Runolfsson succeeds Julie Schmidt, who played her final performance on Saturday evening, Nov. 13.

Phantom, directed by Harold Prince, plays The Majestic Theatre at 247 W. 44th Street.

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Runolfsson may be best known for being the standby for Julie Andrews, Liza Minnelli and Raquel Welch in Victor/Victoria. She recreated this role in the national tour, which began in Houston and Seattle. Also on Broadway, she created the role of Roxanne in Cyrano-The Musical (1993 Drama League Honoree), performed the role of Gretta Conroy in James Joyce's The Dead, played the Factory Girl and understudied the role of Fantine in Les Misérables and appeared in the original cast of Aspects of Love.

She created the role of Lily in the first national tour of The Secret Garden. Off-Broadway and regional credits include Listen to My Heart, Rags, Jack's Holiday, Cather County, A Little Night Music, Show Boat and Funny Girl. She was the featured soloist for The Lord of The Rings Symphonic Suite, and has performed her show So Many Stars: The Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman.

In 1998 she was awarded the MAC Award for Best Female Vocalist, and her many recordings include her acclaimed debut solo CD, "At Sea."

Continuing in their Phantom roles are Hugh Panaro (The Phantom), Sandra Joseph (Christine), John Cudia (Raoul), Jeff Keller (Monsieur Firmin), George Lee Andrews (Monsieur André), Marilyn Caskey (Madame Giry), Larry Wayne Morbitt (Piangi), Heather McFadden (Meg Giry) and Julie Hanson (Christine at certain performances).

The performance schedule for The Phantom of the Opera is Monday evenings at 8 PM, Tuesday evenings at 7 PM, Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 PM. Ticket prices range from $20-$100. To order tickets by phone call Tele-charge at (212) 239-6200.

For information, visit www.thephantomoftheopera.com.