Broadway's Longest Running Show, 'The Phantom Of The Opera,' To Close

Phantom Of The Opera Media Call

Photo: Getty Images AsiaPac

Andrew Lloyd Webber's beloved classic and the longest running show on Broadway, The Phantom Of The Opera, will officially close its doors next year.

Directed by Harold Prince, the production will also celebrate its upcoming, unprecedented 35th Anniversary (January 26) prior to a final performance on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Broadway’s Majestic Theatre. According to the New York Times, the cast, crew and orchestra were informed of the decision on Friday.

The decision to close the show is jarring to many as Phantom has become a more permanent fixture on Broadway. The decision to close comes due to being unable to meet weekly running costs following the pandemic. The Broadway show began previews on January 9, 1988, with an official opening January 26 and won seven 1988 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The cast is currently led by Ben Crawford as The Phantom, Emilie Kouatchou as Christine, Bradley Dean as Monsieur André, Craig Bennett as Monsieur Firmin, Raquel Suarez Groen as Carlotta Giudicelli, Carlton Moe as Ubaldo Piangi, and Maree Johnson as Meg Giry. At certain performances, Julia Udine plays Christine.

The ensemble currently features Giselle Alvarez, Polly Baird, Janinah Burnett, Xiaoxiao Cao, David Michael Garry, Chris Georgetti, Kelly Jeanne Grant, Katharine Heaton, Satomi Hofmann, Ted Keegan, Kfir, Kelly Loughran, Scott Mikita, Greg Mills, Justin Peck, Patricia Phillips, Richard Poole, Jessica Radetsky, Lindsay Roberts, Janet Saia, Paul A. Schaefer, Carly Blake Sebouhian, Jeremy Stolle, Carrington Vilmont, Jim Weitzer, Elizabeth Welchand, and Erica Wong.