Curiously enough, Phantom is in essence quite unoriginal (frenzied outcasts rejected by society seem to be the core of any popular musical), but still manages to be unique from the muffling gavel sound that starts the performance to its touching ending, whose magic stems from the piercing witnessing of complete unfairness. Passion, obsession, rage and incomprehension. It’s widely agreed, especially by any creative, that there is no formula that resolves into the triumph of a show (Andrew Lloyd Webber’s career is in fact the best example, as it has never achieved something even closer ever again despite his many, many attempts), but certainly there are several ingredients that contribute to its enduring tastiness. Yes, Phantom is more than just a mere work of entertainment (though that assessment alone would already bring it to the very peak of commercial success), it’s a symbol of feat and inspiration that should appeal both to admirers and even its most fierceful detractors – like it or hate it, it’s surpassed three decades on 44th street for a reason. It seemed impossible, now and ever, but the Broadway version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s crowning jewel success, The Phantom of the Opera, has announced what no one (at least from its resilient fandom) even dared imagining – it’s closing for good in the Great White Way.įirst performed in New York in January 1988, in a time were the city’s theatre district might as well be renamed as Little Britain, this untimely piece of enthralling stage art has reached the top at many more levels than its unprecedented stay (exclude The Fantastiks for that matter): it catapulted a struggling young lyricist from obscurity to billboard quasi-perpetuity, it turned a fairly known pop group singer into an internationally famed soprano, it reassured the already acknowledged talent of a directing legend… And it consummated through drama, words and music the love the most celebrated contemporary British composer had both for the genre and the woman he wrote it for. No wasted years, for none of them were, but much gazing across the incredible run of a show, the one which probably has inspired and captivated most people throughout its 35 years of life. No more silent tears, but outspoken cries of discontent. No more memories, but everlasting moments. In tribute to the success and allure of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most acclaimed piece of entertainment, we go around the flashes of a glimmering life shining through the dark.
The longest-running musical in Broadway history will be pulling its curtain down forever next February, leaving behind 35 years dominating the New York scene.
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