why PHANTOM is closing on Broadway | Phantom of the Opera closing news explanation + reaction

[@chelseastevenson9048]

One of my bucket list items has always been to see Phantom on Broadway; so, naturally, I had a very hard cry when I found this out last night. My fiancé walked out of the room for a while and I just figured he thought I was overreacting. But when he came back in, he told me that he immediately bought us front row tickets for us on my birthday in December. If I wasn’t crying hard before, I definitely was after that. I’m still heart broken over this news but it’s made easier by having the most wonderful man by my side.

[@KRSims-tr7zj]

That is so incredibly sweet. I'm hoping I can make it up there in November because it's on my bucket list, too. I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and I'm glad you found a keeper!

[@kallen868]

❤ Very romantic. Have a wonderful night.

[@pablosskates7067]

I’ve got a signed copy of the 25th anniversary poster with Sara Jean Ford and Hugh Panaro which is probably the best pair I’ve experienced (seen the show about 10 times). I hope you enjoy it, one of the best ever.

[@KirstenFaithy]

That is so freaking sweet!!! That’s a real man right there

[@chelseastevenson9048]

Thank you so much, everyone! I am definitely the luckiest girl alive!!

[@thomasconnolly6742]

The pain I gain whenever he utters the dreaded words "Andrew Lloyd Webbers Cinderella"

[@samuelblachon95130]

Unpopular opinion : Cinderella IS a great show

[@thomasconnolly6742]

@@samuelblachon95130 no i love the show so much. It's just the pain as I remember how ALW treated his cast. I really love the show i think it's great

[@samuelblachon95130]

@@thomasconnolly6742 ok 👍

[@samuelking9343]

Or now BAD Cinderella.

[@mangoryn404]

my attitude towards phantom closing is very similar to the queen’s passing- never affected me much, respected it whenever it did something cool, but ultimately it’s the loss of a constant presence that always held a bit of comfort for me. it’ll be strange going back to broadway whenever i can and not seeing its marquee

[@joekaput747]

Phantom will have been here for half as long as the Queen was Queen

[@rebellest]

Confirmed: Mickey Jo tries to take a break, the theatre world immediately implodes. 😭

[@daviddorsey8754]

You've got Friends Mikey Jo

[@samuelking9343]

@@daviddorsey8754 Here here.

[@jerry_6122]

I saw, phantom (which has been revamped and looking very different - for the better in my opinion), in July. It had already been announced in, June, that it was closing the first week of March. I’ve seen it before but, I doubt that it would play in that magnitude again in my lifetime. These rumors started pre-pandemic with, Webber saying, it was going to replaced with a prequel dealing with him being a boy aging into the phantom. Nothing revolved around lack of ticket sales at that time. Webber wanted “something fresh about the phantom saga”. Some Like It Hot”, has played it’s out of town runs to less than favorable reviews so, that would be an interesting choice.
On another note, Lea has gotten brilliant reviews via social media (most admitting they hoped she failed but were proved wrong. Rather crass but it’s social media).
The really good news is, Julie Benko, has been cast in, Harmony, as a lead. She said, she’s keeping her feet in both fires, right now. Do you think she thanked, beanie, for all the times she decided not to perform, Funny Girl? Just a thought.

[@taylormorgan1355]

Jerry Rice, some like it hot never did an out of town try out. It’s opening cold.

[@RariettyC]

It's really sad how theatre tickets keep being more expensive than ever, and yet orchestras keep getting slashed, lessening the impact of scores written and arranged with a larger band in mind. I'm doubting that any savings are going to be passed on to the cast, crew, or musicians who'll have to bear the burden of those changes anyway

[@onthemetro410]

As someone who works in theatre, it is heartbreaking when any show closes. I am not a fan of Phantom, but it is such a large production that employs a lot of artists and it's jarring at the best of times when you have to suddenly look for a new gig, but these day's it's an even more precarious situation. That being said... this kind of change will leave a huge beautiful theatre open to put a new beautiful show so I'm very interested to see what moves in next year.

[@waynejewers7044]

Sad to see it go, but as you said, theatre is always temporary and WOW! 35 years! Can anyone really complain? I was lucky enough to see the original Broadway cast, in the 80's, with Michael Crawford and Sara Brightman. To this day, that is still one of the greatest moments of theatre I have ever experienced. Probably saw it at least another 1/2 dozen times thru the years (also on Broadway) and was NEVER disappointed.

[@BroadwayGuy25]

It's the LAST representation of the original production as designed by Maria Bjornson. Unlike the changes made to the London production during COVId's shutdown, Broadway kept the show intact, so this hurts.

