PhotosPHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Two-Show Day With Phantom's Raoul, Sean MacLaughlin, on a Momentous DateSean MacLaughlin, who plays dashing suitor Raoul in the record-breaking Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera, documents a special two-show day — on a history-making date — for Playbill.com readers.
By
Matthew Blank
February 08, 2011
Not only did Jan. 26 see one of heaviest snow days of the season (schools closed, but the shows go on!), it also marked the show's 23rd anniversary on Broadway.
MacLaughlin braved the weather and treacherous street conditions to snap photos of his entire day, topped off by two cast parties and an appearance by director Harold Prince.
Here is a two-show day with Sean MacLaughlin as Phantom turns 23:
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PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Two-Show Day With Phantom's Raoul, Sean MacLaughlin, on a Momentous Date
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Two-Show Day With Phantom's Raoul, Sean MacLaughlin, on a Momentous Date
Sean MacLaughlin, who plays Raoul in record-breaking Broadway production of Phantom of the Opera, documents a special two-show day for Playbill.com readers. Not only did Jan. 26 see one of heaviest snow days of the season (schools closed, but the shows go on!), it also marked the show's 23rd anniversary, complete with two parties and an appearance by director Hal Prince.
35 PHOTOS
The morning starts with my 2 dogs, Lady (on left) and Albert (on right). The wife is up and starting the day... the dogs lounge with me.
Sean MacLaughlin
Albert decides to wake me up to start the day.
Sean MacLaughlin
I shower and get into my clothes and see Albert patiently waiting to go outside.
Sean MacLaughlin
Since I am slow, my wife (Elaine Matthews) takes them out in the backyard to play and what not.
Sean MacLaughlin
Before running to the train, I have to dig out all of the snow in the backyard that has collected this winter.
Sean MacLaughlin
Off the train for the walk to work. Arriving in midtown I notice… THE SNOW IS TAKING OVER THE CITY!!!!!
Sean MacLaughlin
Run to the show and sign in! Always important to sign in!!
Sean MacLaughlin
Now to get into Raoul's old man makeup for the top of the show.
Sean MacLaughlin
While getting into makeup, the lovely Jenna Barrios (Hair Extraordinaire!) prepares my mic.
Sean MacLaughlin
Getting the hair just right!
Sean MacLaughlin
Terence Doherty (my friend and dresser) starts the day with a hearty meal.
Sean MacLaughlin
No "Old Man Raoul" is complete to start the two-show day without a Rockstar!
Sean MacLaughlin
Terence and Jenna send me off to work. The only thing missing in this painting is a barn… and maybe a pitch fork. American Gothic… anyone? Anyone… umm okay.
Sean MacLaughlin
Hanging out before the dressing room scene with John Kuether, Ken Kantor and Evan Harrington.
Sean MacLaughlin
On the way to the dressing room scene, I ask Marge Marchioni in wardrobe (center), if I can possibly get my IATSE card by helping the lovely Madame Fifi, Kris Koop.
Sean MacLaughlin
A very special matinee curtain call! Mr. Harold Prince makes a speech in honor of our 23rd year on Broadway!! Behind him… a delicious cake in the shape of 23.
Sean MacLaughlin
As the curtains close, our Christine, Sara Jean Ford "Raises the Roof."
Sean MacLaughlin
Hugh Panaro and I are coming for you, cake!
Sean MacLaughlin
Mr. Prince wields Excalibur.
Evan Harrington, me, Hugh, Sara Jean Ford and George Lee Andrews help cut the cake.
Sean MacLaughlin
We have a few people to talk to before leaving for dinner.
Sean MacLaughlin
I'm on TV!
Sean MacLaughlin
Elaine joins me for dinner at Oyishi Sushi.
Sean MacLaughlin
Bruce Winant from La Cage joins Elaine and me in between his shows. Yes.. Bruce loves sushi.
Sean MacLaughlin
I finish dinner, return to the theatre, sign in, get in my robe and spend time with Soot, Hugh’s beautiful labradoodle. He is such a good boy. BTW Hugh doesn’t look like that in real life. That’s not his real hair.
Sean MacLaughlin
What I do in my dressing room on break in between: mostly watch "Family Guy" and "Walking Dead," read comics or play video games. So much to do in 2 and a half hours.
Sean MacLaughlin
Hugh loving on Soot in between shows. I love this picture!
Sean MacLaughlin
Fast forward to second act!!! Liz McCartney greets me on the way down to the Masquerade!
Sean MacLaughlin
Sara Jean Ford prepares for the Masquerade Prom.
Sean MacLaughlin
Christine and Raoul Prom- circa 1800s.
Sean MacLaughlin
Official Anniversary Travelator Party! The show's integral automation piece, known as the travelator, is brought down on special events to cater the celebration. The Gods have brought us John's Pizza and cupcakes by The Dancing Baker, our own Kara Klein!
Sean MacLaughlin
In my mind, this is how fast the party was! Such a joy to be a part of this joyous occasion!
Sean MacLaughlin
Original (and current) Phantom cast member George Lee Andrews addresses the company with a toast on this wonderful night.
Sean MacLaughlin
The best sight ever: a travelator full of John’s Pizza!
Sean MacLaughlin
Heather McFadden LOVES Kara’s Cupcakes!
Sean MacLaughlin
At the end of the night, my beautiful wife goes to bed while I treat the dogs to treats and watch the shows I have missed throughout the day. What a wonderful end to the best day ever!!
MacLaughlin joined the New York cast after performing as Raoul in the final national tour of Phantom. He has appeared on Broadway in Bombay Dreams, The Woman in White and Lestat.
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The cast of Phantom of the Opera currently features Hugh Panaro in the title role with Sara Jean Ford as Christine and Sean MacLaughlin as Raoul with George Lee Andrews (Monsieur Andre), David Cryer (Monsieur Firmin), Liz McCartney (Carlotta), Cristin J. Hubbard (Madame Giry), Evan Harrington (Piangi) and Heather McFadden (Meg Giry). At certain performances, Marni Raab plays Christine.
The long-running national tour closed in fall 2010. A Prince-directed version of the show, immersive and running 90 minutes, is playing in Las Vegas.
The musical features a score by Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Charles Hart and a book by Richard Stilgoe and Lloyd Webber. Gillian Lynne choreographed.
For more information visit www.thephantomoftheopera.com.
