Norm Lewis is the first African-American actor to play the role of The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.
Norm Lewis stars opposite Sierra Boggess, in her return to the New York production. The two stars, who previously played underwater father and daughter in The Little Mermaid on Broadway, began in May, replacing Hugh Panaro and Mary Michael Patterson, respectively.
Norm Lewis said The Phantom was his dream role for years. “That’s one of my roles that I always wanted to play,” Lewis told Broadway.com’s Paul Wontorek on Show People, “and it’s really now to set a precedent. It doesn’t even have to be me, but there’s never been an African American to play that role except Robert Guillaume, but never one on Broadway.”
Sierra Boggess commented: “I am so honored and giddy with excitement to bring Christine to life again opposite my dearest Norm, This is a moment in time I don’t want to miss!”Lewis said The Phantom was his dream role for years. “That’s one of my roles that I always wanted to play,” Lewis told Broadway.com’s Paul Wontorek on Show People, “and it’s really now to set a precedent. It doesn’t even have to be me, but there’s never been an African American to play that role except Robert Guillaume, but never one on Broadway. I am so honored and giddy with excitement to bring Christine to life again opposite my dearest Norm, This is a moment in time I don’t want to miss!”
Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess with The Music of the Night
Broadway’s longest running musical. For more than 25 years, The Phantom of the Opera has been the Broadway musical all others are measured against. The timeless story, the unforgettable score, an undeniable obsession that could never die.
The Phantom of The Opera
Majestic Theatre, 247 West 44th Street, New York, USA
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Thursday 21st August 2014