Black performers continue to make their mark on Broadway this week.rnrnTwo years after Norm Lewis made history as the first Black actor to don the white mask and perform the 
iconic, titular role of The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, Jordan Donica made his Broadway debut as the first Black actor to play Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny, childhood friend-turned-lover of Christine Daae, the young soprano protege of The Phantom, who is played by James Barbour.rnrnDonica succeeded long-time cast member Jeremy Hays and began performances June 13th. This talented 6’4 baritone/tenor has trained at Otterbein University and performed regionally with the Utah Shakespeare Festival.rnrnHere’s a preview of the romantic love duet, “All I Ask Of You,” taken from the 2016 Stars in the Alley performance.rnrnrnThis addition to the cast also comes only two days after Black performers won in all four musical acting categories at the 2016 Tony Awards.rnrnBroadway Black would also like to extend congratulations to Ali Ewoldt, who becomes the first Asian actress — the first actress of color — to play the role of Christine in any mainstream production, Broadway or London.rn
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rn rnrnIt’s about damn time.rnrnImported from London, The Phantom of the Opera is currently the longest running Broadway musical with a Tony-nominated score by Andrew Lloyd Webber.rnrnNow let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we?rnrnrnrnThe Phantom of the Opera is currently playing at the Majestic Theatre.
