Cessy Newmon
Whether it’s a version of the movie or one of myriad of productions on Broadway and other venues around the world, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is one of the longest-running and highest-grossing shows in Broadway and West End (London) history. It originated in London, as its author is none other than the musical genius that is Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Charles Hart and book by Richard Stilgoe/Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.
I would like to thank John Cudia for taking time out of one of his busy performance days to speak with me. I asked him how this particular show originated. He said that, in part because of its longevity, Phantom has evolved over the years to flow with the change in aesthetics of the audiences. Each new “Phantom” brings their own style to the role. Image seeing Phantom with a Broadway vs Rock vs Operatic style. That is what the show THE FOUR PHANTOMS will be bringing to Jacksonville.
What a Valentine’s Day treat, whether you’re going with your significant other as your Valentine or taking your kids as your Valentines? Fans of all ages have loved the music from the show. Plus they get to tell you about and bring you other songs that are meaningful to each of them.
Where else can you get to see performers with four Phantom resumes (and of course a Christine!) such as:
Brent Barrett
- Has entertained millions around the world on Broadway, the West End, concert halls, recording studios, and television.
- He recently reprised his role as Billy Flynn in the Tony Award winning hit, CHICAGO-The Musical.
- Prior to his Broadway return, he opened the production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular and starred in the title role for two years.
- Other Broadway roles include Frank Butler in the Broadway revival of Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun opposite Reba McEntire, Charles Castleton in the Alan Jay Lerner musical Dance a Little Closer, and Baron Felix Von Gaigern in Grand Hotel.
John Cudia
- Holds the distinct honor of being the first and only actor to have performed both as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables on Broadway. His most recent Broadway run counted him as only the 12th performer to play the Phantom in its historic, record-breaking 30 plus years.
- He proudly made his Broadway debut in Les Misérables and enjoyed a long and successful relationship with both Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera.
- His third Broadway credit was as cover to Juan Peron in Evita with Ricky Martin as Che.
Franc D’Ambrosio
- He is best known for his portrayal of the Phantom, and he held the title of “The World’s Longest-Running Phantom” for more than a decade after bringing over five million theatre-goers to their feet in a six and one-half year run.
- Franc’s resume also includes an Academy Award nominated film where he played the opera-singing son of Al Pacino and Diane Keaton in the seven-time Academy Award nominated film, Godfather III.
- He sang the Academy Award winning theme song of the movie, “Speak Softly Love,” and his performances of the theme song have garnered over one million hits on YouTube.
Ciarán Sheehan
- A native of Dublin, Ireland, he has performed the role of the Phantom both on Broadway and in Toronto, Canada.
- Other Broadway roles include Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera and Babet and Marius in Les Miserables.
- Broadway concerts include Sir Dinadan in Camelot with Jeremy Irons, and Woody in Finian’s Rainbow opposite Melissa Errico.
Kaley Ann Voorhees
- She is best known for her portrayal of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. She is the youngest to play the role at the Majestic Theatre, starting her run at the age of 20.
- She was also in the original Japanese and Broadway casts of Prince of Broadway, and made her opera debut in New York City Opera’s Candide.
This is a one-night-only opportunity to see five incredible artists doing what they love. THE FOUR PHANTOMS is a little over two hours including intermission, with the one performance in Jacksonville on February 14th, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Presented by the FSCJ Artist Series Broadway in Jacksonville. Tickets are available at fscjartistseries.org.
by Cessy Newmon
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