“The Phantom of the Opera” may return far sooner than anyone expected — and in a very different, off-Broadway format.
When “Phantom” played its final Broadway performance in 2023 following a record-breaking 35-year run, it was generally assumed that the show would return to Broadway in a few years or so, most likely in a scaled-down, less expensive staging that lacks the visual splendor and lush musicality of the original production.
However, a recent casting notice, although full of cryptic language, suggests that an “immersive musical attraction” version of “Phantom” will begin previews in March. As reported by Playbill.com, Theatrical Index, an industry resource, indicates that this new production will not be produced on Broadway.
It is unclear just how “immersive” the new “Phantom” would be.
It could go the “Sleep No More” route, in which attendees walk around and travel to locations such as the stage of the Paris Opera House, the Phantom’s underground lair, and the Masquerade Ball. But how exactly would that work for a musical? Could it accommodate live musicians? Would multiple actors need to play each character?
On the other hand, it may be a traditional production emphasizing an “immersive” feel, with a lack of separation between actors and audience.
Darren Criss returning to Broadway
“Glee” actor Darren Criss will return to Broadway in the fall in “Maybe Happy Ending,” a South Korean musical set in Seoul about two “HelperBot” robots who fall in love, which will be directed by Michael Arden (“Once On This Island”).
Last week, thr show’s producers announced that its start date has been pushed back by a few weeks to Oct. 16 due to a supply chain issue that has affected the construction of the show’s scenic design.
“Many industries over the past few years have been experiencing major delays in manufacturing due to material shortages, labor shortages, shipment delays and the theatre industry has also been hit,” Neil A. Mazzella of Hudson Scenic said in a statement.
Criss previously appeared on Broadway in “How to Succeed…,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” and “American Buffalo.” More recently, he did a short stint as Seymour in the long-running Off-Broadway revival of “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Mandy Gonzalez as alternate Norma Desmond
Mandy Gonzalez, best known for originating the role of Nina in “In the Heights,” will play the former silent screen diva Norma Desmond in the new Broadway revival of “Sunset Boulevard” once a week, while Nicole Scherzinger will play the role at all other performances.
It is becoming increasingly common for performers in vocally taxing leading roles to not perform eight times a week. In “Funny Girl,” Julie Benko served as Lea Michele’s alternate as Fanny Brice. In “Hello, Dolly!,” Donna Murphy served as Bette Midler’s alternate as Dolly Gallagher Levi.
Gonzalez will play her first performance as Norma Desmond on Oct. 22, right after the revival’s opening night.
‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ to play BAM
The latest film to become a musical is “Safety Not Guaranteed,” a 2012 indie sci-fi comedy with Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass about a journalist and intern who investigate a classified ad promising the opportunity to time travel.
The musical, which has songs by Ryan Miller of the rock band Guster and a book by Nick Blaemire (“Glory Days”), will receive its world premiere in the fall at the BAM Harvey Theater, with a cast led by Nkeki Obi-Melekwe (“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”) and Taylor Trensch (“Dear Evan Hansen”).
