After more than 30 years, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is leaving Broadway. The production, which is based on Gaston Leroux’s novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, is the longest-running show in Broadway history. The final performance is scheduled for April 16, 2023, at New York’s Majestic Theatre shortly after its 35th anniversary.
History of “The Phantom of the Opera”
The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a beautiful soprano named Christine and a masked composer who cross paths in the Paris Opera House. Lloyd Webber’s award-winning opera dazzles its viewers with songs like “Masquerade,” “Think of Me,” “Notes” and “All I Ask of You.”
Two early motion picture versions of the work existed before Phantom ever hit the stage. The first was released in 1925 and the second followed in 1943. The 1925 silent film starred Lon Chaney Sr., who famously created his own Phantom makeup in secret, helping cement the character’s enduring image in popular culture.
Lloyd Webber contacted famed producer Cameron Mackintosh of Cats and Song and Dance to work on a musical adaptation. In the decades following, the musical has won more than 70 major theater awards including seven Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards.
The first stage production opened in October 1986 at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End with Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman and Steve Barton in starring roles. The trio reprised their roles in the Broadway debut which came in January of 1988. New York’s production was directed by Harold Prince. Both shows stalled in early 2020 and returned the following year. Unfortunately, declining attendance since its return means that The Phantom of the Opera is leaving Broadway for now.
According to a 2019 press release by The Shubert Organization, 140 million people had seen The Phantom of the Opera in 41 countries and in 17 languages. That included 18.5 million people at the Majestic Theatre where it had grossed more than $1.1 billion, making it one of Broadway’s most successful productions (Shubert Organization press release).
In 2004, a film adaptation featuring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum was released as well. It grossed $154.6 million worldwide. Between that, multiple cast recordings, and the live recording of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011, millions more around the world have fallen in love with the show.
The Current Production
As of Sept. 22, the Broadway cast included Ben Crawford as The Phantom, Emilie Kouatchou as Christine Daaé and John Riddle as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny. Kouatchou made history in 2021 when she became the first Black actor to portray the role on Broadway. She began as an alternate to Meghan Picerno. Julie Udine now serves as the alternate Christine. Other veterans of the production include Craig Bennett, Raquel Suarez Groen, Maree Johnson and Carlton Moe. Playbill reported that Emilie Kouatchou assumed the role full time on January 26, 2022, after performing as an alternate the previous season (Playbill).
Why Broadway said goodbye in 2023
Broadway’s long pause and a changed tourism landscape made it harder for legacy titles to sustain pre-2020 attendance levels. Even with a strong initial rebound, shifting audience preferences and rising costs contributed to the decision to close. Historically, when major closures are announced, fans rush to buy final-week tickets, and Phantom saw that surge too. If you are visiting New York for other shows or events, you can still explore venue details and upcoming programming at the Majestic Theatre in New York.
To put the post-pandemic gap in context, Broadway’s overall attendance and grosses for the 2022–2023 season had not yet returned to pre-pandemic highs: the Broadway League reported 12.3 million admissions and $1.58 billion in grosses for 2022–2023, compared with a record 14.8 million admissions in 2018–2019 (Broadway League press release).
What comes next for “Phantom”
The global story continues. The West End production at His Majesty’s Theatre resumed performances with refreshed staging while retaining Maria Björnson’s iconic design elements. In North America, a newly announced tour beginning in late 2025 brings Harold Prince’s original vision to new audiences, with direction by Seth Sklar-Heyn and choreography by Gillian Lynne as adapted by Chrissie Cartwright. Additional world tour engagements have included cities across Asia and the Middle East, reflecting the show’s ongoing international demand.
For theater news and more shows like this, browse TicketSmarter’s Theater Shows coverage.
Film, recordings, and where to start
For many, the 1986 Original London Cast Recording remains a definitive listen, while the 2011 Royal Albert Hall concert offers a high-quality filmed performance experience. Classic film fans often seek out the 1925 silent adaptation to see Lon Chaney’s groundbreaking makeup work and its influence on later stage interpretations.
Phantom of the Opera Tickets
Do not miss your chance to see this stunning production on Broadway. Phantom of the Opera tickets are available now. If you cannot make it to the “city that never sleeps” before Spring, the phantom may still be haunting a theatre near you. Search TicketSmarter for one of the many productions of The Phantom of the Opera around the world.
If you are planning ahead, consider these options:
- London West End: See the show at His Majesty’s Theatre. Explore dates such as Phantom of the Opera London tickets, July 5, 2025 or August 26, 2025.
- U.S. Tour: Tickets will roll out market by market. Examples include Phantom of the Opera tickets Baltimore, Nov 7, 2025 and Minneapolis, Dec 2, 2025. Availability varies, so check TicketSmarter listings regularly.
FAQ: The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and beyond
Why did The Phantom of the Opera leave Broadway and where will it go next
After reopening post-2020, attendance for some long-running shows did not return to earlier highs and costs increased, which led to the Broadway closing in April 2023. The title remains active worldwide with the West End staging at His Majesty’s Theatre and touring productions. You can track current dates and buy through TicketSmarter, including London performances and upcoming U.S. tour stops.
What led to declining attendance after the pandemic reopening
Tourism recovered unevenly, newer shows competed for attention, and rising expenses affected operations. Even with strong fan interest, these factors contributed to the decision to close. TicketSmarter continues to serve fans seeking seats for current productions and tours.
How can I find Broadway tickets for the final run
The final Broadway performance at the Majestic Theatre took place on April 16, 2023, and tickets are no longer available. For live performances now, search TicketSmarter for West End dates or check the latest U.S. tour listings.
Which actors were in the final Broadway cast and were there notable cast changes
Near the end of the run, Ben Crawford starred as the Phantom with Emilie Kouatchou as Christine and John Riddle as Raoul, with Julie Udine as the alternate Christine. Kouatchou’s casting marked a historic milestone on Broadway. TicketSmarter highlights these cast notes to help fans understand the legacy of the closing company.
Where does The Phantom of the Opera rank in Broadway history
It is the longest-running show in Broadway history and one of its top-grossing titles, with more than $1.1 billion at the Majestic Theatre and tens of millions of attendees. Guinness World Records recognizes The Phantom of the Opera as Broadway’s longest-running show, underscoring its unique place in theater history (Guinness World Records). TicketSmarter often references these figures to provide context for long-running hits.
What are my options for seeing Phantom now that Broadway has closed
Consider the West End production or the touring engagements. Browse TicketSmarter for London seats and check U.S. cities as they go on sale, such as Minneapolis and Baltimore.
Why was Christine Daaé’s casting historically significant recently
Emilie Kouatchou became the first Black actor to play Christine on Broadway. In the West End, Lucy St. Louis made history as Christine when the production resumed performances. TicketSmarter celebrates these milestones and keeps fans updated on notable casting in current productions.
How do film and stage versions compare and which should I prioritize
The stage musical offers the full Harold Prince production and Björnson’s design, while films provide access at home. Many fans recommend experiencing the West End or tour production live, then exploring the 2011 Royal Albert Hall filming and the 1925 silent film to appreciate the character’s cinematic roots. TicketSmarter can help you find live seats first.
How can I secure seats to performances at the Majestic Theatre
The Broadway run has ended, but the venue remains an important New York destination. For venue details and future events, visit the Majestic Theatre page and browse TicketSmarter for current listings across Broadway and touring shows.
Author: TicketSmarter Insider Editorial Team
Updated: January 17, 2026
About the author: TicketSmarter’s editors cover Broadway, touring theater, concerts, and live events with a focus on helping fans find reliable ticket options and timely show information.
