After greater than three many years, “The Phantom of the Opera” is on the brink of cling up its masks on Broadway.
The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical has performed to over 145 million folks worldwide in 41 nations, 183 cities, and in 17 languages — and it has obtained 70 main theater awards together with seven Tony Awards and 4 Olivier Awards.
The present additionally lays declare to the title of the largest job producer in U.S. theatrical historical past. During its run, “Phantom” created an estimated 6,500 jobs, together with these of 400 actors, in New York City, whereas grossing $1.3 billion in ticket gross sales. The present’s final efficiency on the Majestic Theater is slated for April 16.
Casting director Tara Rubin has helped hand-pick the actors for the beloved musical for greater than three many years — working simply down the road from the Majestic.
“Phantom of the Opera” Casting Director Tara Rubin
CNBC
“I never really dreamed that I would have a job like this,” Rubin advised CNBC. “In 1987, when we first started casting, I typed all the casting sheets that we used in auditions on a Selectric typewriter.”
Back then, she additionally made cellphone calls to the brokers — reasonably than emailing them, and did all of it on a rotary cellphone.
“[Phantom’s] maintained a presence on the street, and then the city for so long. It’s inspired other shows, it’s inspired people to become actors,” Rubin mentioned.
Rubin is only one of 20 “lifers” who’ve labored on the present for greater than three many years.
“Phantom of the Opera” Dresser Ron Blakley
Dresser Ron Blakley is one other lifer who was working backstage within the wardrobe division when the curtain rose on the Majestic for the very first time.
Blakley’s job is to examine the present’s costumes to verify they’re in tip-top form. He gave CNBC a tour of his backstage space, which is loaded with intricately beaded costumes and ball robes.
After every efficiency, Blakley checks the costumes for any indicators of damage and tear. “I get a needle and some thread and I stitch it and I put the backing back in place.”
But what he’ll miss most?
“The people,” mentioned Blakley.
“Phantom of the Opera” Head Electrician Alan Lampel
CNBC
The one-ton chandelier is the centerpiece of the present. It flies over the viewers every evening. For three many years, head electrician Alan Lampel has saved its lights on.
It’s named “Ruthie Two,” as a tribute to assistant director Ruth Mitchell, he mentioned.
Lampel mentioned he is seen a whole bunch of actors come and go at “Phantom,” however the chandelier hasn’t left the stage since opening evening.
“I watch it from my perch out there in the back of the orchestra. And it’s quite powerful,” he mentioned.
Below the chandelier, one other lifer is within the orchestra pit, violinist Jan Mullen.
“Phantom of the Opera” Violinist Jan Mullen
CNBC
She’s one in all 27 musicians who make up one in all Broadway’s largest orchestras.
“In music like this, which is complex, there’s always something different you can see or what you can do with it,” mentioned Mullen, who by no means anticipated to land the job when she auditioned after graduating from Juilliard.
“This is as good as it gets,” mentioned Mullen. “I’m so glad so many people have been able to enjoy it.”