The Phantom of the Opera was first played by Michael Crawford. Andrew Lloyd Webber "discovered" Crawford one day while picking up Sarah Brightman from voice lessons. Within minutes of hearing his voice, Webber approached Crawford about the leading role in his new romance musical based on a novel by Gaston Leroux. Crawford eventually was cast for the role and is still the most well know phantom to date. The show began at Her Majesties Theater in London in 1986 with Crawford playing Phantom. It is belived that no phantom will ever surpass Crawford in fame or talent unless John Travolta is actually cast in the phantom movie. Crawford continued with the show in both Boadway and L.A. Crawford was last performing in EFX at Las Vegas' MGM Grand. For more Crawford info, check out the links below. There have been several phantoms since Crawford in several different cities, including cities in Germany and Canada. The current Phantom on Broadway at the Majestic Theater is Thomas James O'Leary. Other Phantoms alternate in London, San Fransico and the 2nd and 3rd national touring companies. There have been a total of over 20 oficial phantoms. Many of these phantoms started as Andre Firmin or Raoul and were standbys for the actual phantom. More phantom info will be upcoming! Go now to my phantom movie info room to learn my opinions on the Phnatom movie. OR.... Check out the links to great "phantom" oriented sites(not the musical but the character.)
Here is the best Michael Crawford Site for August/September
For biographies on all the top phantoms check out this site!
Check out these sites also.....
You are listening to "the music of the night"!