[@gingerwithglasses]

My friends' response to the news was " great it will be available for licensing soon" so beware all the community theatre and high school Christines

[@EmeraldAshesAudio]

It wasn't already? A high school did a production near me a few years back. That particular school has a reputation as being A) super rich and B) fairly talented, so hopefully it wasn't too horrible. Still, the thought of an amateur Christine makes me shudder.

[@samuelking9343]

The Phantom of the Opera is available to license. And the amateur rights/ stock licensing were granted in 2000.

[@timdrewitt2123]

I have seen the Broadway production and was privileged to have a friend play one of the principal roles. That meant I got a full backstage tour afterwards. And having seen the cramped, hugely complex and very antiquated machinery under the stage, l can see why maintaining the production would increasingly be a challenge.

[@pixydncer1]

My Phantom story:
I saw Phantom on Broadway during a theatre club trip to New York in high school. I probably annoyed everyone with how excited I was. The show did not disappoint and I walked out the theater saying “I can die happy!” Then proceeded to almost get run over by a taxi.
I am so sad to hear this news and will probably finally pull out the Phantom shirt I bought in NYC that year and have never worn because I didn’t want it to get ruined. However, like you said, everything comes to an end. I’m just glad that it did as well as it did and that so many hit yo experience the Music of the Night. 😭💔
Now I’m going to go drive my family crazy with Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford on repeat for the rest of my life.

[@Heavilune]

Yussss😭

[@thomasmurphy83]

As a NYC boy born and raised, it hurts. I really was surprised at my reaction. Saw it when I was 5 (1989) and dozens of times since. 44th Street will never feel the same. Thanks for doing a video on this!!

[@citrinedragonfly]

It's the end of an era on Broadway. This show literally put my wife through college. Her dad was in the original cast on Broadway, and was in the show for 17 years before he retired (he'd been in a lot of other things before that; he was on tour in Evita when my wife was born). She's lost count of the number of times she's seen the show. I've seen it 4 times on Broadway (3 when her dad was in it, once after he'd left), and my first time seeing it was on national tour in south Florida as a teenager. The high school where I teach used to take students to see shows on Broadway, and my first year as chaperone on that trip we went to see Phantom. Because my father-in-law was in cast, he said the group I was with could come backstage and get a tour. I had four girls who wanted to window-shop Fifth Avenue, and one boy who tolerated hours of this because he wanted to go backstage. It was such a good experience for them all.
I love this show - it's the first Broadway musical I ever saw live (the touring production), and the first show I saw on Broadway itself when I finally got to go to New York. I'm still annoyed that the Broadway cast never got a cast album. The show is one of my all-time favorites, and I will be sad to see it go. Though I am glad it's going to hit and surpass that 35 year mark.

[@jacky2089]

As a NYer, this news hit me hard. However, it was banking on its longevity for a long time and did not advertise much, if at all. Hamilton and Wicked are a lot more present in the public eye and tend to get the tourist crowds. Side note - Patti Lupone said in an interview this year that she wanted Phantom to close lol.

[@reagand.hamilton5965]

lmao please PLEASE tell me this La Lupone amuse bouche is true, any context (theatre free-up or ALW karma)?

[@jacky2089]

@@reagand.hamilton5965 ruclips.net/video/1dOZIRS1pA0/видео.html Theater free-up

[@Texaslawhorn]

@@reagand.hamilton5965 I saw Patti say this on Andy Cohen's show "WWHN" when she was a guest alongside Cynthia Nixon.

[@tiffanypena2880]

This makes so sad since I grew up seeing Phantom in NY. I'll be 35 in Feb so its been on Broadway as long as I have been alive. Seeing the marquee of phantom at the Majestic when I was living in NY in 2010 gave me comfort. I hope we see it again whether on tour or another theatre

[@moniquemauleon]

The most recent time I went to see Phantom was last January. Even though, as Mickey Jo mentioned, it can be a difficult month and the fact that Omicron was such a concern, the Majestic probably wasn’t even at half capacity. We saw Come From Away again the next day, and it was MUCH closer to a full house. People at Phantom were quite literally sleeping during the show, people walked in probably up to over a half hour late, I think some were even using their phones… in general, it just felt *sad*. When compared to CFA, though that’s closing next month too, it just seems like the two-and-a-half-hour, thirty-five-year-old (especially since it’s also set a century ago, give or take) beast that is Phantom isn’t nearly as attractive to more mainstream audiences as it used to be.

[@alentia_thegreat]

That is really sad :(

[@JoelEverettComposer]

That is an interesting demographic take I hadn't thought of. Sad if true, but could possibly explain some of the decline in ticket sales.

