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Schedule | Bio | Concerts | Solo Album | Resume | Recordings | Video | Interviews & Press | Contact | HOME Hugh Panaro in The Phantom of The Opera "Hughie redefines the role. He brings this sexy creature to the front, but he also has this childlike persona that could break down like a five-year-old at any moment. He’s breathtaking." - Stephen Buntrock Hugh Panaro will return to the role of the Phantom in the Broadway production on September 7, 2010. This will be Hugh's third time playing the iconic masked role, as well as having previously played Raoul. Video clip - Hugh and other cast members talk about the musical's 7000th performance NY1 feature on the musical's enduring appeal - includes a brief interview with Hugh I think it's such a classic piece with classic themes...the love triangle... basically between two men who could have been the same person except one was born with a deformity and had the same capacity to love as the rich, wealthy, good-looking one, but because of his affliction, people don't see beyond that. And I think that's such a powerful theme. I think that's why the show attracts so many people. Because we all have our wound, whether it's some we wear on our face or, you know, a childhood trauma or whatever, I think everyone identifies with the Phantom in some way because of that sense of pain. Hugh Panaro on The Phantom of The Opera
Following Hugh's final performance as the Phantom, his lovely co-star, Sandra Joseph made this speech during the curtain call. Please have a seat. We'd just like to take up another moment of your time to... For those of you who haven't already figured it out, this is a very emotional and special night for all of us here at Phantom. It's a very sad night for us because after two years this time around, six months back in 1999 and a grand total of 1,005 performances, tonight was the final show for our wonderful Phantom, Hugh Panaro. He deserves all of that and more. It is also a very happy occasion because we're celebrating tonight with Hugh. He is leaving us for a very good reason. He is going to be the star in Elton John's brand new musical Lestat which opens at the Palace Theater in April. And I can't wait to see all of you in line at the box office the day that tickets go on sale. I know that I will be the first in line, because truly anything that Hugh Panaro is a part of is not to be missed. This kind of God-given talent is unsurpassed and his singing and acting and his natural ability is so remarkable. But what is even more remarkable is the kind of person that he is. He is so humble and so dear and so funny and silly and he's also got movie star good looks underneath that makeup. It has been such a privilege for all of us to share the stage with you. He comes out here eight times a week and just pours his heart and soul into each performance. He never takes any of his gifts for granted and he just sets the bar so high for all of us, he lifts us up and makes us better. And though he can come out here night after night and make you cry, backstage, he makes us laugh every single night. He brings such joy into the room, and Hugh, I know that I speak for everyone onstage, backstage, in the orchestra and in the front of the house when I say that we love you so much. We will miss you terribly, but we wish you all the success and happiness that you so deserve. And thank you most of all, thank you so much for sharing your gifts with us and your generosity as a performer and as a friend.
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