The Phantom of the Opera – the longest running show in Broadway’s history – is scheduled to close after 35 years.
A spokesman said the musical, which has been iconic since 1988, will last perform on February 18, 2023.
It’s the biggest victim of the post-pandemic cooling off New York theatergoers – coming less than a month after its 35th anniversary.
Despite going through periods of depression, war, and cultural change, the musical was expensive to maintain with its elaborate staging and costumes as well as a large cast and orchestra.
The film’s total box office has fluctuated since it reopened after the pandemic – up to more than $1 million (£876,000) a week but also down to around $850,000 (£744,600) .
After hitting $867,997 (£760,365) last week, manufacturers may have seen writing on the wall for its future.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical tells the story of a deformed composer who haunts the Paris Opera and falls madly in love with an innocent soprano, Christine.
It is based on the novel by Gaston Leroux and features some of the most popular musical songs including Masquerade, Angel Of Music, All I Ask Of You and The Music Of The Night.
Producer Cameron Mackintosh said in a statement: “As a producer, you dream that a show goes on forever. Indeed, my production of Andrew’s Cats has proudly claimed for decades. Now and Forever era.
“However, Phantom passed that show’s special Broadway run. But all the shows eventually ended.”
First opened in London in 1986, the show has been seen by more than 145 million people in 183 cities and performed in 17 languages over 70,000 shows.
It performed more than 13,500 shows for 19 million people at the Majestic Theater on Broadway alone.
Theatergoers stand outside the entrance of the Majestic Theater in 1988
Phantom’s closure now means that the longest show crown will go to Chicago, which first opened in 1996, followed by The Lion King, which began performing in 1997.
Broadway has suffered throughout the pandemic due to multiple closures and all theaters closed for more than 18 months.
Some of the most popular shows including Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked have successfully recovered, while others seem unlikely.
A steady stream of tourists to the city has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, which may be why Phantom has struggled to break even.
