Musical Ticket Prices Up to 5 Million Won per Seat... 'The Phantom of the Opera' Closes in New York

"Let's Watch the Last Performance" Fans Flock, Ticket Prices Soar

Fans flocked to witness the final performance of the musical 'The Phantom of the Opera,' which is closing after 35 years on Broadway in New York, causing ticket prices to skyrocket, according to US broadcaster CNBC and others on the 14th (local time).

Based on the novel 'The Phantom of the Opera,' this work was adapted into a musical by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and producer Cameron Mackintosh. It premiered in October 1986 in London's West End. The production opened at the Majestic Theatre in New York in January 1988 and ran for an impressive 13,981 performances until closing.

A spectator is taking a commemorative photo next to the poster before the final performance of "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Majestic Theatre in New York, USA.
Photo by Reuters

After the Broadway closing plan was announced, it actually attracted even more audiences.

'The Phantom of the Opera,' which has held the title of the highest-grossing Broadway musical for 12 consecutive weeks recently, saw its box office revenue rise from an average of $2 million per week since mid-December last year to over $3 million per week starting mid-March.

In the first week of April, it earned a remarkable $3.65 million, contrasting sharply with just over $1 million a year earlier.

Moreover, tickets for the closing performance on the 16th were traded on some resale sites for nearly $4,000 (about 5.22 million KRW) each.

Actors and cast members are taking their closing bows after the final performance of The Phantom of the Opera.
[Photo by Reuters] [Image source: Reuters]

Mike Boroski, who is in charge of promoting the musical, told CNBC that the show has been selling out repeatedly in recent weeks, creating an atmosphere similar to the New York premiere in 1988.

'The Phantom of the Opera' is a global hit that has been performed in 41 countries and 183 cities in 17 languages, with over 145 million people having seen it.

Cumulative ticket sales have surpassed $1.3 billion, and the musical has won 70 awards at major ceremonies, including seven Tony Awards.

Emily Cuatzo, who played the lead role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, is shedding tears after her final performance.
[Photo by Reuters] [Image source: Reuters]

'The Phantom of the Opera' is also considered the production that has created the most jobs in the history of American theater.

During its 35 years of performances in New York, the musical is estimated to have created a total of 6,500 jobs, including about 400 actors.

There is also speculation that 'The Phantom of the Opera' may return to Broadway soon.

Lloyd Webber recently said in an interview with a local New York broadcaster, "We might see the 'Phantom's chandelier' rise again somewhere in New York much sooner than audiences expect."