Image source: Headout

The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most popular musicals and has established itself as one of the longest-running shows on Broadway.

Despite being a significant title on Broadway, the musical was initially set to close the curtain for good.

However, the producers behind the musical listened to the audience and decided to postpone the final show.

The announcement

The Phantom of the Opera recently postponed its final show by more than eight weeks.

The delay means the final show will take place between February and April next year after an increased demand for tickets.

Last week, The Phantom of the Opera grossed $2.2 million from a sold-out house.

Longevity

The Phantom of the Opera has been a Broadway staple for more than three decades.

It opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1988.

Since then, the musical has survived recessions, wars, and cultural shifts.

Now, The Phantom of the Opera plays its last show on Broadway on April 16.

By the time it closes, The Phantom of the Opera will have played a staggering 13,981 shows.

Read also: Mariah Carey slapped with lip-sync accusations again

Statements

Cameron Mackintosh, the lead producer of The Phantom of the Opera, released a statement to shed light on the postponement.

“We are all thrilled that not only the show’s wonderful fans have been snapping up the remaining tickets, but also that a new, younger audience is equally eager to see this legendary production before it disappears.”

The producers have also confirmed that it will be the last postponement.

“This is the only possible extension for the Broadway champion,” they said.

“As the theater will then be closed for major renovations after the show’s incredible 35-year run.”

The musical

The Phantom of the Opera is based on the classic novel written by Gaston Leroux.

It tells the story of a disfigured composer who haunts the Paris Opera but falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano named Christine.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical features such well-known songs as ‘Masquerade,’ ‘Angel of Music,’ ‘All I Ask of You,’ and ‘The Music of the Night.

The Phantom of the Opera’s closure means the longest-running crown falls to Chicago, a musical that debuted in 1996.

Next up is The Lion King, which premiered a year after Chicago.

Read also: Irene Cara passed away, causes unknown

Pandemic

Broadway is one of the businesses hit hardest by the pandemic, with all theaters closed for more than 18 months.

Popular shows like ‘Hamilton,’ ‘The Lion King,’ and ‘Wicked’ have managed to bounce back.

However, other shows were less lucky.

An expensive show like Phantom of the Opera requires a steady stream of tourists to break even.

While there were more tourists today, visitors to New York have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Reference:

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ extends its long Broadway goodbye