The Phantom of the Opera: dark from 24 - 27 Aug, new sound system being installed

The longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber�s The Phantom of the Opera, will go dark from 24 - 27 Aug 2008, to allow the installation of a brand-new Digital Sound System to bring the production�s sound design technology into the 21st Century. The producers are investing an estimated $750,000 into installing the state-of-the-art system. The musical will resume performance on 28 Aug 2008.

The move follows this past May�s successful installation of the same Digital Sound System into the London production.

Designed by Mick Potter, the new surround sound system will consist of over 6 miles of cable, 155 speakers placed throughout the auditorium and a digital sound desk. The digital system will up the number of microphones used in the show from 58 to 76 and The Phantom himself will have 3 dedicated microphones. The intensive work involved will include dismantling and ultimately reassembling the musical�s opulent, golden proscenium of iconic angels and satyrs.

On Broadway, since its debut on 26 Jan 1988, The Phantom of the Opera has grossed $690 million, making it the highest-grossing show in Broadway history. The production recently played its milestone 8,500th performance and total New York attendance is at 12.5 million.

The Phantom of the Opera became the longest-running show in Broadway history on 9 Jan 2006 (surpassing the 7,485-performance run of Cats) and has now played more than 1,000 performances and over two and a half years since breaking that record.

Its internationally success is represented by a total worldwide box office gross of more than $5 billion, making The Phantom of the Opera the most successful entertainment venture of all time, surpassing not only any other stage production, but also far surpassing the world�s highest-grossing film Titanic (at $1.2 billion) and such other blockbusters as 'The Lord of the Rings,' 'Jurassic Park' and 'Star Wars.' Worldwide attendance is over 80 million people, having played over 65,000 performances in 25 countries and 124 cities. It�s won over 50 Theater awards including 7 Tonys, and there are currently 8 productions around the world.

The Phantom of the Opera had its world premiere on 9 Oct 1986 at Her Majesty�s Theatre in London, winning every major British theatre award including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards.

Based on the classic novel Le Fant�me de L�Op�ra by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.

The Phantom of the Opera currently stars Howard McGillin (The Phantom), Marni Raab (Christine Daae, played by Elizabeth Loyacano at some performances), Tim Martin Gleason (Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny), George Lee Andrews (Monsieur Andre), David Cryer (Monsieur Firmin), Patricia Phillips (Carlotta Giudicelli), Rebecca Judd (Madame Giry), Wayne Hobbs (Ubaldo Piangi) and Heather McFadden (Meg Giry).

The Phantom of the Opera has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is directed by Harold Prince. Lyrics are by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe) and the book is by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The Phantom of the Opera has production design by the late Maria Bj�rnson, lighting by Andrew Bridge and sound by Martin Levan. Musical staging and choreography is by Gillian Lynne. Orchestrations are by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.