Phantom of the Opera, The (Musical) Lyrics

 - Phantom of the Opera, The album

Phantom of the Opera, The Lyrics

Gerard Butler, The Phantom of the Opera lyrics
Gerard Butler singing the 'The Phantom of the Opera' in the music video.

The author is Andrew Lloyd Webber. For the lyrical part of the work, Richard Stilgoe & Charles Hart were responsible. The script was designed by Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe. The first act of the musical was shown for the first time in 1985 during a festival in Sydmonton, starring Colm Wilkinson, Sarah Brightman & Clive Carter. The premiere took place in early October 1986 at Her Majesty's Theatre. Directed by Harold Prince & choreographed by Gillian Lynne, the leading roles were played by Michael Crawford (for the first time), Sarah Brightman & Steve Barton. As of May 2016, the production continues to run in the West End. It is the longest-running show in the history of both the West End and Broadway, surpassing the mark of 23,000 performances in total on these main stages and more than 2,000 on other stages worldwide (the second place holder, ‘Les Miserables’ counts only 19,000+ performances on both West End and Broadway stages).



Release date: 1986

Comprehensive Overview: The Phantom of the Opera.

Gerard Butler performing The Phantom of the Opera
Performance of 'The Phantom of the Opera' by Gerard Butler in the music video.

Genesis and Creative Forces.

Andrew Lloyd Webber conceived The Phantom of the Opera as a grand romantic musical, inspired by Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel. The role of Christine Daaé was crafted for his then-wife, Sarah Brightman. The production was directed by Harold Prince and choreographed by Gillian Lynne, with lyrics by Charles Hart and additional material by Richard Stilgoe.

Premiere and Global Reach.

Thumbnail from The Phantom of the Opera lyric video by Gerard Butler
Screenshot from the 'The Phantom of the Opera' music video, capturing the mood and meaning of the song.
The musical debuted at London's Her Majesty's Theatre on October 9, 1986, and premiered on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre on January 26, 1988. It has since been performed in over 30 countries, captivating audiences worldwide.

Accolades and Recognition.

Scene from The Phantom of the Opera track by Gerard Butler
Visual effects scene from 'The Phantom of the Opera' enhancing the experience of the song words and music.
The production has garnered numerous awards:
  • 1986 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical
  • 1988 Tony Award for Best Musical
  • 1988 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical
  • 1988 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Broadway Musical
Michael Crawford received both the Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of the Phantom.

Critical Reception.

Critics have lauded the musical's technical achievements and emotional depth. The New Yorker described it as a "beloved pop culture phenomenon that shaped Broadway's landscape over the last four decades."

Recent Developments.

In April 2023, the original Broadway production concluded after 13,981 performances, marking it as the longest-running show in Broadway history. A reimagined production titled Masquerade is slated to debut on Broadway in 2025, introducing new staging and design elements.

Legacy and Cultural Impact.

The Phantom of the Opera has left an indelible mark on musical theatre, with its haunting score, elaborate sets, and timeless story of love and obsession. Its influence continues to resonate with audiences around the globe.

Key Production Details.

Aspect Details
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyricist Charles Hart (additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe)
Director Harold Prince
Choreographer Gillian Lynne
Original London Premiere October 9, 1986
Original Broadway Premiere January 26, 1988
Broadway Closing Date April 16, 2023
Total Broadway Performances 13,981
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Broadway musical soundtrack lyrics. Song lyrics from theatre show/film are property & copyright of their owners, provided for educational purposes