NEWS: The Harold Prince and Maria Björnson ORIGINAL production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, performed in its original 1986 staging, has returned to Fukuoka, Japan, after 21 years. Canal City Theatre. #オペラ座の怪人 #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in Fukuoka, Japan 2025. ‘The Labyrinth Underground/The Music of the Night’ Canal City Theatre. #オペラ座の怪人 #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

Maria Björnson’s lavish satyr adorned proscenium, hailed as the ‘key to the show’ by Harold Prince himself, lives on in Fukuoka, Japan. Canal City Theatre. It also doubles for Gothic subterranean sculptures that decorate The Phantom’s Lair. #オペラ座の怪人 #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

The stage of the Paris Opéra, 1905 ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in Fukuoka, Japan 2025. Canal City Theatre. #オペラ座の怪人 #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in Fukuoka, Japan 2025. ‘Masquerade’ Canal City Theatre. #オペラ座の怪人 #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

From the vaults of ‘Phantom’ history… Listen to a rare recording of the once lavish and sweeping 27 piece orchestra playing the ‘Overture’, during the original London production’s 20th Anniversary year of 2006. #PhantomLondon #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

Thinking of the great Ben Lewis, as we learn of his passing at the age of 46. An acclaimed actor across musical theatre, Lewis will forever have a lasting impact on the legacy of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. Condolences to his family at this time. #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

Highlight recording from the original London production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. With Ben Lewis as ‘The Phantom’ and Kelly Mathieson as ‘Christine’. ‘Journey to the Lair’ West End, 2018. #PhantomLondon #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

In memory of Ben Lewis. As ‘The Phantom’ with Kelly Mathieson as ‘Christine’. ‘The Labyrinth Underground’ - Original Production. West End, 2018. Closing with the London Symphony Orchestra, ‘The Phantom Suite’ of 1991. #PhantomLondon #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

Showing here! A poster for the Vancouver production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. The Queen Elizabeth Theatre, May 27, 1991 - October 23, 1991 #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

Happy 39th Anniversary to the ORIGINAL Harold Prince production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, which ran from 1986-2020 in London’s West End. Today, it can be seen in Japan. What is your fondest memory of ‘Phantom’? #PhantomLondon #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

In celebration of 39 Years, a fond look back at the original cast. ‘Journey to the Lair’ with Michael Crawford as ‘The Phantom’ and Sarah Brightman as ‘Christine’, with the grand 27 piece orchestra London, October 1986 #PhantomLondon #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

In celebration of 39 Years. ‘The Labyrinth Underground’ with Michael Crawford as ‘The Phantom’ and Sarah Brightman as ‘Christine’, with the grand 27 piece orchestra. Original London Production, October 1986 #PhantomLondon #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

Did you know? Simon Bowman took over the role of ‘The Phantom’ in 1996, thus becoming the 10th Anniversary ‘Phantom’ until 1997. Bowman had previously played ‘Raoul’ from 1994-1995. #PhantomLondon #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

Thinking fondly of Maria Björnson Björnson’s irreplaceable & iconic designs played a major part in Phantom’s global success; Timeless, evocative, and key to the story. Her Golden Angel (La Victoire Ailee) was her personal favourite. #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

Michael Crawford as ‘The Phantom’, London 1986. Crawford’s iconic and definitive portrayal later won him the 1988 Tony Award for ‘Best Actor in a Musical’. #PhantomLondon #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

The original London cast recording of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ was released in 1987 on vinyl and cassette. Do you remember your first experience of the recording? #PhantomLondon #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

Claire Moore played the role of ‘Christine’, as alternate to Sarah Brightman, in 1986. Moore later took over the role as principal from 1987-89, and would later return to the role as alternate from 1994-95. #PhantomLondon #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera

Maria Kesselman was the original understudy to Sarah Brightman in 1986, and would continue to play the role of ‘Christine’ to great acclaim until 1988. #PhantomLondon #TheBrilliantOriginal #ThePhantomOfTheOpera