Intimate conversations with the performers, composers, directors, and dreamers who bring the world of gothic musical theatre to life — from the original cast of Phantom to the rising stars of tomorrow.
In conversation with Ramin Karimloo — West End & Broadway Phantom, Les Misérables veteran
"When I put on the mask for the first time, I understood something I had never understood before — that the Phantom is not hiding from the world. He is hiding from himself."
In this rare, extended interview, Ramin Karimloo opens up about his two decades of portraying the Phantom across London, Broadway, and international stages — the emotional toll of the role, the magic of the live audience, and why, after all these years, the music still moves him to tears.
Read Full InterviewIn conversation with Sierra Boggess — Broadway & West End Christine, The Little Mermaid originator
"Christine is not a victim. She is a young woman learning to trust her own power — and that is what makes her so dangerous to the Phantom."
In conversation with Maria Friedman — Olivier-winning director, performer
"I wanted to strip away the nostalgia and let the audience see Norma for what she truly is — a woman drowning in her own legend."
In conversation with Frank Wildhorn — composer of Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel
"A gothic score must have blood in it. It must ache. If the audience does not feel the character's wound in their own chest, you have failed."
In conversation with Lukáš Benko — Prague National Theatre baritone
"To sing the great gothic roles is to accept that you will leave something of yourself on the stage every night. That is the price of the art."
In conversation with Andrea Fletcher & John Nesbit — former design assistants
"Maria didn't just design sets. She designed dreams — and nightmares. Every candle, every shadow, every piece of velvet had a purpose."
In conversation with David Charles Abel — musical supervisor, Phantom of the Opera
"Lloyd Webber wrote an organ part that is practically a character in its own right. When that organ speaks, the Phantom is already in the room."
In conversation with Stephen Mears — original choreographer of The Phantom of the Opera
"Hal Prince wanted the show to feel like a dream — and my job was to make sure every movement, even the stillness, felt like part of that dream."
In conversation with Colm Wilkinson — the first Phantom of the London stage
"I didn't know I was creating a legacy. I just knew I had to sing the song as honestly as I could. The rest was up to the audience."