!['The Phantom of the Opera' is coming to an end - meet some lifers who have been working on it for decades](https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/107165577-1670965982504-PHANTOM_STILL_3.jpg?v=1671111001&w=750&h=422&vtcrop=y)
After greater than three many years, The Phantom of the Opera is on the point of hang its mask on Broadway.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical has been seen by greater than 145 million people worldwide in 41 countries, 183 cities and 17 languages - and has won 70 major theater awards, including seven Tony Awards and 4 Olivier Awards.
The show also aspires to be the most important work producer in the history of cinema in the USA. During its run, “Phantom” created roughly 6,500 jobs, including 400 actors, in Recent York City, bringing in $1.3 billion in box office revenue. The last performance on the Majestic Theater is scheduled for April 16.
Casting Director Tara Rubin has helped select actors for the beloved musical for greater than three many years – working right alongside Majestic.
Phantom of the Opera casting director Tara Rubin
CNBC
“I never really dreamed that I’d have a job like this,” Rubin told CNBC. “In 1987, once we first began casting, I typed all of the casting sheets we used for auditions on a Selectric typewriter.”
Back then, too, she called agents—as a substitute of e-mailing them—and did all of it on a rotary phone.
“[Phantom’s] she held out for thus long on the road after which in the town. It inspired other shows, it inspired people to grow to be actors,” Rubin said.
Rubin is only one of 20 “lifers” who worked on the show for greater than three many years.
The Phantom of the Opera by Ron Blakley
Dresser Ron Blakley is one other annuitant who worked backstage in the wardrobe department when the curtain first went up at Majestic.
Blakley’s job is to ascertain on the show’s costumes to make certain they’re in top condition. He showed CNBC around his back room of intricately beaded costumes and ball gowns.
After each performance, Blakley checks the costumes for signs of wear. “I get a needle and some thread, sew it up and put the backing back in place.”
But what will he miss essentially the most?
“People,” Blakley said.
The Phantom of the Opera Chief Electrician Alan Lampel
CNBC
The focus of the exhibition is a one-ton chandelier. It flies over the audience every night. For 3 many years, chief electrician Alan Lampel has not stopped working.
He said it was called “Ruthie Two” as a tribute to assistant director Ruth Mitchell.
Lampel said he’s seen a whole lot of actors come and go in The Phantom, however the chandelier hasn’t left the stage since its premiere.
“I watch it from my seat on the back of the orchestra. And it’s quite powerful,” he said.
Under the chandelier in the orchestra pit is one other violinist for all times, Jan Mullen.
“The Phantom of the Opera” Violinist Jan Mullen
CNBC
She is one of the 27 musicians that make up one of the most important orchestras on Broadway.
“In music like this that is complex, there’s at all times something different to see or what to do with it,” said Mullen, who never expected to get the job when she auditioned after graduating from Juilliard.
“That is pretty much as good because it gets,” said Mullen. “I’m glad so many individuals were in a position to enjoy it.”