The Phantom of the Opera: Hugh Panaro now stars

Hugh Panaro returns to the role of 'The Phantom' on 26 Aug 2013 in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, the longest-running show in Broadway history. He assumes the role from Peter Jöback who played his final performance on 24 Aug 2013.

Panaro has a long association with The Phantom of the Opera and is one of the few actors to have been cast as both 'The Phantom' and 'Raoul' in the Broadway production. He first joined the New York cast in December 1990 as 'Raoul,' a role he would play for over two years and more than 900 performances. In February 1999 he was invited to take over the title role. With over 1,000 performances as 'The Phantom,' he's so far performed in over 2,000 performances of the Broadway production.

Panaro's other Broadway credits are 'Lestat,' 'Side Show,' 'The Red Shoes' and 'Les Misérables.'

Also on 26 Aug 2013:

Mary Michael Patterson, who made her Phantom debut on 29 Jul 2013 as the alternate 'Christine Daaé,' plays the role of the show's principal 'Christine' from 26 Aug 2013. She assumes the role from Marni Raab, who will resume performances as the show's alternate 'Christine.'

Jeremy Hays makes his Phantom debut playing the role of ' Raoul,' the third romantic lead in the musical. Hays assumes the role from Kyle Barisich who played the role of 'Raoul' on Broadway for over 2 years.

Finally, Laird Mackintosh assumes the role of 'Monsieur Andre' from Jim Weitzer.

The Phantom of the Opera opened at the Majestic on 26 Jan 1988, following previews from 9 Jan, and went on to sweep the 1988 Tony Awards, winning seven, including Best Musical.

Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de L'Opéra 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 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 musical has production design by the late Maria Björnson, 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.