[@whitneycarpenter7483]

props to you for taking time out of your vacation to explain this breaking news!! thank you💛

[@redfirefixfox9611]

I’m honestly not surprised. Phantom is one of the most expensive musicals on Broadway, with elaborate sets, a huge cast and magnificent costumes, and a huge chandelier that has to drop onto the audience each night. I love Phantom as much as the next person, but I hope they give the theatre to a new show that can thrive in a theatre like the Majestic instead of playing to half capacity audiences like Phantom has these past few years

[@marathonrunner2590]

Whether we like it or not, everything in life boils down to money...or the lack thereof. Live theater is an expensive proposition and there if a finite amount that attendees are willing to pay for tickets.

[@musicalmeg19]

It's definitely the end of an era and this honestly breaks my heart. I've seen Phantom at the Majestic 5 times... between the ages of 12 and 31. It was this constant thing in my life... plan a vacation to New York and of course go see Phantom. I've seen the show 11 times total, and the Majestic has been my favorite theater for it! This is definitely sad news to me.

[@samuelking9343]

You alooooooone can make my song take flight
It's over now, the music of the niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R.I.P
Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera
1988-2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[@jparadisetheatre]

Hi MickeyJo!
Chiming in as a 38 year old New Yorker of nearly 18 years and a theatre professional (Stage Manager).
I think there is a chief thing to talk about in the viability of the original staging in London versus New York and that is union contracts...
While our Stage Management teams are generally a bit smaller here in New York, base salary minimums for cast, crew, and musicians are higher here, so we are already facing a larger financial climb... beyond that, our crew contracts do not allow the flexibility that crews in London have, so our crews tend to be a bit larger as well, immediately swelling the costs to open and maintain a show. Union rules around orchestra members are also different here - it would be significantly harder for them to have smaller orchestra here and maintain anything resembling the staple Phantom sound. The Majestic Theatre is also around 400 seats larger than Her / His Majesty's, so again, you increase the challenge faced by the New York production.
So much of the technology that was groundbreaking when the show opened is not antiquated and quite a bit of it is no longer produced, requiring replacement parts to be specially manufactured the repair and maintenance of those now require specialized training for new crew members and subs.

[@jparadisetheatre]

The most direct comparison we have for what Phantom has done in London would be the original Broadway production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, which transferred from the Palace to the smaller Lunt-Fontanne, replacing the original full set with that of the first national tour and reducing the number of cast members.... for that to happen here, the show had to technically close for long enough to allow the shows' union agreements to expire and then reconstitute itself with the new employment numbers...

[@jeannesaporito3252]

I am heartbroken that Phantom is closing. As a
native New Yorker, I've seen hundreds of shows
over the course of my life and Phantom is beyond a doubt my favorite show. I wouldn't even call it a show, I'd call it an experience. The magnificent music and orchestration is powerful and chilling. The performances of all the different phantoms I've seen over the years are phenomenal, particularly Ben Crawford who's currently in the role as the Phantom. The production is spectacular. Every time I leave the show, I'm humming music for days. The
exhilaration, applause and standing ovations have only gotten stronger post-Covid so I don't
understand why it would close. I wish ALW would give it more time to get back on its feet.
This show is Iconic. Covid took much from New York City - please don't take Phantom.

[@accountforwastingtime]

I LEFT THE HOUSE FOR 45 MINUTES AND PHANTOM IS CANCELLED?! wut the actual wut universe!

[@2_obsessed]

I'm obsessed with your Abba shirt :)

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

It's my boyfriend's! I was chilly so I went searching for something in his wardrobe and now I want to steal it 😅

[@charmainepowell6066]

I have been lucky enough to see Phantom in London, on Broadway, and in New Orleans. A musical I absolutely love. I actually flew to London to see Diana's wedding dress on display.

[@wolftric]

I've always taken phantom for granted, assumed that it'll remain the face of musical theatre for many more years. Shows come and go, and though each one is sad, poto just felt so much like an integral part of broadway, one of the first things I see when I think of the street is the iconic mask and rose.
Hearing this news is so surreal, phantom (tour) was the first actual musical I've seen and was what got me into the hobby. I live on the other side of the world so I won't be going to nyc any time soon, but I've always had the faith that I could fly there anytime in the distant future and still have phantom waiting for me.
Crossing my fingers that they'll at the very least continue the tours, so that me and many others can (re)live the amazing experience

[@STRiPESandShades]

I RAN HERE the second I saw the notification. For context: the Imperial is where they staged The Great Comet and before that the Les Mis revivial, they've done some crazy stuff in there

[@gingerwithglasses]

I knew I recognized the name! Saw natasha pierre there. Amazing staging

[@tonk82]

I just hope that if they reach the 35th anniversary, that they record the production and we get a nice pro-shot of it.

