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Raquel Suarez-Groen as Carlotta Emilie Kouatchou as Christine Photo by Matthew Murphy

Extended Runs

The Phantom of The Opera Announces The First & Only Extension Possible

The legendary New York production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” has announced a final extension for its record-breaking, historic run on Broadway. Following its instant sold-out status after its closing announcement in September, the longest-running show in Broadway history will now play its final performance on Sunday, April 16, 2023, for its colossal 13,981st show. This is the only possible extension for the Broadway champion, as the theatre will then be closed for major renovations after the show’s incredible 35-year run.

Directed by the late theater legend Harold Prince, “The Phantom of the Opera” has been a New York City landmark, playing at The Majestic Theatre on West 44th Street for its entire run. The production, known for its lavish sets and costumes, large cast, and Broadway’s largest orchestra, has long been considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular productions in history.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh said, “The response to the news that ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is finally going to end its record-breaking original Broadway run after 35 years has been as phenomenal as the show itself.” In light of the demand for tickets, all performances for the final ten weeks will be on sale, except for a major charitable event on April 14 and the final performance on April 16. Proceeds from the charity performance will go to several Broadway charities as a thank-you from the “Phantom” team to the Broadway community.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber said, “I am delighted that, after such an incredible reaction from audiences, ‘Phantom’ at The Majestic is extending. If only the theatre wasn’t closing for a major refurbishment, we’d be there for an awful lot longer.”

Tickets for the extension will go on sale on Wednesday, November 30, and can be purchased through the box office, Telecharge.com, or by calling (212) 239-6200. Don’t miss your chance to see this legendary production before it concludes its record-breaking run on Broadway.

The New York production currently stars Ben Crawford as ‘The Phantom,’ Emilie Kouatchou as ‘Christine,’ Jason Forbach as ‘Raoul’ (Paul Adam Schaefer returns December 7 and John Riddle returns January 2), Nehal Joshi as ‘Monsieur André,’ Craig Bennett as ‘Monsieur Firmin,’ Raquel Suarez Groen as ‘Carlotta Giudicelli,’ Maree Johnson as ‘Madame Giry,’ Carlton Moe as ‘Ubaldo Piangi’ and a rotating cast as ‘Meg Giry’ (Sara Etsy returns from a leave of absence January 2).  At certain performances, Julia Udine plays the role of ‘Christine.’

The Ensemble features Giselle O. AlvarezPolly BairdJessica BishopJaninah BurnettXiaoxiao Cao, Joseph DePietroKanisha Marie FelicianoDavid Michael GarryChris GeorgettiKelly Jeanne GrantSatomi HofmannAyaka KameiTed KeeganKfirKelly LoughranScott MikitaGreg MillsJustin PeckPatricia PhillipsLindsay RobertsJanet SaiaCarly Blake SebouhianJeremy StolleStephen TewksburyCarrington VilmontJim WeitzerElizabeth Welch and Erica Wong.

Written By

Drew Shade is a visionary creative force at the intersection of Black theatre, media, and culture. As the Founder and Creative Director of Broadway Black, Off-Book: The Podcast, and The Antonyo Awards, he champions artistic excellence and amplifies the voices of Black theatre artists with intention, heart, and unapologetic pride. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Playbill, Deadline, The Observer, and Apple TV’s Dear…, and he's collaborated with brands and institutions such as NBC, BET, Audible, Universal Pictures, SheaMoisture, The Public Theater, Signature Theatre, National Black Theatre, and more. He has also served as a cultural consultant and curator for countless Broadway productions for over a decade — establishing himself as a trusted voice and tastemaker in theatre and media. In addition to his work behind the scenes, Shade is a performer and creative artist in his own right, with credits including Classical Theatre of Harlem’s The First Noel at The Apollo, The Preacher’s Wife musical at The Alliance Theatre, and a Sondheim tribute concert at Carnegie Hall led by Tituss Burgess. He’s also lent his voice to campaigns for Google and continues to explore visual storytelling through photography — from red carpets to press coverage. Rooted in joy, justice, and the belief that Black theatre is both legacy and revolution, Shade continues to build platforms and shine light where it’s long been overdue — so Black artists are seen, heard, and celebrated on their own terms. “Have a belief in yourself that is bigger than anyone’s disbelief.” – August Wilson

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