Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera played over 35 years on Broadway, but it's never been seen on stage in India.
That will change next month when the Tony-winning international hit arrives at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai. The limited engagement, which begins March 5 in The Grand Theatre, will continue through March 30.
The musical, which will be performed in English, will feature Jonathan Roxmouth in the title role, Grace Roberts as Christine Daaé, and Matt Leisy as Raoul.
Cultural Centre Founder and Chairperson Nita Ambani said in a statement, "Since the inception of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, our vision has been to present the best of India and the world to our audience. As we approach our second-year anniversary next year, I am thrilled to announce the arrival of the most loved theatrical marvel that has captivated generations, The Phantom of the Opera. This timeless tale unveils the beauty in vulnerability and the power of love that transcends barriers. I warmly invite all of you to come and be a part of this extraordinary experience at NMACC."
READ: Masks, Tears, and Chandeliers: Reflections on the Final Phantom of the Opera Performance
The Phantom of the Opera has music by Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe), and a book by Stilgoe and Lloyd Webber. Phantom opened in the West End in 1986 and then on Broadway in 1988, where it won seven 1988 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It remains the longest-running show in Broadway history, offered its final "Masquerade" April 16, 2023, when the famed chandelier descended for the last time as the Tony-winning
musical played its 13,981th performance at the Majestic Theatre. There have been reports of a return for Phantom in New York via an immersive production, though nothing has been confirmed. A North American tour will begin November of this year.
A scaled-down version of the original production, with a smaller orchestra and redesigned sets, reopened after the COVID-19 shutdown in London's West End. It features direction by Seth Sklar-Heyn, based on the celebrated original direction by Harold Prince with choreography by Gillian Lynne, recreated and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright. The staging also features production design by Maria Björnson, redesigned by Matt Kinley. Phantom is still running at the Her Majesty's Theatre, along with several international tours and sit-down productions.
For tickets to the Mumbai production, visit NMACC.com or BookMyShow.com.