[@PADavid12]

The way you phrased that statement about theater being temporary and we can all preserve the legacy and such was one of the best ways I’ve ever heard this stated. I’m mourning the loss of Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway tomorrow, on my birthday no less.

[@bardboy18]

If the plan is in fact to slim down the Broadway Phantom as was done in the West End, I wouldn't look for it any time soon. It is probably desirable, for the show's longevity, for the newer version to be considered a revival, making it eligible for the Best Revival of a Musical Tony. According to Tony rules, the show must be closed a minimum of three years in order to be considered a revival. Since the show won the Best Musical Tony way back when, it would be a nice bookend for the next version to win for Best Revival as well.

[@juliahines7517]

I just saw Phantom on Broadway back in April, and it truly is a magnificent show. The set is gorgeous, but I can absolutely see why it's so expensive. So sad to see it going, but as with any change like this, it's necessary for new talent to come in.

[@Glindaful]

I hope that Broadway gets a reset by the challenging times. It's not normal that shows run for years, but people seemed to expect it. As heartbreaking as it is to see many people lose their job and their fav show, I think it's nice to have more fluctuations and room for more productions that need to impress audiences to get tickets sold. I also hope cinderella will not be transferred...

[@fionawarda]

Phantom's death shows the death of long running shows. I strongly believe this indicates the trend of shows running for only 1-3 year is here to stay.

[@samuelblachon95130]

😑

[@nancykerrigan]

I've seen it mentioned on a similar video on another channel but I think 10 years would be a good cap for these shows, then touring. I doubt if a show is making money it'll close after a year of running.

[@bookemdano7567]

I’m glad I saw these major shows with their original stagings YEARS ago. If Phantom comes back, like Les Mis, with the new inferior staging, I, for one, will not be spending money on expensive tickets to see it/ them.
It seems theatre is going the way of the current Disney regime… give them less and charge them more.

[@emtastic112992]

As much as I wasn't a huge fan of some of the choices made in Joseph, I would still LOVE to see it again on a professional stage. That musical has such a special place in my heart........oh yea and that's so sad for Phantom.....anyway.....

[@luxy8703]

From the clips I saw of the new Joseph, I wasn’t so keen, but my daughter who is now 25 and has adhd so I don’t know if that factors in it at all , thinks it looks fun and more like what it was originally intended, for kids. Joseph has a special place in our heart as it was the gateway professional production I took my children to see which got them hooked on musicals, and particularly with my daughter it has been a joy as I became more disabled that it has given us a constant thing we could still do together until covid. Being in a chair can be limiting as a parent so musicals has been pure escapism for us both. We will be be moving to London soon which will be fab when I get covid shots I may actually get to see some live shows again if I’m lucky. One show my daughter has always wanted to see was phantom, but has never had the opportunity as the disabled seating wasn’t great, we were told, by box office, and as I wasn’t so keen anyway we left it at the time. my fave was alway Evita, We have mixed views about Alw for a whole variety of reasons at the moment though. We are so hoping beetlejuice happens in a totally different vein just for pure light relief which I think we all need! Xx take care hugs xx

[@RazorRevenge]

I would LOVE to see you review the stage adaptation of The Hunchback Of Notre Dame with Michael Arden and Patrick Page 🖤

[@miyannapittman5580]

This is really sad. Our choir teacher announced a trip to New York in 2024, and it will be my first time ever to NYC. We'll be fundraising our behinds off the next couple years to afford to see multiple shows, and Phantom was one I was really optimistic he would want us to see, but now it's closing I don't think I'll ever get to see it.

[@JoesCranium]

Allegedly the cast found out when we did and they were called to an “emergency zoom call” a short time later. I hope that is not the case.

[@jessicatucker8464]

Well that would sadly be unsurprising for ALW

[@victoriakmartin]

The New York Times said the cast and crew was informed on Friday, so I think they had advanced notice. Unless the leak caught them off-guard.

[@JoesCranium]

@@victoriakmartin That is today. Sadly, that even feels too soon to the press announcing it. :-/

[@David-le2kr]

Heard the news a few hours ago, and was wondering how long before that stagey kid in London would jump online.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I'm nothing if not predictable!

[@vaniab.9842]

I needed to share my thoughts somewhere, so here it is. Phantom was the first musical I saw live, my first time in new york. The closure shocked me. Pre-phantom, I knew of musicals was mamma mia the movie, and that was about it.
And then I had the chance to watch Phantom, which blew me away. Admittedly it is not my favorite show, but it will always have a special place in my heart.
And to top it all off, the first thing I thought of upon hearing the news was my aunt, who paid for the broadway tickets, who started my love for musical theatre. Sadly she passed away a few years ago, and I often associate Phantom of the Opera with her.
To my aunt, I hope you know you were the reason I fell in love with theatre, and to Phantom, thanks for being that first step into it.

