Opera leading man Christian Sebek and Broadway vets Aaron Galligan-Stierle and Kevin Ligon are headed to the Broadway company of The Phantom of the Opera. Sebek will make his Broadway debut as vain tenor Piangi on September 2, and Galligan-Stierle and Ligon will assume the roles of opera managers Monsieurs André and Firmin, respectively, on September 5. Phantom continues its record-breaking run at the Majestic Theatre, directed by Harold Prince.
The three newcomers join a Broadway cast that includes Hugh Panaro (The Phantom), Sara Jean Ford (Christine), Kyle Barisich (Raoul), Michele McConnell (Carlotta), Marilyn Caskey (Madame Giry) and Jessica Bishop (Meg Giry). At certain performances, Marni Raab plays Christine.
Sebek’s classical credits range from New York Grand Opera to Carnegie Hall, including playing Rodolfo in La Boheme, Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, Alfredo in La Traviata and Romeo in Romeo and Juliette. He appeared off-Broadway in The Sandman. Sebek assumes the role of Piangi from Evan Harrington, who departed the show on August 20. Until September 1, Piangi is being played by David Gaschen.
Galligan-Stierle has appeared on Broadway in Ragtime and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of Curtains and on tour with Lea Salonga in Cinderella. He succeeds Phantom original cast member George Lee Andrews, who in real life is his father-in-law.
Ligon joins Phantom directly from the Broadway company of Sister Act. His Broadway credits include Finian’s Rainbow, Young Frankenstein, The Producers, Kiss Me, Kate, 1776 and The Secret Garden. He won a Jefferson Award for his performance in the national tour of Guys & Dolls and played Pirelli in Sweeney Todd for at the Kennedy Center. Ligon replaces longtime Phantom cast member David Cryer as Firmin. Andrews and Cryer will play their final performances on September 3.