Emilie Kouatchou (left) and Ben Crawford (right) performing the title song in "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway. To get there, you can take the subway to the Times Square 42nd Street Metro Station. | He was really adamant about making sure that Christine felt like me, and that I didnt have to put on any sort of airs that I thought an ingenue character had to be or a Christine had to be, she said. If you're a thrill-seeker at heart, you'll fall head over heels in love with Orlando's most famous theme parks. On Broadway, saying goodbye to 'Phantom' - csmonitor.com The stats are absolutely staggering since it opened on Broadway in January of 1988, Phantom has played almost 14,000 performances to audiences of over 20 million, grossing over $1.3 billion. May 1, 2023, By Seeing and hearing musical theater classics like All I Ask of You, Angel of Music, Think of Me, Music of the Night, the show-stopping Masquerade, and of course, the titular The Phantom of the Opera performed live by the phenomenal The Phantom of the Opera Broadway cast. Ben Crawford and Kelsey Connolly Announce Engagement The singing in the musical reaches some of the highest octaves. 10 Best Theme Parks In Orlando To Visit For An Action-Packed Holiday. Thats how Im trying to approach this role. "So, you know, it was the right decision to take at the right time. 1. You'll also learn about getting an International Driver's License and tips on driving on the left side of the road! Christine is a beloved character in the iconic musical, known for her sweeping ballads Think of Me, All I Ask of You and Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again. No longer an understudy, Kouatchou stepped into the role full-time for the shows anniversary on Jan 26, 2022. Some even send him their own artwork. Based on Gaston Lerouxs 1910 novel, Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a love triangle that blossoms after two businessmen take ownership of a haunted opera house. The PHANTOM Orchestra - Broadway's largest, with 27 members - performs under the musical supervision of David Caddick. Actors Ben Crawford and Meghan Picerno stand on the stage with fellow cast members after performing on the re-opening night of "Phantom of the Opera" at the Majestic Theater in New York City . On Sunday night, April 16, the curtain will fall on the longest-running show in Broadway history. The longest-running Broadway show of all time, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will play its final New York performance at The Majestic Theatre today, Sunday, April 16 at 5PM, after a record-breaking 35 years and 13,981 performances to 20 million people. Hop in! Endless thanks to Denny and Seth, as well as her amazing family. The theater that new show is currently going into, the Shubert, has about 350 fewer seats. Check out the video below! Michael Crawford - Wikipedia He later spent six years with the Broadway Company from 2013 (as Monsieur Andr and covering the Phantom). Scan this QR code to download the app now. It became the longest-running show in Broadway history on January 9, 2006 - when it surpassed the nearly 18-year run of Cats - another Andrew Llyod Webber musical, also produced by Cameron Mackintosh -and has since almost doubled that figure. California dreamin? This story originally appeared on Today.com. and our Broadway's 'Phantom Of The Opera' Welcomes First Black - HuffPost The cast is led by Ben Crawford as The Phantom, Meghan Picerno as Christine and John Riddle as Raoul . Celebrating 35 years on Broadway, watch as the production's lead cast members Ben Crawford (The . For now, though, its time to pack up the chandelier. People I look up to in the industry. 3' review: A grotesque, exhausting adventure, Kudos to Steven Spielberg for speaking out against wacko censorship, 'New York, New York' review: Broadway musical can't make it here, anywhere, 'Summer, 1976' review: Laura Linney, Jessica Hecht a perfect pair on B'way, 'Good Night, Oscar' review: Sean Hayes stars in off-key Broadway play, terrifically fun London Palladium revival. Sources told The Post there will be a large bash to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Crawford currently stars as The Phantom, and Connolly previously played Meg Giry in the long . Check out these travel requirements, rules, and reminders before planning your trip to Mainland US! The musical is the longest-running show on Broadway . The New York production currently stars Ben Crawford as 'The Phantom,' Emilie Kouatchou as 'Christine,' Paul Adam Schaefer as 'Raoul' (John Riddle returns to the role on April 3), Nehal Joshi as 'Monsieur Andr,' Craig Bennett as 'Monsieur Firmin,' Raquel Suarez Groen as 'Carlotta Giudicelli,' Maree Johnson as 'Madame Giry,' Carlton Moe as 'Ubaldo Piangi' and Sara Esty as 'Meg Giry.' In 2023, PHANTOM will be playing across a total of 15 countries, in 8 languages and 4 