Broadway’s “Phantom” To Close After Record 35 Years

The New York Times reports:

“The Phantom of the Opera,” the longest-running show in Broadway history and, for many, a symbol of musical theater, will drop its famous chandelier for the last time in February, becoming the latest show to fall victim to the drop-off in audiences since the pandemic hit.

The closing is at once long-expected — no show runs forever, and this one’s grosses have been softening — but also startling, because “Phantom” had come to seem like a permanent part of the Broadway landscape, a period piece and a tourist magnet that stood apart from the vicissitudes of the commercial theater marketplace.

The show will commemorate its 35th anniversary in January, and then will play its final performance on Broadway on Feb. 18, according to a spokesman. The cast, crew and orchestra were informed of the decision on Friday.

Read the full article.

Breaking News: “The Phantom of the Opera,” the longest-running show in Broadway history, is set to close in February. https://t.co/WnUtH39quP

— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 16, 2022