The Phantom of the Opera is a timeless classic that has been captivating audiences for over three decades. It first opened in London’s West End in 1986 and has since become the longest-running musical in Broadway history. The original London cast of Phantom of the Opera was an incredibly talented group of performers who brought Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece to life on stage.
Michael Crawford as The Phantom
Undoubtedly, the most iconic role in Phantom of the Opera is that of The Phantom himself. Michael Crawford originated this role and brought his incredible vocal range and acting skills to create a character that is both terrifying and sympathetic at the same time. He won numerous awards for his performance and even reprised the role on Broadway.
Sarah Brightman as Christine Daaé
Sarah Brightman played Christine Daaé, the young soprano who becomes The Phantom’s obsession. Brightman’s ethereal voice and stunning beauty made her perfect for this role, and she went on to become one of the biggest names in musical theater.
Steve Barton as Raoul
Steve Barton played Raoul, Christine’s childhood friend who falls in love with her. Barton’s powerful voice brought depth to his character, making him more than just a love interest but also a source of conflict for The Phantom.
The Supporting Cast
The supporting cast of Phantom of the Opera was just as talented as its leads. Rosemary Ashe played Carlotta, the diva who competes with Christine for attention on stage.
Mary Millar played Madame Giry, the ballet mistress who knows all about The Phantom’s dark secrets. Finally, John Savident played Monsieur Firmin and David Firth played Monsieur André, two managers at the Paris Opera House where much of the story takes place.
- Rosemary Ashe as Carlotta Giudicelli
- Mary Millar as Madame Giry
- John Savident as Monsieur Firmin
- David Firth as Monsieur André
The Legacy of the Original London Cast
The original London cast of Phantom of the Opera set the bar incredibly high for all future productions of the show. Their performances were so iconic that many consider them to be the definitive versions of these characters. Even now, over thirty years later, their legacy lives on through recordings and revivals of the show.
In conclusion, the original London cast of Phantom of the Opera was a group of incredibly talented performers who brought Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece to life on stage. Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, and Steve Barton led this incredible ensemble, creating characters that are still beloved by audiences today. Their performances will always be remembered as some of the greatest in musical theater history.