman played �Raoul� from 20 Aug 2007 to 10 Feb 2008 in the musical's Las Vegas production. He�s one of three stars of the Vegas production to join the Broadway Company, following Tim Martin Gleason (who created the role of �Raoul� there and who Silverman replaced) and Elizabeth Loyacano (who created the role of �Christine� there and who has been the �Christine� Alternate on Broadway since December 2007).

In the Broadway production�s more than 21 years, Silverman becomes only the thirteenth actor to be cast as �Raoul� (not including alternates and understudies). He follows, in order: Steve Barton, Kevin Gray, Davis Gaines, Hugh Panaro, Keith Buterbaugh, Ciaran Sheehan, Brad Little, Gary Mauer, Jim Weitzer, Michael Shawn Lewis, John Cudia and Tim Martin Gleason.

Ryan Silverman just returned from London, where he performed at the Olivier Awards, having starred as 'Tony' in the Olivier-nominated West End engagement of 'West Side Story.' That run was part of the musical�s 50th Anniversary International Tour, in which Silverman also starred. He recently performed the role of 'Karl' in the Encores! production of 'Music in the Air' opposite Kristin Chenoweth. He made his Broadway debut in 'Cry Baby.'

The Phantom of the Opera currently 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 1988. The musical has recently extended its booking period and is now selling tickets through to 12 Sep 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.