FREEZE FRAME: Mayor Proclaims January 26th THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Day!

The longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince and produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Company, Inc., once again made theater history when it became the first Broadway show ever to celebrate its 25th Anniversary last night, January 26. Much of the Phantom family reunited for the special event, and the current cast was also be a big part of the festivities.

On Broadway, since its debut on January 26, 1988, The Phantom of the Opera has grossed over $888 million. Even now - as it celebrates its 25th Anniversary on Broadway - it is consistently among Broadway's highest-grossing shows and remains a box office champ. Earlier this year, the production shattered the house record at The Majestic by having its best weekly gross in its entire 25-year history. Total attendance is now over 15 million and it continues to play with no end in sight.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA currently stars Hugh Panaro in the title role with Sierra Boggess as Christine and Kyle Barisich as Raoul. The musical co-stars Jim Weitzer (Monsieur André), Tim Jerome (Monsieur Firmin), Michele McConnell (Carlotta), Ellen Harvey (Madame Giry), Christian Šebek (Piangi) and Kara Klein (Meg Giry). At certain performances, Samantha Hill plays Christine.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride

Cameron Mackintosh, Sarah Brightman, Hal Prince with Katherine Oliver the Commissioner of New York City Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment presenting a Proclamation naming January 26 'The Phantom Of The Opera Day' attending the 'Phantom of the Opera' - 25 Years on Broadway Gala Performance at the Majestic Theatre in New York City on January 26, 2013.

Cameron Mackintosh, Sarah Brightman and Hal Prince