continents. The original Broadway cast featured Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, Judy Kaye, and the late Steve Barton. The long-running musical resumes performances at the Majestic Theatre on October 22, marking its first show since the theater shutdown in March 2020. Save up on your adventure with Klooks best deal on car rentals, hotels, and attractions, 10 Disneyland California Souvenirs You Have to Take Home. Ben Crawford (born May 22, 1982) is an American singer and stage actor from Tucson, Arizona. IE 11 is not supported. Cameron Mackintosh's other reimagined production of The Phantom of the Opera has broken box office records across the UK and the U.S., most recently at the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and will open in Vienna in 2024. Cameron Mackintosh and Lloyd Webber's The Really Useful Group serve as producers. In celebration of Black history, Kouatchou sat down with TODAY to discuss disrupting an industry set in its ways and the significance of Black representation on Broadway, especially in predominately white musicals and plays. If he is listed as a cast or swing member on the website then he is likely the current understudy. There have been 16 Phantoms of the Opera on Broadway from Michael Crawford, who originated the role, to Ben Crawford (no relation), who will ring down the curtain, after an unprecedented 35 . By Randi Richardson. But the point is, I think that they escape from reality for a couple of hours and in a romantic world. I try and bring myself to her as much as I can even in just the inflection of my voice, something as simple as that. Due to the expansive nature of Off-Broadway, this list is not comprehensive. 14 Places to Visit During Your Los Angeles to San Diego Road Trip. 7 Incredible Places to Visit On Your Las Vegas to Phoenix Road Trip. Since opening on January 26, 1988, the New York production has played an unheard of nearly 14,000 performances to over 20 million people at The Majestic Theatre (245 West 44th Street). Ben Crawford Fans Also Viewed . I remember feeling a lot of support from the audience. As a full recovery is expected in the coming days, Ben and The Phantom Company had hoped he'd be able to return for the closing performance. The series, from Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, has been given a two-season order. This Christine feels very much close to me, and I relate a lot to her. Broadway's longest-running musical took a significant, if long overdue, step toward diversifying its cast this week in conjunction with its 34th anniversary. Producer Cameron Mackintosh says Phantom was losing money, even before the pandemic. I will saythat.. For the other 124 people employed by The Phantom of the Opera, it's time to find a new gig. We will look to maintain every element of the production through to the very last note.". Guests under the age of 18 may present their school ID. Ben has also starred in over twenty regional theatre productions ranging from Che in Evita (Studio Tenn), Starbuck in 110 in the Shade (Ford's Theatre), Luther Billis in South Pacific (Ogunquit . Violating this rule may subject you to a permanent ban with no additional warning. The musical has celebrated over 30 years on both sides of the Atlantic, and has received over 70 major theater awards, including seven Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards. Planning to go to Disneyland Resort California for your next holiday? Were going on a long scenic drive from Las Vegas to Phoenix, Arizona! That could be a clue to the musicals future. Stage Actor. The Phantom of the Opera has production design by the late Maria Bjrnson, lighting by Andrew Bridge and sound by Mick Potter with original sound by Martin Levan. Ben Crawford was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and received a BFA in Music Theatre from The University of Arizona. Seamlessly booking your Phantom of the Opera tickets on, Christine Daa is played by Emilie Kouatchou, Monsieur Firmin is played by Craig Bennet, Carlotta Guidicell is played by Raquel Suarez Groen, The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway is currently showing at the Majestic Theater on 247 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036. Ben Crawford and Kaley Ann Voorhees Matthew Murphy. I think about it every day. Seth Sklar-Heyn (our production . The Phantom of the Opera. Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of the young soprano Christine, The Phantom lures her as his protg and falls fiercely in love with her. Longtime Phantom Laird Mackintosh will step into the role this evening. Blocking belongson the stage,not on websites. I still give notes to the actors, to the orchestra. Explore New York with These Bike Rentals, Tours, and Trails! He had the pleasure of sitting backstage during Saturday matinees sometimes when I wasn't able to get a babysitter.". Copyright 1991-2023 Playbill Inc. All Rights Reserved. Kouatchou said just thinking of all the trailblazing Black women that were overlooked for the role but who nonetheless made it possible for her to play Christine makes her emotional. It's been very creatively freeing to be able to start with a blank slate in a sense. "It's given me the ability to have security, to plan ahead," says Poole. Review Roundup: NEW YORK, NEW YORK Opens On Broadway! Andrew Lloyd Webber has also created a new joint venture with Antonio Banderas to create new, high quality Spanish language productions for Hispanic audiences, with a new production of The Phantom of the Opera set to open in Spain soon. Emilie Kouatchou (left) and Ben Crawford in Broadway's "Phantom of the Opera." Matthew Murphy. They cheered when I first came on stage, the 25-year-old actor told TODAY via Zoom. Phantom, sources said, has struggled to recover since it reopened in October 2021 following the pandemic closure, and is losing some $1 million a month. [UPDATED] Your Trusty Guide for Travel Requirements, Rules, and Reminders for Your Next Trip to Mainland US. The first Mandarin language version of PHANTOM, presented by SMG Live, with Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Really Useful Group and Troika Entertainment and based on the original production, will open in China at the Shanghai Grand Theatre in May 2023, which will be followed by a large-scale tour of China. Ben Crawford Out Of Final Broadway Performance of PHANTOM; Laird Read Klooks guide on each one here. Ben Crawford: Credits, Bio, News & More | Broadway World Disney is celebrating its 100th anniversary this 2023, so here are 100 reasons why you absolutely have to go to Disneyland Resort California this year! November 09, 2019. Talaura Harms And, you know, I think people's memory now is back with people saying Phantom of the Opera is one of the great successes of all time, which is what one always prays when a great show finishes. At certain performances, Julia Udine plays the role of 'Christine.'. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has played to over 145 million people in 41 countries and 183 cities in 17 languages. SHUCKED, SOME LIKE IT HOT Lead Nominations for 2023 Drama Desk Awards. Privacy Policy. Previews on Broadway began January 9, 1988, with an official opening January 26. The Phantom of the Opera marquee is shown above on April 13, 2023, at the Majestic Theater in New York City. Ben Crawford (Stage Actor) - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays The Majestic Theatre, the best musical house on Broadway, has finally been freed up after nearly four decades. Broadway's blockbuster phenomenon, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, directed by the late Harold Prince, is one of the world's all-time most successful entertainment properties. And whatever problems they have out on the street and in their daily lives, they come in here and it's like a little kid tripping on a fairy tale or something. Based on the classic novel Le Fantme de L'Opra by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera, has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe and book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber. / Photo courtesy of The Publicity Office), You Pick the Nominees! There's no other way to describe it," says Richard Poole, who's been a member of the ensemble, playing small roles, for almost 25 years. The Phantom of the Opera has released an all new music video featuring the show's closing cast. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Secure Your Disneyland Resort California Tickets on Klook. BEN CRAWFORD was born and raised in Tucson, . From two current residents of Camelot to two Evan Hansens, Playbill raises the curtain for Broadway's brightest born in May. Bring home some of the magic from Disneyland California! Let your fantasies unwind because The Phantom of the Opera is officially back on the Broadway. ", But even the longest running show in Broadway history has to close at some point. Lloyd Webber may be back to Broadway soon enough. Even when I did my first show as the full time Christine (Jan. 26), I remember doing Think of Me. I was really trying to center myself because I was feeling so emotional because I was thinking about all the women who have come before me who made it possible for me to be in this spot. Theres probably a number of reasons that Im not privy to and some things just are not meant to be at that time and thats OK, shew said. Advertisement. He's conducting the final performances on Broadway. She is beyond thankful to have been a part of the Phantom Phamily for so many years! In our new photo and interview series, BroadwayBox spotlights 10 of Broadway's most spectacular replacement stars. Cast The Phantom of the Opera New York In October 2021, seven plays by Black playwrights with predominately Black casts debuted.