NPR: The longest-running Broadway musical ever, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, celebrated Saturday another milestone: its 25th anniversary.
When it all started Jan. 26, 1988, Ronald Reagan was president of the United States, a gallon of gas cost about 90 cents and a ticket to The Phantom of the Opera was a whopping $50. It was the hottest ticket in town.
11 comments:
I love the juxtaposition of the two pictures, the first from the twenty-fifth anniversary performance, and the second from opening night back in 1988. It's amazing to see that comparison, and I would be have loved to be able to go to a performance from the first year it opened and then go again today to see how the show has evolved in little ways throughout the past quarter of a century. I feel that this amazing milestone truly does speak for the magic of theatre, and shows that our industry is still making a positive impact on people's lives. Phantom is an incredible show, and I'm so glad it is getting the honor and recognition is so greatly deserves.
I have not been able to see the Broadway production of "Phantom of the Opera" but I am stunned that this production has survived this long! I am not stunned because of the content or quality of the show, I am more stunned because of the way theatre seems to be running on Broadway. Shows seem to come and go so quickly, but this one has stayed....forever. The movie version proves that this show is very incredible. I am happy to see that this show has been wildly successful and hope that it continues. I actually really love Phantom's sequel, "Love Never Dies" and am curious about the productions future. Both productions are technically stunning.
I have seen this show twice on Broadway and I would see it over and over again. I agree that it is timeless and one of the few shows that I truly find inspiring. I was new to the world of theater when I first saw this show and when I saw the chandelier and the whole scene change in the beginning I was absolutely amazed by the rigging and the spectacle of it all. The combination of the story line, the beautiful music, and the elaborate tech is really what makes the experience mesmerizing that the show can be the longest running on Broadway.
Wow, that is quite a feet! I have in fact seen this show and I have to say, of the shows Ive seen its was the best over all. Others had fantastic story lines, or technical elements to blow your mind away or exceptionally believable actors, but this was the only show that had it all. Actually now that I think about it, Lion King also had it all, but it still has a change to run as long or maybe longer than Phantom. I think that is what it takes to have a lasting show though. A story that is timeless, relatable and enthralling and completely dazzling visuals to go along with it. I think another fascinating aspect is that it has not always been the exact same actors but yet the show has stayed the same. Its kind of like going to a restaurant and you know it has to be a different cook some nights but the food is always exactly as good. That a pretty incredible feat. I am interested to see if any other shows make this 25 year mark.
It's great to see the success of a show and a group of people who can share in its success. The show seems to be very spectacular and I hope to one day be able to see and experience it all. I've heard some of the songs and they truly are captivating in and of themselves. Also, from pictures I've seen, the set and costumes and lighting always seem to be so complementary of this tragically romantic libretto. Everything about it seems to fit. Not to mention that this show just seems to be a show that was meant to stay for years to come. Congrats to everyone involved.
In my eyes Phantom of the Opera is now a deadly piece of theater. We all marvel at the artists' ability to maintain Phantom's quality and craft through the 25 years since its conception. However, does the piece in itself still hold up today as a relevant and truly necessary work of art? The fact that this musical has lasted so long does speak to the hard work and talent of the cast, crew, and creative team. However it also speaks to Broadway's inability to change with the times as well as us as audience members' lack of taste. To go with April's metaphor: when we are served an old, typical, (yet still tasty), meal at what is supposed to be the finest restaurant in the world, we must demand more. Let Phantom live on through high school productions and community theaters. Shouldn't Broadway be reserved for something more? Being the new generation of artists to come fourth, we should acknowledge our predecessors for their contribution but strive to fight to bring the stories that are hidden away to the lime light. Theater should be the place that blows the whistle on the aspects of our humanity that we are most afraid of. Yes, Phantom does have universal themes that transcend time and place. But if we really want to make theater part of today's dialogue, we need to push the envelope more than a falling chandelier. I'm not saying Phantom isn't good, I'm only proposing that we can do better.
Its really cool how long this show has stayed afloat, and the absurd amount of money they have made. It shows that theater will remain strong despite most any economic turmoil. Wikipedia says that this show has had over 10,000 performances. I bet they have those roles down pretty damn well by now. Load in and out must feel like a breeze. I can't imagine the show runs like anything but clockwork. Although I am not personally a fan of the Phantom of the Opera, I would watch this just to see a show that has been running for so long, and the perfection which they must run it with.
I'm not going to lie, I absolutely love Phantom of the Opera. I saw it when I was 9 on Broadway with Hugh Panaro as the Phantom, and I fell in love with it. I'm pretty sure it was a combination of the sets, music, and lyrics. Like Nate, I'm also deeply in love with the sequel Love Never Dies. The revised designs and lyrics in the Australian production blew my mind and have helped me think of new ways to light and design sets. However, I feel like Phantom has gone too commercial. The great thing about theatre is that it is live. With movies, you can rewind and watch the scene again, but in theatre, you have one shot to embrace everything. That makes every moment more valuable. With Phantom, you can see it over and over again, making the value of each moment go down. Although it would break my heart to see Phantom go, I think it would be best for the production.
It weird to think of a show that's been on broadway for more years then I've been alive. Then again a show that fabulous, I'm not to surprised. It is one of those shows that you wan't to watch over and over again. Thats not to say that it is the best show out there. Many shows are brilliants, and a few other's might have achieved that record were the circumstances right (les mis for example) but I am happy that The Phantom of the Opera has done so well.
I don't agree with John above. I think that every kind of theatre can have its place on Broadway and in the entertainment industry as a whole. Just because Phantom is 25 years old does not mean that its themes are any less relevant, its music any less powerful, or its message any less impactful. Yes, Broadway should and is a place where envelopes can be pushed and new shows develop into hits. The fact that so many people have seen Phantom in so many different languages and places is a huge testament to the power of theatre and its universality, something that the newest hit on Broadway may not necessarily do.
Well there's no surprise that Phantom is still up and running strong. The show is a timeless story and though it may not have actually happened, it's a beautiful look into a historical time period with an interesting setting and exciting events that occur within that venue. It's the same reason why Moulin Rouge is still an incredibly popular movie; it may not be true, but it offers a wonderfully exciting look into the goings on of a theater and its productions.
Post a Comment