Cameron Mackintosh on ”Phantom”’s Broadway closure: ‘You dream that a show will run forever’

The hit musical, which began its run at the Majestic Theatre in 1988, is said to have suffering financially due to fluctuating audience levels, meaning weekly costs are not sufficiently covered to justify high running costs.

Unlike in the West End, Broadway releases weekly grosses or all if its productions. A look at Phantom‘s box office figures shows that numbers have been turbulent after an initial high after reopening.

Mackintosh said: “As a producer you dream that a show will run forever. Indeed, my production of Andrew’s Cats proudly declared for decades ‘Now and Forever.’ Yet ‘Phantom’ has surpassed that show’s extraordinary Broadway run. But all shows do finally close, and after considerable discussion between The Shuberts, The Really Useful Group, Andrew and myself, we concluded that the right time for ‘Phantom’ was after the show’s 35th birthday, on February 18 – a double celebration of ‘Phantom’s’ phenomenal success.”

“Gaston Leroux’s opera ghost may be disappearing for now, but there is no doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece will continue to enchant audiences in London and around the world – and one day will return to Broadway.”

The production has also released a statement on its website saying: “We are sad to confirm that after 35 years on Broadway, Phantom will play its final performance at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday 18 February 18 2023.

“Tickets are currently on sale for performances through to 22 January 2023, and we expect the final block of tickets to be placed on sale shortly.”

The show continues to run at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End.