Image Credit: Joan Marcus
George Lee Andrews is about to leave a job after 23 years. That’s not a big deal for the average person, but for an actor in a Broadway play, where limited runs and short contracts are the norm, it’s a biggie. So big, Phantom of the Opera’s Andrews holds a record for being the actor to spend the longest time performing in a single Broadway show — 23 years to be exact. That’s 9,382 performances, 40 contract renewals, four parts, and — minus a few vacations, some sick days, and two breaks to work on other projects — nearly half of his 50-year acting career. With only three shows left (his last performance is tomorrow night), Andrews talked to EW about keeping the gig for so long.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: When did you know you were in Phantom for the long haul?
GEORGE LEE ANDREWS: At first I said, “I’ll stay in it for two years.” And then after two years, I was bumped up to a principal role. And I said, “Well, I’ll stay for two more years.” After those two years, I was enjoying myself. I didn’t feel any boredom. I didn’t feel tired. I was having a great time. So I looked around and I said to myself, “Where else would I want to be? I’ll stay as long as it feels good.” And it has never not felt good. READ FULL STORY »
