The Daily Broadway’s Longest-Running Musical Turns Out the Lights
16 snips
Apr 14, 2023 Michael Paulson, a theater correspondent for The New York Times, dives deep into the final moments of "The Phantom of the Opera," Broadway's longest-running musical. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the closing performances, capturing the emotional connection of cast and fans. The discussion highlights the show's legacy and its impact on theater, as well as the economic challenges that led to its closure. Paulson reflects on Broadway's evolution, exploring changes in audience tastes and the future of musical theater.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Phantom's Perceived Permanence
- Michael Paulson hadn't seen Phantom, assuming it would always be on Broadway.
- This highlights the show's perceived permanence in New York City's cultural landscape.
Broadway's Turning Point
- Phantom's Broadway debut coincided with a low point for the city and musical theater.
- British musicals, including Andrew Lloyd Webber's, revitalized the industry.
The Birth of Phantom
- Andrew Lloyd Webber, after successes like Evita and Cats, found inspiration in a used bookstore.
- A 1910 novel, The Phantom of the Opera, sparked his next big musical.
