Hugh Panaro

"I always describe Hugh as a heart with legs. He's a walking heart, like the giant heart costume I wore when I was a singing telegram delivery person. My valentine outfit was this padded pink heart with a place for my arms to come out, and that's exactly how I see him. A big heart with legs."

- Alice Ripley, Side Show

Hugh Panaro has been described as "the leader of Broadway’s dwindling supply of great leading men." Critically lauded and adored by fans, he demonstrates versatility, charisma, tremendous vocal talent, and, in the words of one former costar, movie star good looks.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 19, 1964, Hugh's love of animals interested him in a career in veterinary medicine. However, after seeing his first Broadway show, Hugh fell in love with theatre. His first role, Friedrich in a regional production of The Sound of Music, came when he was twelve. Hugh, who was a church organist at Saint Helena's Roman Catholic Church during high school and accompanied his mother on the organ or piano at weddings, studied music at Temple University (BA in voice, class of '85 )

Moving to New York City immediately after graduation, Hugh quickly found a role in I Have Found Home. He played a German immigrant in the show which took place on a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. He later obtained his Equity card with the role of Mary Sunshine in regional production of Chicago. In 1988, Hugh originated the role of Marius Pontmercy in the first national touring production of Les Miserables, moving up to the Broadway company several months later. He was then cast by Hal Prince as Raoul de Chagny, the romantic young hero in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical The Phantom of the Opera. His next role was as Julian Craster in Jules Styne's final musical, the ill-fated The Red Shoes in 1993. Subsequent roles included Gaylord Ravenal in Show Boat (Broadway, Toronto, and London), Buddy Foster in the original production of Side Show, and David in the independent film, Broadway Damage.

In 1999, Hugh returned to the Majestic Theatre, this time to don the iconic mask in The Phantom of the Opera. Six months later, he originated the title role in the U.S. tour of Martin Guerre. Following Martin Guerre, Hugh drew praise for performances in Gentleman Prefer Blondes and Merrily We Roll Along in Los Angeles and as Anthony Hope in the Kennedy Center's 2002 production of Sweeney Todd.

After an off-Broadway run in LaChiusa's Little Fish, Hugh returned to play The Phantom in 2003. One of the most popular actors to fill the role, he remained with the show until October 2005, leaving to play the seductive, conflicted vampire Lestat in the Elton John musical based on Anne Rice's successful novels.

In autumn 2006, Hugh was invited to play Bobby in the 5th Avenue Theater (Seattle) production of Sondheim's pivotal musical, Company. His performance was praised as "exquisitely accomplished." Following Company, Hugh has appeared in a number of concerts, including benefit shows at Joe's Pub, Birdland Jazz Club, and City Center.

n 2008, he starred as Jean Valjean in the Walnut Street Theatre's outstanding production of Les Miserables, a role which earned him praise from audiences and reviewers alike, as well as the Barrymore award. This spring, he played the title role in the 5th Avenue Theatre's production of Sunday In The Park With George. He recently starred in Oliver!, once again at the Walnut in his native Philly, and currently maintains an active concert schedule performing with symphonies around the world.

On September 7, 2010, Hugh returns to Broadway's Majestic Theatre to once again play the iconic Phantom.

His genuine charm and humility, matched with a gorgeous smile, have made him a true fan favorite at many stage doors. While Hugh embraced a career in the theatre over one as a veterinarian, he remains a self-described animal freak with a particular fondness for dogs, especially his black Labradooble, Soot.

You are always proving yourself. One of the reasons I was not brought in for Martin Guerre initially was that they wanted "fresh new talent." In a weird way, I felt like I was being penalized for having a resume, for having a body of work to show for myself, for not being the cute twenty-three year old anymore.

When I first came on the scene in Les Miserables with Marius, I was fresh meat. And here we are, years later, and although I have played the Phantom, Raoul, Marius, Ravenal, and others, it's kind of like, "Oh, yeah, him. We know what he does."

So, once again, I have to prove that I am still good and that I can still compete with the fresh talent," that I haven't hit the bottom of the well quite yet. But that wears you out. And what's the reward for it? Martin Guerre closes out of town, with a lot of your heart and soul in it.

I would love to say that with all my experience, that people just call me at home and ask me to star in their new show. But it doesn't work like that. I audition and have to keep proving myself and honing my craft. Hopefully, I stay on top of my game.

I have to take care of myself by going to the gym and by loving myself psychologically. Otherwise, I would just throw up my hands up and say "I can't do this anymore." I've had to talk myself off the ledge a lot of times. But, somewhere, I find it. I don't even know where that is. I just find it. I guess that is the love and the heart that I still remember from when I was thirteen and didn't know all of this.

~ Hugh Panaro in the book, "Making It On Broadway: Actors' Tales of Climbing To The Top"