‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’ MARKS 25 GLORIOUS YEARS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
A major milestone has been reached as the calendar reflected 25 glorious years for ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ on Broadway this past weekend. On Saturday, January 26, 2013, this stage production hit one of the most distinguished accomplishments of its existence. ‘Phantom’ has earned the title of longest-running show in Broadway history. The revenue that this production has brought in is simply mind boggling. It has grossed $5.6 billion across the globe and that is far greater than Avatar, Titantic and even The Star Wars trilogies. Over 130 million people have seen the show in 28 countries, 148 cities and 13 languages.
The book that the story is based on dates back all the way to 1911, a novel by Gaston Leroux. It was adopted for the stage and made its debut at The Majestic Theater as an adaptation by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The drama, mystery and romance have all continued to draw record-breaking crowds.
A play is a success due to its actors and actresses and that recognition cannot go unnoticed. On January 26, 2013, it was a very special evening for not only the black tie and gown audience but the talented people that made it all possible over the years. Sarah Brightman who was married to Webber during his creation of ‘Phantom’ and is possibly the inspiration behind the character Christine, was on hand in a silver tiara and happened to be one of the guests of honor of the evening. There was a special curtain call to lower the curtain on this anniversary evening as the cast and the former cast members and orchestra and crew of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ were all brought on stage to feel the thrill of the moment and take a bow of glory.
Four actors who played the lead part of ‘The Phantom’ in New York City, London, Stockholm and Toronto, sang a couple of songs as the spotlight remained shining and they took center stage.
The New York Public Library was the magical setting for a chic after-party that took place.
As an even greater tribute to the play, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his office of Media & Entertainment declared Saturday as “Phantom of the Opera” Day. That definitely made it official.
Although trends seem to come and go and much has changed in our country over the years, our undying love of the theater and passion for that intriguing disfigured Phantom of the Paris Opera House and his lovely Christine, the havoc that is created and the masterful fall of the huge chandelier are all part of the memories that this production invokes within each of us.
Unprecedented success is attributed to not only the storyline, actors, directors, producers and magnificent costumes but also the music that keeps us entertained throughout the play and reverberates in our heads forever.
Now comes the challenging responsibility of making sure that the show continues to break records at The Majestic Theater near Times Square and remains as a “must-see” on theater goers short list.
If you are unable to attend the theatrical presentation in person, you can purchase a boxed copy in DVD, Blu-Ray, CD or download. Go to: http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/25th-anniversary.
PHOTO CREDITS: Joan Marcus, The Phantom Company
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