You only have a few more opportunities to see the iconic chandelier drop on Broadway.
That’s because Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical “Phantom of the Opera” is leaving the Great White Way when it officially closes on April 16, 2023.
Yes, after over 10,000 performances and seven Tony Awards, Christine (Emilie Kouatchou) and the masked Phantom (Ben Crawford) will take their final bows at the Majestic Theatre.
We know what you’re thinking, too.
With so few shows remaining on the legendary production’s calendar, which is the best one to go to?
That’s a great question and one we’d love to dive into.
At the time of publication, we found “Phantom of the Opera” Broadway tickets going for as low as $154 before fees on Vivid Seats.
Take that with a grain of salt, though — prices regularly fluctuate, and you may be able to snag a last-minute deal if you continually refresh the show’s calendar.
Now, here’s everything else you need to know about the long-running show with the mysterious masked man.
“Phantom of the Opera” 2022-23 Broadway schedule
Even though “Phantom of the Opera” has been on Broadway longer than any show, well, ever, it somehow has the most chaotic schedule.
Rather than run the standard Tuesday through Sunday, the “Phantom” calendar is all over the place.
Sometimes the show goes dark on Tuesdays. Other weeks, it’s Sundays.
Don’t even get us started on the matinees.
To keep things simple, we recommend you check out this guide that breaks down what days and times shows will take place.
“Phantom of the Opera” cast
Although we don’t know much about the “Phantom” himself, here’s what we do know about the actors that play the lead roles onstage.
Ben Crawford (The Phantom) has appeared in five Broadway shows prior to his “Phantom” run. You may have also seen him in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Shrek The Musical,” “Big Fish,” “Les Misérables,” and “On the Twentieth Century.” He assumed the role of The Phantom on April 16, 2018, making the final show his five-year anniversary.
Emilie Kouatchou (Christine) is making her Broadway debut in “Phantom.” A University of Michigan graduate, she took over for Meghan Picerno on Jan. 25, 2022. Once cast, Kouatchou made history as the first Black actress to play Christine on Broadway.
Paul Adam Schaefer (Raoul) knows Phantom inside and out. As his bio alleges, “he has also played The Phantom more times than he can count.” Other notable screen credits include “FBI,” “Uncoupled” with Neil Patrick Harris, “Blacklist,” “Baker and the Beauty,” and “Law & Order,” to name just a few.
Raquel Suarez Groen (Carlotta) also made her Broadway debut with “Phantom.” In addition to many Off-Broadway productions, Groen is an accomplished Opera vocalist having won prizes at the Giulio Gari International Vocal Competition and Florida Grand Opera YPO Competition.
Maree Johnson (Madame Giry) rejoins the “Phantom” family after having played Madame Giry in the Sydney Harbour production of the show. In the past, she has also taken on the role of Christine in “Phantom” as well. Johnson received a Barrymore Award nomination for her work in “Passion.”
All cast members and their official bios can be found here.
Musicals on Broadway in 2023
After “Phantom” closes, here are five of the biggest shows that will be aiming to take its throne as Broadway’s most tenured.
• “The Lion King”
• “Chicago”
• “Wicked”
• “Hamilton”
• “The Book of Mormon”