Broadway’s PHANTOM OF THE OPERA End 35-Year Run

I’m celebrating the incredible 35 year run of the mega-smash-hit The Phantom of the Opera, the longest running show in Broadway history, as the show takes its last bow tonight on the Great White Way.

Today’s closing performance will be number 13,981. Along the way, the Broadway production played to 20 million people and grossed $1.36 billion since its opening in January 1988.

From the New York Times:

It is closing on an unexpectedly high note — and not just the high E that Christine sings in the title song. As soon as the closing was announced last September, sales spiked, as those who already loved the musical flocked to see it, and those who had never bothered realized this might be their last chance.

The original February closing date was delayed by two months to accommodate demand, and the show has once again become the highest-grossing on Broadway, playing to exuberant audiences, enjoying a burnished reputation, and bringing in more than $3 million a week.

I remember seeing the original company of Phantom in London in 1988 (which I loved) and then seeing the Broadway company (which I loved even more).

As longtime readers of The Randy Report know, I began my professional career as an actor on Broadway and in national touring companies. In fact, I met my hunky hubby Michael during the pre-Broadway tour of the 1995 Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly!

But Michael had worked on Broadway long before I got there. His career began in the late 80s as an intern in the press office for Phantom. He was then hired full-time (while still in college), then asked to help open the Germany company. Everything that led to “here” began with Phantom on Broadway.

Over the years, we’ve had so many friends in the Broadway company including Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess, who starred as the “Phantom” and “Christine” together.

Sending best wishes to all those current and former cast members celebrating this incredible achievement.

I’m sharing Michael’s memories via his Facebook post today:

Today I am feeling SOOO many emotions knowing that The Phantom of the Opera is closing on Broadway. To say this show changed my life and set me on a course for a successful career in PR would be an understatement.

I was blessed to work with the original cast on Broadway when I was a mere baby – an intern first, then a press assistant.

I have so many people to thank for this amazing opportunity, firstly, David Romano. David was the original “Piangi” on Broadway (opposite Judy Kaye) and he is the one who put my name in front of the show PR person when I was looking for an internship while going to Rutgers. A mentor, friend and family. One interview later, I was hired.

Being in the theater with such legends as Hal Prince, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Gillian Lynne and so many more is something I treasure (not to mention I learned a TON watching these icons at work).

Thank you to Fred Nathan for giving me the opportunity and to have the chance to learn from such PR masters as Marc Thibodeau, Merle Frimark, Bert Fink, Maria Somma, Bill Schelble, and Bill Miller among others.

Sad that I am not there to watch the final curtain, but sending love and thanks to everyone in the Phantom family who helped me on my journey to a life in PR. DJ Mike Borowski congrats on the amazing job you have done the last 25+ years! Enjoy tonight!!!

“It’s over now, the music of the night.”