Summer Music Series: "The Phantom of the Opera," Inside the Story of One of Broadway's Most Enduring Shows

One of the most enduring and successful shows in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera ran for a staggering 35 years at the Majestic Theater in New York City before closing in 2023. Casting for this show requires a particular type of voice for the role of Christine, who must possess a nimble soprano that can sing well into the sixth octave. Having grossed over a billion dollars on Broadway alone, Phantom also won the 1988 Tony for Best Musical.

Join Professor Gil Harel as he discusses the history of the show and, from the piano, demonstrates how the music has helped sell so very many tickets over the years!

About the Presenter

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz and musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching").

Currently, he is Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" for 4 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.