It’s hard to believe, but after 35 years and almost 14,000 Broadway shows, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s iconic “The Phantom of the Opera” has ended. In 2022, the long-running musical announced plans to close, setting a February of 2023 date. That was pushed back to April 16th.
The final show was attended by many notable personalities, including (but not limited to) the First Lady of American Theater, Glenn Close. The 3-time Tony winner is no stranger to Lloyd Webber’s productions, having starred as Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard.” A huge fan of theater, Close adorably chronicled her evening at the show from start to finish (but not DURING the production, which would be unacceptable).
Lin Manuel Miranda was also there.
Original Christine Daaé Sarah Brightman, who Lloyd Webber wrote the part for, was in attendance. Original Phantom Michael Crawford was not. This was apparently due to emergency dental surgery. Playbill’s coverage of the evening is well worth reading, especially if you’re a fan of the show.
During the show’s final curtain call, even the iconic chandelier got in on the action, dipping in bow to the audience. It’s truly over now, the music of the night.
