It was on January 26, 1988 that this staging raised the curtain at the Majestic Theater in New York City, in the heart of the theater district.
Since then, there have been several actors who have given life to the Ghost, the main character of the story and who is in love with the young dancer and opera singer Christine Daaé.
Zona Pop CNN spoke with the actor Ben Crawford, who gives life to this renowned character about the 34 years that this musical celebrates.
"The Phantom of the Opera", a story of love and intrigue
Based on Gastón Leroux's book "Le fantóme de L'Ópera", in which a young dancer and aspiring opera singer, Christine Daaé, becomes the muse and strange obsession of a ghost at the Paris Opera.
What does "The Phantom of the Opera" have that everyone who sees it is fascinated?
"It has a timeless love story, and I think it has a little bit of everything. You have this man who has fallen in love with someone. He is not from that world and the woman is attracted to someone with whom she is more connected," he says. Crawford.
"There's the fight for love. There's intrigue. There's the twists and turns. It's got a little bit of everything. And I think that's why 'The Phantom of the Opera' has been able to stand the test of time," adds the actor.
Andrew Lloyd, the creative mind
Andrew Lloyd Webber contacted producer Cameron Mackintosh to propose a romantic musical and after seeing the film versions that were available, they decided to adapt Leroux's book.
The only condition that Lloyd Webber put was that his wife at the time, the singer Sarah Brightman, was in charge of giving life to Daaé.
To talk about Lloyd Webber is to talk about one of the most prominent musical writers, among which are "Evita", "Starlight Express", "CATS", Sunset Boulevard", "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "School of Rock". , between many more.
What does it mean for Crawford to bring one of Webber's most iconic characters to life?
"I had never considered playing the role -of the Ghost-. I think there are some things that I do that are perhaps unconventional with the role. Andrew is a phenomenal composer and writer, and he has written shows that stand the test of time"
He adds that Lloyd Webber is an icon: "All of his musicals are so iconic. He's iconic, and it's been a pleasure to have that connection with one of the greatest musical theater composers in Broadway history," says Crawford, who He has participated in musicals such as "Charle and the chocolate factory", "Shrek the musical" and "Les Misérables".
A dream come true
Playing the ghost is the dream of many musical theater actors.
Ben grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and says he never imagined that a little boy from this town in the middle of the desert could fulfill his dream in musical theater.
"There's a great sense of accomplishment. I grew up in Tucson, Arizona. I was like a weird, goofy kid who decided to go to the theater, and I still pinch myself for this opportunity," he says.
"You've managed, in some ways, to get something. You've worked hard and you've reached the top of a mountain in some ways. Sometimes in this world, in this industry, you have to give yourself a pat on the back," he says.
"I remember the hard work it took me to get here. I'm so grateful to be able to play this role every night," the actor concludes.
"The Phantom of the Opera" has been presented in cities such as Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Madrid, Mexico City and Moscow, among many others.
Without a doubt, the quintessential Broadway musical is still as alive as it was 34 years ago. A recommendation for anyone who has never seen a musical and wants to experience a great story.
The live orchestra, the costumes, the set design and the cast are the elements that together make Lloyd Webber's musical simply spectacular.
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