Today, The Phantom of the Opera, already the longest running show in Broadway history, becomes the first to celebrate 21 years on the Great White Way. More than 13 million people have seen the musical at the Majestic Theatre. This evening marks its 8,732nd performance. Share your Phantom memories below. A clip of Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman performing at the 1988 Tony Awards for inspiration…
Jan 26
2009
09:13 PM ET
'The Phantom of the Opera'celebrates 21 years on Broadway
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Yawn..
“Phantom” was the show that started the $100+ B’way ticket. It is all spectacle with little substance, treacly music and sappy lyrics.
this was the very first musical I ever saw. I was awe-struck… I have since seen dozens and dozens of musicals (the joys of ny!) but phantom will always be my first love….. happy 21st!
Brian, you have no taste whatsoever. Phantom is the best thing on Broadway, and always will be. Too bad people like you are unable to appreciate it.
While I am not sure that Phantom holds up with time, I have to say that I will always love it because of one thing — Michael Crawford singing “Music of the Night.” His voice is what got me listening to Broadway as a teenager to begin with. Both he and Brightman were too old for their parts, and both (especially her) went on to do some pretty cheesy stuff after. But Crawford singing that one song makes up for the rest.
I just saw it …….. in Vegas. I know it is not Boardway but the hell with it .. I saw it! I LOVED IT. I was my first time seeing .. not really knowing what to expect … but it was excellent. I really would love to see it in Boardway now …
I’m sorry but the only Phantom for me is Gerald Butler.
I had a friend growing up who was obsessed with this show. As amazing as the music and voices are (I’ve always loved Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman’s work outside of Phantom), I can’t bring myself to see a performance because it was so overdone for me as a kid. I am sure it’s an amazing experience and congrats to the show and Andrew Lloyd Webber!
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Nooo Doris! I respectfully disagree. While Gerard Butler is hot, I think that actually did him a disservice in the movie. He wasn’t disfigured enough to get the pathos or empathy that the Phantom should at the end, imo. He was just a cute guy w/ a scar. (And we all know chicks dig scars.)
I do think the musical is a little cheesy and over the top but that’s why I fell in love w/ it when I was younger. It was my introduction to musicals. I may prefer the sophistication of Sondheim these days but I’ll always have a soft spot for Phantom.
Great musical. I don’t care what people say about Andrew Lloyd Webber, this is really good.
Michael Crawford was even younger than the original book by Gaston Leroux said the Phantom was. It was Butler and Emmy Rossum who were the wrong age. The Phantom was supposed to be 50-ish and Christine was about 20. To Doris, don’t discount all the great singer/actors (Crawford included) who have sung that gorgeous music. Go on YouTube and enjoy. Gerard Butler can’t sing his way out of a paper bag. And don’t even get me started on all the other stupid things Joel Schmacher did with that awful movie.
Hello everyone.
Though I never did have the privilege of seeing Michael Crawford in this incredible role; I do feel that he embodied the Erik role perfectly. His psychological profile makes sense, and of course, that voice and whole ensemble. ;D
Though I have only – so far – seen Anthony Warlow in the role; Michael will always be my favourite Phantom Actor.
(And DON’T get me started on that movie with… Ugh!… THAT guy!).
Michael brought the full majesty, sensuality and angelic nature to Erik. My life pretty much revolves around “Phantom” now and I will always have a fondness for Michael as he was of great comfort during a difficult period of my life.
Take care and all the best. Congratulations “Phantom”, and long may you reign!
Teena.
My Congratulations to Hal Prince,ALW,
for the 21 yrs. of a truly memoriable
performance. Long may she reign.
I had the privilege of seeing Michael,
do Phantom on Broadway, he just totally blew me away with his performance. Michael set the standard
for all other phantoms to follow, His
voice and the emotions he did made the
audiences cry, laugh, and feel the pain of not being loved.
Although Mr. Butler did the movie, he did not make it believable, and story
line was just as much the music, and
the performer had to sing,with emotion,feeling.
Thank you ALW,And Hal Prince, for a
riviting,and wonderful play, that made
the audiences think about the person.
Again Long may she reign.
Joyce