[@fullmetalandtheflame438]

The news of Phantom Broadway closing is absolutely heartbreaking. One of the greatest and most timeless musicals of all time. I genuinely thought it would never close.

[@flowerllama2973]

I saw Phantom twice on Broadway against my will lol. It's fine, just not something I would choose to see more than once. That said, the show's closing has given me a tiny glimpse into something I've had trouble wrapping my head around -- strong reactions to HMQEII's passing from folks who I thought weren't all that invested in her or the monarchy. Humor me for a moment.
As a 32-year-old theater baby, I have never known a Broadway landscape without Phantom. My personal feelings about the plot, the dialogue, the themes et al have no effect on the fact that Phantom has been THE sparkly, ridiculous, melodramatic example of what the general public considers a "core" or "essential" musical theater experience. Loved that the end of the video got me thinking about this. Thank you!

[@Texaslawhorn]

I first saw "Phantom" in a touring production in Austin, Texas about 15 years ago. Got to finally see it on Broadway in February of this year. There is such an intense feeling when the show opens with that organ! I will have to see it again before it closes.

[@jjc5383]

The most shocking news in this clip wasn't that Phantom is closing it was that MickeyJo has never been to NYC! Hopefully he has a trip planned soon.

[@geraldinedavila2086]

I wonder if they’ll do a proshot of the final cast of the show like Rent did 👀

[@justalittlebitsilly]

I am devastated... I discovered the movie And the musical in November of last year and since then it has been my favorite and comforting musical, it cannot end like this

[@Author.Noelle.Alexandria]

I’m so unhappy about this news. It sucks. It just fucking sucks.

[@antoniacosmai6670]

i have never seen phantom on broadway but i did go on the west end in December 2021, midweek. i had bought the cheapest seat available on the last row of the balcony but when I arrived they told me that the balcony was closed for the night as there weren't enough people.
Everyone was moved from the balcony to the stalls! I ended up in Stall E! I went from a 30£ seat to a 200£ one!
I still can't believe it but your considerations in this video certainly explain why it happened...

[@jspihlman]

I live in the Northeast of the US and have been getting a ton of ads on instagram for Phantom, specifically for 2 for 1 ticket deals lately, which is likely related to this.

[@tinamarina8983]

I'm a NYer and I saw Phantom on b'way once with a friend who was visiting and it was pretty much exclusively tourists in the audience. It was a fun experience, and I of course accepted it as a show that would "always be there" because of its immensely long run. I'm really trying not to take its closure as a terrible sign for broadway in general. That's my biggest concern, other than the cast and crew who thought they had stable employment. I suppose time will tell!

[@garretts874]

Phantom was the show that got me interested in Broadway. I saw it on a high school theatre trip many years ago and fell in love. Unfortunately have not seen it on Broadway since. I've seen touring productions but always wanted to make it back to the Majestic (there's always so many other shows to see when I go there). I am incredibly sad but glad it had such a long successful run. I'm not sure I see it opening in NYC in a smaller venue as it is such a grand production and I feel that would hurt it. However, I expect it will continue to tour and become a staple in that respect.

[@Twananas]

It’s very sad to see it close, but 35 years is incredible!
I have to admit I thought the theatre itself is not very attractive and didn’t feel the same way it did as here in London.
Went to see Phantom London last week and it’s quite a small and beautiful theatre. What I remember from Broadway 2014, that it was very large and open.
The performances were good but I didn’t feel the same connection as I did each time I have seen it in London.

[@elizabeth5985]

I want to know how you are SO ELOQUENT at such a young age (anyone under 50 is young to me). Did you go to University early? Oxford? is there a bio I can read? Honestly it is a joy just to hear your diction and elocution, not to mention the way you present arguments so that all sides are given their due even if you admit you disagree with them.

[@nekusakura6748]

Not a Massive Joseph fan, but Audra Mcdonald or Kelli O'Hara would be solid choices for the Narrator.

[@HelenRosemarySmith]

Audra would be amazing!

[@teachmusik]

Jessica Vosk was the Narrator at the Muny this summer. She'd be really good too.

