Though shows like “ Hamilton” are known for diverse casting, others have faced criticism for failing to provide opportunities for people of color. Recent discourse, however, has brought a longstanding lack of diversity, both on- and offstage, in New York’s theater industry to light. Theatre credits include: Billy Bigelow in Carousel (Kilworth House), Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys (International Tour), Ernst in Cabaret (English Theatre, Frankfurt), James in Jesus Christ Superstar (International Tour), Policeman in the Pit in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Lt. Kouatchou’s casting comes about a month after Brittney Johnson became the first Black actor to assume the role of Glinda in “Wicked.” Matt graduated from the Guildford School of Acting with a First-Class Degree in Musical Theatre. 2-4 at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus. USMs production of Phantom of the Opera is set for Oct. “It took this long for any Black woman to play Christine, but there have been so many talented Black women who could have.” Jennifer Hope Wills will be in Hattiesburg for several days this week working with the cast and primarily with students portraying the Phantom and Christine. “I just think that Black women, especially in theater, have to be - and it shouldn’t be this way - 10 times better and work 10 times harder,” she said. National tour: The Phantom of the Opera (Monsieur Firmin), The Light in the Piazza (Signor Naccarelli), Billy Elliot (Big Davey), Mamma Mia (Bill Austin), Ragtime (Willie Conklin), Les Misrables.

Though happy to be making Broadway history, she stressed that she was “frustrated” it had taken so long for the producers of “Phantom of the Opera” to cast a Black leading lady. The longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webbers The Phantom of the Opera debuted in 1988, winning seven Tony Awards® including Best Musical. Speaking to People last month, Kouatchou said she considered switching careers during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Broadway theaters and other performance venues were closed for about 18 months. Now in its 30th record-breaking year, The Phantom of the Opera continues to captivate audiences at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End, after more than 11,000 performances.Īndrew Lloyd Webber’s mesmerizing score along with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects, magically combine to bring this tragic love story to life each night.Emilie Kouatchou (left) and Ben Crawford in Broadway's The musical opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre on 9 October 1986 with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman in the leading roles, and there have been dozens of productions worldwide since then. The musical is the longest-running show on Broadway, celebrating. Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will make its highly anticipated return to Chicago this December.

A disfigured musical genius, hidden away in the Paris Opera House, terrorizes the opera company for the unwitting benefit of a young protge whom he trains and loves. Randi Richardson, February 19, 2022, 6:01 AM, Broadway’s groundbreaking musical Phantom of the Opera has once again made history. Runtime: 2 hours and 45 minutes with an intermission. With Ramin Karimloo, Sierra Boggess, Hadley Fraser, Wendy Ferguson. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for his beautiful protégée Christine Daaé is so strong that even her heart cannot resist. The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall: Directed by Nick Morris, Laurence Connor. Presenting The Phantom of the Opera, the smash hit musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber!Įxperience the power of the phantom with your nearest performance:įar beneath the majesty and splendour of the Paris Opera House, hides the Phantom in a shadowy existence.

Phantom of the opera broadway cast