Theater News

Norm Lewis Extends His Stay With Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera

The long-running musical will get a new Christine and Madame Giry.

Norm Lewis has extended his starring turn in Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera.
Norm Lewis has extended his starring turn in Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera.
(© David Gordon)

New principal casting has been announced for The Phantom of the Opera, Broadway's longest-running musical, now playing at the Majestic Theatre.

Julia Udine, current star of the production's North American Tour, will join the Broadway company as the Christine Daaé beginning the week of December 15, along with her fellow touring actress Linda Balgord, who joins the Broadway cast as Madame Giry. Udine and Balgord will be the first members of the touring cast to enter the New York production.

Udine succeeds Mary Michael Patterson as the Principal Christine, with Kaley Ann Voorhees continuing as the Christine Alternate, while Balgord succeeds Ellen Harvey as Madame Giry. Both Patterson and Harvey will give their final performances on Saturday, December 13.

Tony nominee Norm Lewis, the Broadway production's first-ever African-American Phantom, has again extended his stay with the Broadway company. He is now scheduled to perform in the title role through February 7, 2015, adding an extra week of performances past his previously announced final performance date of January 31, 2015. Due to previous obligations, however, Lewis will not appear in the musical on November 15, December 11-13, December 30 matinee, and January 27-29, 2015. Broadway’s next Phantom will be announced in the coming months.

Continuing in their roles are current costars Jeremy Hays (Raoul), Laird Mackintosh (Monsieur André), Tim Jerome (Monsieur Firmin), Michele McConnell (Carlotta), Christian Šebek (Piangi), and Kara Klein (Meg Giry).

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