[@darrenhales6094]

Hey MickeyJo...I have been to NYC many times and seen many productions including the original staging of Phantom. I also saw the original Canadian production one week after it opened. So here's my take...34+ years is plenty for people to see a show and for the show to hog the best musical theatre theatre on Broadway. When I was younger and Phantom first opened, yes...I loved it. It was mesmerizing. I even worked on the show (head props) for 9 months (in HK not NYC).
I have also seen the revised version that has been touring around North America just before Covid hit. This version no longer has the travelator (elevated walkway that can change heights and move up/downstage at the same time). It has a large revolving wall that has retractable steps that come out of it for the journey down into the Phantom's lair. It also had (until a few days after I saw it) the chandelier that spat small bits of plastic that looked like shards of glass as it crashed down. That was cut because of course, audience stare UP at the chandelier as it crashes down and so some people were being hit in the eyes by these chards. I was able to grab some that I was hit by and keep them. Also, one major change I loved about the revised production...the chandelier didn't land on stage then blackout. The chandelier just flashed and sparked right before it would reach the audience's heads and then black out. It was what always should have happened in the original. But ALW has always been obsessed with the chandelier slowly falling with that final gliss at the end of act 1 which takes so much drama out of the fall.
Phantom is one of his better musicals (which doesn't say much). But, it has had its life and it's time to put it to sleep. Considering all the recent press about our dear friend ALW, I don't think it is wise for him (or anyone else with money) to produce his works right now. He has a horrible reputation (and always really has). And since the start of Covid, his true colours truly have come out.
It will be interesting to see what happens next. But as you said, since he does not own any theatres in NYC, it is much harder for him to force his hand to get a venue to do what he wants with. Like all other well known Broadway producers, he will have to wait his turn. And let's be honest...I cannot imagine many people dying to see his new "Cinderella" considering how much of a "flop" it was in the West End.

[@devinross5787]

I was literally out at dinner when this new broke and I literally was so heart broken!!!! I hope and plan to get a ticket to see the final performance!!
I saw Phantom on broadway back in November! I was almost under the chandelier and it was amazing!!!

[@thevanillaflourette]

I’m gutted! Phantom is my absolute favorite show. I hope I can get to London to see Lucy before any further changes happen there.

[@LightningRound1st]

After 35 years, I'm kind of ready for Phantom to close. I feel bad for the people who'll be unemployed but, it's time for something new. New shows stimulate other new shows.

[@samuelking9343]

Well Cinderella is coming to Broadway.

[@allisonbergh4429]

I saw Phantom on Broadway in 1993, as well as several touring productions. I’m wondering if there will be tours still?
Also it would be nice to get a good pro-shot instead of just that atrocity of a film version, so people who couldn’t get to New York or whatever can have a bit of the real experience

[@wolftric]

Theres a great proshot of phantom, the 25th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall, it has an amazing cast. Though if you're looking for a Broadway version then I'm afraid there isn't one yet

[@nancykerrigan]

I have a feeling they'll do that. Maybe a 35th anniversary showing hte Boradway version? Since they had one for the 25th anniversary in London.

[@KRSims-tr7zj]

I've been a huge fan since I saw it on tour back in 2008. I've always wanted to see it on Broadway but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get to New York in time. I'm mostly just bummed out for the cast. Emilie Kouatchou is the first black Christine and hasn't even been in the role for a year yet. I follow the whole cast on Instagram and they're all so amazingly talented. I wish them the best ❤

[@samuelblachon95130]

Fun fact the New York post founder is Alexander Hamilton

[@callalily3994]

I'd kind of like to see Ariana DeBose as the Narrator in Joseph.

[@brightshining]

She would crush at that! 😊

[@londongirl2768]

That is a genius idea, she’d nail it

[@lemontree666333]

I'm kinda sad that Phantom is closing. I'll admit, my favorite version is the filmed one with Sierra Bogess as Christine. But I have been enjoying the tweets going around about how the Phantom will simply continue to haunt the theater, and cause any other show that goes in there to have some ghosty things happen. 🤣🤣

[@Mark_R_Tho]

Two of my friends are in the NY cast and they are devastated💔

[@WiseGuy19]

I have to assume the speculation is true that the cheaper West End version of Phantom will be reopening at a different Broadway theatre with the reduced orchestration. I don’t think this is the end of Phantom on Broadway just sadly the end of the original production. It would likely have to open at a different theatre because I believe there is still a union agreement requiring a minimum number of musicians for each Broadway house and the number at the Majestic is higher than other theatres.

[@madelyn.mckean]

i gasped when i saw the announcement

[@MarcusMartn]

Ticket sales have been low since reopening, I saw the show it’s beautiful seen it twice, I can’t wait to see it again

[@johnmones1450]

Right before I viewed your blog a picture of the Majestic Theater popped up on my IG or Twitter with the caption PHANTOM IS CLOSING - bad news travels fast. When I was in NYC at the end of June the theater district seemed to be running full houses. I went to 4 shows and there long lines queuing to get in. LA on the other hand is a little more laid back but all the road productions seem to be packing them in as well. Jamie, The Lehman Bros., Moulin Rouge. Looking forward to my trip to NYC in the spring to see what’s new. Thank you for keeping us up to date. Regards to Aeron. Have a fabulous weekend. 👍🙏😎🤪

[@kallen868]

I got to see Colm Wilkinson in Toronto. They claim the fastest chandelier drop! It was more intense then Boston or NY. Sad to see it end but an amazing run!
The film version had many great moments. Not to be totally dismissed.

