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The Phantom of the Opera is one of Broadway’s most popular shows and has established itself as one of its longest-running musicals.
Despite being a prominent title on Broadway, the musical was initially set to close the curtains for good.
However, the musical decided to listen to the audience and postpone the final show.
The announcement
The Phantom of the Opera recently postponed its last performance by more than eight weeks.
The change means that the last show will occur between February and April next year, following an increase in ticket demand.
Last week, The Phantom of the Opera grossed $2.2 million to a sold-out audience.
Longevity
The Phantom of the Opera has been a Broadway fixture for more than three decades.
It first opened its doors to the public in 1988.
Since then, the musical has outlasted recessions, wars, and cultural shifts.
The Phantom of the Opera will play its last Broadway show on April 16.
By the time it closes, The Phantom of the Opera will have played more than 13,981 shows.
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Statements
Cameron Mackintosh, the lead producer of The Phantom of the Opera, released a statement about the postponement.
“We are all thrilled that not only the show’s wonderful fans have been snapping up the remaining tickets, but also that a new, younger audience is equally eager to see this legendary production before it disappears.”
The producers have since confirmed that there will be no further delays.
“This is the only possible extension for the Broadway champion,” they said.
“As the theater will then be closed for major renovations after the show’s incredible 35-year run.”
The musical
The Phantom of the Opera is based on the classic novel by Gaston Leroux.
It tells the story of a deformed composer who haunts the Paris Opera but falls in love with Christine, an innocent young soprano.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical includes well-known songs such as “Masquerade,” “Angel of Music,” “All I Ask of You,” and “The Music of the Night.”
The Phantom of the Opera’s final show means the series’ longest-running title would go to Chicago, a musical that debuted in 1996.
Next is The Lion King, which premiered a year after Chicago.
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Pandemic
Broadway has been one of the businesses greatly affected by the pandemic, with all theaters closed for more than 18 months.
Popular shows like ‘Hamilton,’ ‘The Lion King,’ and ‘Wicked’ have managed to bounce back.
However, other shows have had problems.
An expensive show like Phantom of the Opera requires a steady stream of tourists to break even.
While there were more tourists, visitors to New York have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Reference:
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ extends its long Broadway goodbye
