On April 24, 2009, MacEwan Theatre Arts alumnus Ryan Silverman made history as the first grad to assume a lead role on Broadway

Ryan Silverman, who graduated from the Theatre Arts program in 1997, made his debut as Raoul in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, the longest- running show in Broadway history. Previously starring in the same role in the Las Vegas production, he succeeds long-time star Tim Martin Gleason. Silverman becomes only the thirteenth actor to be cast as Raoul in the Broadway production’s 21-year history.

The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror until he falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine. The seven-time Tony Award winning musical has made over $715 million, making it the highest grossing show in Broadway history. With worldwide proceeds estimated at over $5 billion, the show is ranked as the most successful entertainment venture of all time. It surpasses not only any other stage production, but also blockbuster films such as Titanic, The Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars.

Growing up in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Silverman’s first experience with acting was at MacEwan. “At

first, it was not something I was really sure I actually wanted to do,” he says. “In the two years, however, with the guidance of the teaching staff, I fell in love with it. Being on stage, the rush of it, the challenge of it,” he adds. “I was pointed in the right direction, and without Mac- Ewan and the dedicated teachers, I wouldn’t have found this lifelong path,” Silverman explains.

Silverman lived in Vancouver for three years performing leads in shows such as Blood Brothers (Eddie), Sweeney Todd (Anthony), Forever Plaid (Smudge), and Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius). He then had the opportunity to perform the role of Sky in the first United States national tour of Mamma Mia! After a year and a half of traveling the country, he decided to

try New York. Making his Broadway debut in Cry-Baby, his other New York credits include both The Pirates of Penzance and The Most Happy Fella at New York City Opera. Silverman has also per-formed leads in West Side Story (50th anniversary international tour), Wicked (Chicago), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cinderella, Grease, and Assassins. Performing at La Jolla Playhouse in California, Silverman also took on the lead role of Jose in the world premiere of the new musical Carmen, directed by Franco Dragone (of Cirque du Soleil fame).

Recently, Silverman performed the role of Karl in the Encores! pro-duction of Music in the Air in New York, and returned from London where he performed at the Olivier

TALENTED ACTOR MAKES IT TO THE BIG APPLE

Awards, having starred as Tony in the Olivier-nominated West End engagement of West Side Story.

The Phantom of the Opera plays at The Majestic Theatre in New York and has recently extended its booking period selling tickets through to September 2009.