[@angekuzel]

saw phantom on broadway and loved it so much! the show that made me want to be a performer :( i’ll miss it so much

[@francinearcieri8439]

I'm heartbroken please bring it back I'm loving my Phantom of the Opera wont change too sad for many bring prequel stories adore him too much to go away Please keep it going someway somehow

[@stephennelson299]

I have always loved Phantom, but I did not see it for the first time on Broadway. My first experience seeing Phantom was in Vegas at the Venetian hotel. It was a gorgeous production full of incredible set pieces both on and off stage... I would then see the "updated" tour that was quite short-lived (but saw it on several occasions). I loved the unique way this version was staged and enjoyed seeing the more "full" version (Vegas was reduced). Now, it was time for my first visit to Broadway! The very first (of several) shows I saw was... you guessed it! PHANTOM! I was stoked to be in the majestic theater... I loved the look and feel and the splendor of being on Broadway. Then... the show happened. Well... I will just say that I probably should not have seen the two updated versions first because the Broadway version just felt dated to me. I thought the set pieces were too clunky in many places (after having seen far better set pieces that were more efficient), and it just felt "old." I am sad to learn Phantom will close on Broadway... but I definitely think it needed to (at least in its original form). I would love to se it reopen in an updated version or with the set design of the latest tour, but it was time for the original.

[@dogvom]

I saw the long-running Toronto production of Phantom. Because I worked at Livent, I was comped. I got my money's worth.

[@hpfan]

I am devastated. I grew up with my parents listening to the soundtrack, and I remember seeing it in a tour production when I was 12 years old. It absolutely is a key player in my love for musical theater. I was in my early 20s when I made my first trip to NYC, and I was fortunate enough to go see Phantom at the Majestic for Sierra Boggess’s closing performance as Christine alongside Hugh Panero. As someone who has seen the show several times throughout my life, make no mistake - The Phantom of the Opera is an absolutely different experience in NYC. I am so grateful I did get to see it there since I won’t be able to do so before it closes now. I am truly truly devastated.

[@carr0760]

Jessica Vosk just starred in Joseph at The Muny. She's a much better choice than Idina.

[@krazykittymatt]

I've noticed Mega Musicals aren't doing as well as they used to. People are liking toned down shows. Like yes they have production values, but even sets are being toned down. Even Mean Girls had amazing set changes, but relief on digital backdrops and minimalist set dress ups and it worked. And look at Hadestown, Six, Come From Away, Chicago, A Strange Loop, Beetlejuice as big as it is only has like 5 set setups. That helps keep costs down. Wicked, Book of Mormon, Moulin Rouge big set ups work. I mean, even Book of Mormon doesn't have many set changes. But even Lion King I'm shocked is still going. The costumes are beautiful, but the story is so weak on stage. But tbh ALW I feel has lost what made him so popular. He's not very well liked anymore

[@oldschoolabrahamhicks2742]

Send MickeyJo to NYC- so much shows, albeit tres expensive!

[@repboy1]

I will always love phantom , went to see the original London production with Michael Crawford and it’s incredible how the hype kept it going all these years. It’s time though for another successful musical to take its spot

[@courdeleon]

I hope someone takes you up on and invite to NYC! I would love to hear your reviews of Broadway shows as well as your opinions on the differences in the West End and Broadway!

[@lisa8744]

I’m in shock!! Never thought it would close…

[@dreamershavemorefun]

Phantom was my first Broadway show back in the early 2000s I then saw it a few more times in New York. It’ll be missed but knowing that it successfully ran for 35 years gives me comfort that it delighted and mesmerized so many audiences night after night. I have my souvenir from that night; an autographed poster signed by the entire cast and my playbill safely stored away.

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

After watching the 25th anniversary version and hearing the original voices on the first soundtrack, nothing can beat those two versions for me.
While I wish I was able to see Phantom, there are other musicals I want to see more. While I love it, it was never on my bucket list for some odd reason. Maybe because I only wanted to see the original cast.

[@nancykerrigan]

I see what you're saying re: only wanting to see the original cast. I was like that with Hamilton. But I still want to see it.

[@MUEagle2002]

I saw Phantom in Majestic on Broadway in February 2022. What stunned me is that there were a lot of empty seats. I thought that odd. This news makes me wonder if it has run its course.

