Andrew Lloyd Webber is at the point of no return.
Mayor Eric Adams presented the famous composer with the key to New York on Friday, ahead of the opening of Phantom of the Opera – the longest-running Broadway show.
“I grew up on his plays and Phantom of the Opera performances. One of the longest-running shows is coming to an end, but over the years it has given us a few years of simply joy,” Adams gushed outside the Majestic Theater on West forty fourth Street.
Phantom ends this Sunday, April 16, after 35 years on Broadway.
The show first appeared in London’s West End in 1986 before appearing in New York City in 1988.
“But you brought us a lot joy, a lot happiness. I remember watching “Cats” as a young man, one of the amazing Broadway shows – you may bring “Cats” back because we hate rats in New York,” joked Hizzoner before the presentation.
![Andrew Lloyd Weber, Eric Adams](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/NYPICHPDPICT000009616419.jpg?w=1024)
![New York Mayor Eric Adams (left) listens to English composer Andrew Lloyd Webber after being presented with the key to the city at the Majestic Theater in New York City.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/AFP_33D83AM.jpg?w=1024)
It’s just a beautiful moment for me. Ever since I used to be just a little boy, I’ve loved musicals, especially American musicals, and I actually grew up with the Rodgers and Hammerstein shows,” enthused Lloyd Webber.
“And coming to Broadway, I mean, was an enormous, big thrill for me … Broadway has at all times been a dream of mine and as I said quite brilliantly, Broadway is the reason why so many individuals come to New York and I felt very, very part of community, despite the fact that I’m British.”
Lloyd Webber was accompanied to the party on Friday by his ex-wife, singer Sarah Brightman, who originated the role of Christine Daae in the West End and Broadway debuts of The Phantom.
![Phantom of the Opera Sign](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/NYPICHPDPICT000009572354.jpg?w=1024)
There was also Lineda Genao, the lead actress in the latest Broadway production of the singer “Bad Cinderella”.
“I still feel like that is the home of musicals and where I would like to be,” added Lloyd Webbd.
He can also be known for the musicals “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Jesus Christ Superstar” – his first Broadway premiere – and “Evita”.
![Phantom of the Opera Poster](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/NYPICHPDPICT000009616830.jpg?w=1024)
He has received quite a few awards, including six Tony Awards, three Grammy Awards, an Oscar, an Emmy, and was even knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1992.
Last month, he was hit by a private tragedy when the songwriter’s son, Nicolas Webber, died of stomach cancer at the age of 43.