"Phantom Sets Record as Longest-Running Show in History "
Equity President Patrick Quinn, Executive Director Alan Eisenberg, Senior
business Representative Ken Greenwood and Business Representatives Louise
Foisey and Walt Kiskaddon were invited to join the Standing Room Only
audience at The Majestic Theatre on Monday evening, January 9, 2006 when
The Phantom of the Opera played its 7,486th performance to become the
longest-running show in Broadway history. The musical surpassed the record
previously held by CATS. Both shows were written by Andrew Lloyd Webber,
produced by Cameron Mackintosh and associate directed and choreographed
by Gillian Lynne, all of whom were present for the historic occasion.
Phantom has set many other records during its 18-year run: It has grossed
nearly $600 million, making it the highest grossing show in Broadway
history; with total worldwide box office gross of $3.2 billion, it is
the most successful entertainment venture of all time, surpassing not
only any other stage production, but also “Titanic”, the
world’s highest grossing film, and the show ended 2005 by recording
its best year ever on Broadway, as well as having its highest-grossing
single week (the week ending December 31).
On January 26, just a few weeks after breaking CATS’ record, Phantom
reached another milestone, becoming the first Broadway production to
reach its 18th anniversary-and it’s still going strong.
Four Equity members have been with the show since the beginning: George
Lee Andrews (Monsieur Andre) Richard Warren Pugh (Don Attilio), Mary
Leigh Stahl (Wardrobe Mistress/Confidante) and Stage Manager Bethe Ward.
The special performance on January 9 was followed by a Masked Ball at
the Waldorf-Astoria