[@boozytortoise]

I saw phantom in the uk early 90s. My aunt was the wig mistress. Watched from sound box. Met the cast and had a backstage tour. Will never forget that night

[@chocolatesouljah]

In case anyone missed this: "Yesterday we learned that “The Phantom of the Opera” would be hanging around Broadway a bit longer. Buoyed by a surge in ticket sales, the show, which had previously announced a closing date in February will now conclude its run April 16. Michael Paulson spoke to the show’s producer, Cameron Mackintosh, and some longtime fans, including Lucas Perez, who recently took his mother to a performance. “It felt like I was saying goodbye to an old friend,” he said."

[@annpaq8342]

Hum, the closet door is slightly open, that distracted me 😮 yeah, I have OCD!

[@brosandprose]

I'm so glad I had the chance to see this classical musical on Broadway, and also in Vegas back when it was at the Venetian hotel! I saw the Vegas version when I was a little kid, and the custom theater was so jaw-droppingly cool and immersive that it made me a lifelong fan of the production.

[@edramirez1240]

Have lived in NY all my life. Have walked by the Phantom Marquee when I worked in the neighborhood. Although, I have never seen the show, like many in the Metro area, I am shock to hear the news. The funny thing is the TV and radio commercial tagline runs through my mind all the time: “Now and forever!”

[@xonvaldez]

I saw Phantom in NYC and Las Vegas. Great show but I can’t see it scaled down it would lose its grandeur!!

[@nyctheatergeek]

While it definitely felt like Phantom was going to run forever, I wasn't overly surprised to hear this news. It has been a fixture at the TKTS Booth selling discounted tickets for as long as I can remember and when I went searching for tickets around the reopening last October, I was incredibly surprised to find that the seats at the very back of the house were going for $29 on weeknights! I could argue that this is a pretty fair price for these nosebleed-esque seats, but I'm sure that a new show will be able to sell these for at least two or three times that. Even though I was never the biggest fan of Phantom of the Opera, the end of an era and the closing of any show is always sad. I am, however, very excited to see what goes into the Majestic next!

[@BriGuyIL1980]

Mickey will never escape Cinderella. Ever.

[@broadwaymike92]

Breaks my heart!!! The full company (cast, crew, musicians, and creative team) out of a job but also this show being a national treasure landmark to NYC!!! Broadway will never be the same again without it. On a personal note as an actor myself, I've auditioned for the show several times. I just feel like I FAILED AS A PERFORMER!!! To be part of this family and singing those songs on the Majestic stage ... even yet to play The Phantom!!! So Not fair. So upsetting.

[@ChanzTales]

You've not done a review of Grease and it closes soon in West End and its amazing! X

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I saw it recently! Stay tuned 👀

[@TheVloggerDude2018]

Does this mean Back To The Future is going to replace The Phantom??? wow…

[@midnightmeadowasmr]

I just watched phantom on broadway today. It was about 4 hours after they announced it. Honestly the vibe felt off from the cast, understandably so. I am phantom obsessed seen on both west end and broadway. I spoke to some ushers they said it doesn’t feel real to them. I hope it will make a comeback. I’m so gonna watch the closing show though (I live in the city) legit on ticketmaster right now😂

[@williamroberts6803]

I went to see phantom during pandemic and it was amazing. This is with previous leading lady singer. I so want to see the play don Quixote on broadway.

[@sarahw.9915]

I saw Phantom on Broadway back in 2007 and I remember really loving it. Glad I had the chance to see it then, as I am one who definitely took for granted its permanence as a fixture of the Broadway scene

[@SimsHarmony]

I hope it isn't closing. I saw it on Broadway only one month ago and the staging was unbelievable. I loved every minute. However, the theatre was only half full during the matinee..

[@lryan2242]

My cousin was a Phantom, Davis Gaines. He played on Broadway, on tour, Los Angeles and San Francisco. I was too young to have seen him but I have always hoped to go to Broadway to see the show. Has anyone seen him in the Opera?

[@nataliescarisbrick4951]

Saw Davis in LA 3 times in Phantom and his most recent concert in CA in 2019. He was amazing in the show and concert. I look forward to his next project in CA. He is a delight to see and hear in any show you can catch him in.

[@lryan2242]

@@nataliescarisbrick4951 Thanks for the response. He lives in FL.now. I hope he gets to be involved with the Phantom's closing. A celebration of all the Phantoms in the production would be awesome. 😊

[@scottjohnson5415]

I lived in Manhattan for 15 years. Family and friends who visited always wanted to see it on Broadway. I've seen it at least five times in NYC. Over the years sets and costumes remained the same, but the quality of the singing saw diminishing returns. Guest personalities filling leading roles, when they clearly didn't have the chops to perform the libretto