Andrew Lloyd Webber given key to NYC ahead of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ closing on Broadway
Andrew Lloyd Webber is at the point of no return.
Ahead of this Saturday’s curtain call for Broadway’s longest-running show “Phantom of the Opera,” Mayor Eric Adams presented the famous musician with a key to New York City on Friday.
“I grew up on his plays and performances of ‘Phantom of the Opera.’ One of the longest-running shows is closing, but it gave us many years of joy over the years,” Adams said outside the Majestic Theater on West 44th Street.
“Phantom” will close this Sunday, April 16, after a 35-year long run on Broadway.
The show first appeared in London’s West End in 1986 before coming to New York in 1988.
“But you have brought us so much joy, so much joy. I remember as a young person watching ‘Cats,’ one of the great shows on Broadway — you can bring ‘Cats back because we hate rats in New York,” Hizzoner joked before the performance.
It’s just a wonderful moment for me. I, ever since I was a little boy, loved music, and I always loved American music in particular and I really grew up with the Rodgers and Hammerstein shows,” Lloyd Webber said.
“And coming to Broadway, I mean, was a great, great excitement for me…and so Broadway has always been a dream of mine, and as I’ve said so well, Broadway is the reason that so many New people come in. York and I felt very, very much part of the community, even though I’m British.
Lloyd Webber was joined at Friday’s event by his ex-wife, singer Sarah Brightman, who originated the role of Christine Dye in “Phantom’s” West End and Broadway debut.
Lynedy Genao, the leading lady in the singer’s newest Broadway production of “Bad Cinderella,” was also there.
“I still feel like this is the home of music and where I want to be,” added Lloyd Webbdie.
He is also known for the musicals “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” — his first show to open on Broadway — and “Evita.”
He has received numerous awards including six Tony Awards, three Grammys, Oscars, Emmys and was even knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1992.
He suffered a personal tragedy last month when the singer’s son, Nicholas Webber, Died of stomach cancer at the age of 43.
