Over the past few months, I've shared here on the blog about Broadway musicals that I'd like to see on an upcoming trip to New York.
I talked about two Disney productions that caught my attention: The Lion King e Aladdin; and one of the greatest theater classics in recent years: Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz.
I realized, however, that I hadn't yet written about the only show I already I attended: The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway! Despite not knowing much about the history at the time, I thought it appropriate to have my first contact with the most famous stages in the world through the show that has been running for the longest time. In January this year, the production celebrated 30 years of exhibition!
With over ten thousand performances and seen by over 140 million people, there are many reasons to catch one of the performances on your next visit to New York.
The Phantom of the Opera Musical on Broadway
Inspired by the literary work of Gaston Leroux, the stage adaptation was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber between 1984 and 1986.
The story revolves around Christine, a young soprano at the Opéra Populaire. Her beauty and talent attract the attention of Phantom of the Opera, a brilliant musician who lives in the subterranean depths of opera. Because he was born with a deformed face, he was mistreated throughout his life, and was exposed in a cage in a traveling circus until he managed to escape and find refuge under the stages.
In love with his new muse, the Phantom does everything to make her become the main star, threatening other artists and even the owners of the house so that Christine gets the best roles in the productions. Plus, he likes to compose new music for her to perform.
The plot becomes more complicated when Raoul enters the story, an old friend of the protagonist and now romantic interest. The Phantom's jealousy torments this possible relationship, and turns the love story into a drama worthy of being retold for so many years..
I don't want to go into too much detail about the plot so as not to tell the outcome, but I confess that I didn't expect such an ending and I was positively surprised by the plot twists. I also found the costumes and sets impressive (in addition to the performances, clear), and I could understand why The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway is so highly recommended.
Running at the Majestic Theater since January 1988, more than twelve thousand performances make this the longest running production on all of Broadway. In its debut year, the show was nominated for ten Tony Awards – the “Theater Oscar” –, in categories such as best leading actor in a musical, best costumes and best direction. He took home seven awards, including best musical of the year.
Such success could not have been any other way, and alternative productions were staged in more than 28 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Germany and Russia. Additionally, an exclusive show was also created in Las Vegas titled Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular, whose performances took place over almost six years.
With so many quality events, it's hard not to want to watch the show in the city that never sleeps.
What you need to know to watch The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway
How to buy
Despite being so popular, The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway is not one of the most expensive shows, and it is possible to find tickets at a great price for this type of event! This is one of those cases where it's worth investing in tickets for the best parts of the audience, as the theater is quite large and the rows at the back (which are usually sold at discount kiosks) are far from the stage.
As it is a very popular show, tickets tend to sell out easily. If you are traveling during high season, such as December or July, it is recommended to buy at least two months in advance.
On the WePlann website you can buy your ticket directly from Brazil, and also pay in reais, without IOF and in up to 6 interest-free installments or by bank slip. You receive your e-ticket as soon as your purchase is complete, and on the day, just present it at the box office up to 45 minutes before the start of the show, along with a photo ID.
In addition to purchasing safely and without paying fees, the company's system also chooses the best places available within the section you chose, meaning you don't have to worry when choosing your seats!
Language
Even if you are not fluent in English, you can enjoy the show through a system of audio guide. It is not an exact translation of what is being said, but a support that will help you understand the story.
It is available in Portuguese directly at the theater and does not require a reservation. The cost is US$10.
Directions
The Majestic Theater is at 245 West 44 Street, near my favorite part of Times Square. The closest subway stations are 42 St. (both Port Authority Bus Terminal and Times Square), where lines A, C, E, D, 1, 2 and 3 pass.
As it is in a super touristy area, it is a great program to include at the end of one of the days of your itinerary. Before that, you can visit other points in Times Square, such as the M&M's store or the giant Forever XXI, or Madame Tussauds' wax museum. Close to the theater is also the famous burger restaurant Shake Shack and the seafood restaurant Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Are you excited to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway? Have you ever seen this or any other show? Tell me about your experience in the comments 🙂
This post was sponsored by WePlann and has affiliate links.