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After 34 years, "The Phantom of the Opera" continues to captivate | CNN

2022-01-25T23:33:39.920Z


The musical "The Phantom of the Opera" celebrates 34 years of performances at the Majestic Theater in New York's Broadway theater district. Actor Ben Crawford, who brings the ghost to life, talks about the story and what makes it so special to have lasted more than three decades on stage. | Entertainment | CNN


Ben Crawford plays the Phantom in the Broadway musical "The Phantom of the Opera" (photo Matthew Murphy)

(CNN Spanish) -

The musical "The Phantom of the Opera" celebrates 34 years of being on the billboard of the mecca of theater, Broadway.

It was on January 26, 1988 that this staging raised the curtain at the Majestic Theater in New York City, in the heart of the theater district.

Since then, there have been several actors who have given life to the Phantom, the main character of the story and who is in love with the young dancer and opera singer Christine Daaé.

Pop Zone CNN spoke with actor Ben Crawford, who gives life to this renowned character about the 34 years that this musical celebrates.

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"The Phantom of the Opera", a story of love and intrigue

Based on Gastón Leroux's book "Le fantóme de L'Ópera", in which a young dancer and aspiring opera singer, Christine Daaé, becomes the muse and strange obsession of a ghost at the Paris Opera.

What is it about “The Phantom of the Opera”, that everyone who sees it is fascinated?

"It has a timeless love story, and I think it has a little bit of everything. You have this man who has fallen in love with someone. He is not from that world and the woman is attracted to someone with whom she is more connected," he says. Crawford.

"There's the fight for love. There's intrigue. There's the twists and turns. It's got a little bit of everything. And I think that's why 'The Phantom of the Opera' has been able to stand the test of time." actor.

The character of Christine Daaé is the muse and inspiration for the Phantom, who lives in love with the dancer and aspiring opera singer (Photo Matthew Murphy)

Andrew Lloyd, the creative mind

Andrew Lloyd Webber contacted producer Cameron Mackintosh to propose a romantic musical and after seeing the film versions that were available, they decided to adapt Leroux's book.

The only condition Lloyd Webber set was that his wife at the time, singer Sarah Brightman, be in charge of bringing Daaé to life.

To speak of Lloyd Webber is to speak of one of the most outstanding musical writers, among which are "Evita", "Starlight Express", "CATS", Sunset Boulevard", "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "School of Rock" , between many more.

What does it mean for Crawford to bring to life one of Webber's most iconic characters?

"I had never considered playing the role of -the Phantom-. I think there are some things I do that are maybe unconventional with the role. Andrew is a phenomenal songwriter and writer, and has written shows that stand the test of time"

He adds that Lloyd Webber is an icon: "All of his musicals are so iconic. He is iconic, and it has been a pleasure to be able to have that connection with one of the greatest musical theater composers in Broadway history," says Crawford who He has participated in musicals such as "Charle and the chocolate factory", "Shrek the musical" and "Les Misérables".

The production of "The Phantom of the Opera" is majestic.

In the "Masquerade" number in the overture of the second act, the cast celebrates the new year (photo Matthew Murphy)

A dream come true

Playing the ghost is the dream of many musical theater actors.

Ben grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and says he never imagined that a little boy from this town in the middle of the desert could fulfill his dream in musical theater.

"There's a great sense of accomplishment. I grew up in Tucson, Arizona. I was like this weird, dumb kid who decided to go to the theater, and I still pinch myself for this opportunity," he says.

“You have, in some ways, achieved something. You have worked hard and you have reached the top of a mountain in some ways. Sometimes in this world, in this industry, you have to pat yourself on the back,” he says.

"I remember the hard work that it took me to get here. I am very grateful that I get to play this role every night," the actor concludes.

"The Phantom of the Opera" has been presented in cities such as Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Madrid, Mexico City and Moscow, among many others.

Without a doubt, the musical par excellence on Broadway is still as alive as it was 34 years ago.

A recommendation for anyone who has never seen a musical and wants to experience a great story.

The live orchestra, the costumes, the scenery and the cast are the elements that together make Lloyd Webber's musical simply spectacular.

BroadwayPop Zone SpecialsPhantom

Source: cnnespanol

All news articles on 2022-01-25

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