The Phantom of the Opera comes to Barcelona for very first time

The Phantom of the Opera is coming to Barcelona for the very first time. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical runs at Teatre Tívoli from September 23 to February 1 as part of a Spain-wide tour.

Based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, and with lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe, this production in Spanish is directed by Federico Bellone, with musical direction by Julio Awad.

Featuring what the company describes as a "spectacular" staging, this version, "preserves the spirit of the original."

It's "full of magical effects and surprises," Iñaki Fernández, CEO and executive producer of LetsGo told media at a presentation event at Teatre Tívoli in Barcelona on Thursday.

A 40-year classic

The Phantom of the Opera is "a classic that has been a hit for 40 years," conductor Miquel Tejada told Catalan News.

It premiered in London's West End in 1986 and has been running ever since, surpassing 13,000 performances in the British capital. It currently ranks third on the list of longest-running shows in West End history, behind only The Mousetrap and Les Misérables.

In 1988, it opened on Broadway in New York, where it only recently ended its run. With over 30 years on stage and more than 13,000 performances, it holds the honor and distinction of being the longest-running musical in Broadway history.

"One of the reasons it has endured is the music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, someone who has consistently had success with all his projects," Tejada says. "I think the score, the melodies, are without a doubt a fundamental part of why this musical has been so successful."

Stellar cast

The cast includes Ana San Martín as Christine Daaé, the young soprano torn between love and ambition; Dani Diges as Erik, the mysterious and tormented Phantom; and Guido Balzaretti as Raoul, the dashing Vicomte de Chagny, with Sílvia Montesinos serving as resident director.

"There's not much I can say about Ana San Martín that people in Catalonia don’t already know," jokes Tejada. "She played Blanca in Mar i Cel, so I'm completely in love with Ana," he says.

San Martín describes The Phantom of the Opera as "one of the best, if not the best, musicals of all time," adding that it's an "immense honor" to perform it in this wonderful theater.

Her co-star Dani Diges is "a well of energy, a voice that overflows," according to Tejada.

"He has talent to spare in every way. They make a very intense duo. I feel very privileged to be able to bring a cast like this to Barcelona," Tejada adds.

Diges believes this version of The Phantom of the Opera is "more modern, more innovative, and more magical" than the West End original.

The production is presented by LetsGo, with the support of Amigos Para Siempre (APS), a company created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Antonio Banderas.