Looking Back At the Hottest Men of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ As Show Closes After Historic 35-Year Run

This weekend, one of the most iconic musicals of all time will end its record-breaking 35 run. Based on Gaston Leroux's novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera is considered by many to be the quintessential Broadway show, and currently the longest-running show in Broadway history. It has just about everything a musical theatre lover could ask for: drama, romance, fight scenes, magical realism, and songs that have audiences singing on the way home for decades. But now, the chandelier will drop (IYKYK) one last time on Sunday (4/16/23). To celebrate this, we figured we'd take a look at some of the hottest men to star in Phantom.

Ben Crawford - The Phantom

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ben Crawford (@crawdady21)

Let's start with our current masked madman-in-love, Ben Crawford. Crawford had previously played the title role and reprises his time as the Phantom to close out this historic run. And mask or no mask, I am very into this stubbled stud.

Jay Armstrong Johnson - Raoul

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jay Armstrong Johnson (@jay_a_johnson)

Jay Armstrong Johnson played Raoul in Phantom, who is the actual love of Christine (the other lead) as well as the foil to the Phantom. With piercing blue eyes and a jawline for days, Armstrong reminds me of a slightly younger Murray Bartlett, and tbqfh that's some high praise.

Rodney Ingram - Raoul

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rodney Ingram (@rodney.ingram)

Roul needs to be super sexy and charming, while still able to assert himself, and obviously, he needs to be an all-around outstanding actor. Enter Rodney Ingram. Currently starring on Broadway in the title role of Disney's Aladdin, Ingram played Raoul for over a year from 2017-2018 and solidified himself as a star to keep our eyes on. This is an easy thing to do, because... well... just look at him!

Paul Adam Schaefer - The Phantom / Raoul

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paul Adam Schaefer (@pauladamschaefer)

For over 5,000 performances, Paul Adam Schaefer starred as both The Phantom, Raoul, and also The Marksman. Schaefer is not only talented as all hell, but also majorly swoon-worthy. The 6'1" beaux is tall, dark, handsome, and gawdamn does he look sexy laying back in that tuxedo. Re: Swoon.

Norm Lewis - The Phantom

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Norm Lewis (@thenormlewis)

There are Broadway stars... and then there is Broadway royalty. Norm Lewis is decidedly the latter. Lewis was the first Black actor to ever play the role of the Phantom on Broadway, and this zaddy of the stage was next-level good. If you've never seen his "Music of the Night" do yourself a favor and watch it here.

Ryan Silverman - Raoul

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ryan Silverman (@ryanbsilverman)

Canadian beaux Ryan Silverman has been a staple of Broadway for years. He's played Billy Flynn in Chicago, as well as featured roles in Cry Baby, Side Show, and of course Phantom. He starred as Raoul back in 2009. You also might recognize Silverman from Sex and the City 2, It's Complicated, or from seven seasons as Emmet Ford in Suits.

Hugh Panaro - The Phantom / Raoul

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hugh Panaro (@realhughpanaro)

Another one of the few actors to play both The Phantom, as well as Raoul, Hugh Panaro is one of the most sought-after men on Broadway. He's originated roles in some of the biggest shows on Broadway and he's also one sexy stud.

John Riddle - Raoul

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by John Riddle (@thejohnriddle)

John Riddle is so damn sexy and so damn talented it's ridiculous. This Riddle is no mystery, though. One glance at him or one view of his performances makes it clear as to why he's become one of Broadway's "it" guys. Riddle is an amazing talent with an absolutely wonderful voice. He's also currently dating sexy af Matthew Wilkas, and the two of them make for one sexy couple. I hope they see me from across the bar sometime.

Fleshbot: Plug In Get Off.
Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.