The Phantom of the Opera (1986)

Michael Crawford as ‘The Phantom’, London 1986.

“You have come here, for one purpose, and one alone.. Since the moment I first heard you sing, I have needed you with me, to serve me, to sing, for my music… my music…”

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Sarah Brightman as ‘Christine’, with Michael Crawford as ‘The Phantom’, London 1986.

“In all your fantasies, you always knew that man and mystery…” - Journey to the house on the Lake.

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Sarah Brightman as ‘Christine’, with Michael Crawford as ‘The Phantom’, London 1986.

“I am your Angel of Music… Come to me: Angel of Music…”

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Sarah Brightman as ‘Christine’, and Janet Devenish as ‘Meg’, London 1986.

MEG
“Your face Christine, it’s white”

CHRISTINE
“It Frightens me…”

MEG
“Don’t be frightened…”

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Sarah Brightman as ‘Christine’, London’s West End, 1986.

‘Think of Me’

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Janos Kurucz as ‘Joseph Buquet’, London 1986.

“Please, monsieur, don't look at me: as God's my witness, I was not at my post. Please, monsieur, there's no one there: and if there is, well then, it must be a ghost…”

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Sarah Brightman as ‘Christine’, and Janet Devenish as ‘Meg’, London 1986.

Paris 1861: ‘Rehearsals for “Hannibal” by Chalumeau’

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Rosemary Ashe as ‘Carlotta’, with John Aron as ‘Piangi’ and the 1986 London Company.

Paris 1861: ‘Rehearsals for “Hannibal” by Chalumeau’

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Rosemary Ashe as ‘Carlotta’, London 1986.

Paris 1861: ‘Rehearsals for “Hannibal” by Chalumeau’

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Unforgettable, both live and in original cast recording which I listened to on loop during my senior year in high school❤️

“Perhaps we may frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination, gentlemen?” - Auctioneer

‘Overture’, London’s West End 1986 - Photo by Clive Barda

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Appreciated! 🌹

The stage of the Paris Opéra, 1911:

“Lot 666, then; a chandelier in pieces. Some of you may recall the strange affair of The Phantom of the Opera: a mystery never fully explained.”

Phillip Griffiths as Auctioneer, London circa 1990

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The stage of the Paris Opéra House, 1911:

“A collector’s piece indeed… every detail exactly as she said…”

Steve Barton as ‘Raoul’, Broadway 1988.

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The original London production had its first preview on 27th September 1986, and officially premiered the following month on 9th October.

It played for 34 years, closing in 2020. It was replaced by a down-scaled version in July 2021.

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Remembering Dame Gillian Lynne. Pictured here during rehearsals for ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ on Broadway, 1987.

Lynne’s timeless and untouchable work as choreographer on ‘Phantom’ will forever be cherished.

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1st Photo: Rehearsing Patti Cohenour and Jeff Hyslop through Scene 6: ‘Stranger Than You Dreamt It’. Canadian National Tour, 1991

2nd: Curtain Call, opening night on Broadway 1988

3rd: Overseeing the original set design with Maria Björnson, notably discussing the iconic Golden Angel set piece.

Thinking fondly of the great Harold Prince (30th Jan 1928 - 31st July 2019), whose mark as director of the original production remains timeless, irreplaceable, and untouchable.

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Thinking fondly of Maria Björnson.

Björnson’s irreplaceable, iconic designs, played a major part in Phantom’s global success; Timeless, evocative, & fundamental to the story. The Golden Angel ‘La Victoire Ailee’ was her personal favourite set piece.

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Thinking fondly of the greatly missed Steve Barton.

Barton originated ‘Raoul’ in London (1986) and on Broadway (1988). He understudied ‘The Phantom’ in London ‘86, before playing the role on Broadway (1990), with Rebecca Luker as ‘Christine’.

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Our original Angel of Music, Sarah Brightman.

Brightman originated the role of ‘Christine’ in London’s West End (1986), and on Broadway (1988).

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Michael Crawford as ‘The Phantom’, originating the role in London’s West End in 1986, on Broadway in 1988, and in Los Angeles in 1989.

Crawford’s iconic and definitive portrayal won him the 1988 Tony Award for ‘Best Actor in a Musical’.

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Dear all, welcome to our account on Blue Sky!

This account aims to connect fans, casts, crews and alumni of the original production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’!

Celebrate ‘The Brilliant Original’ with this spectacular montage of the record-breaking 2006 Broadway Company.

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