​Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of The Opera becomes longest running show in Broadway history

Mamma Mia, The Lion king, Cats, Chicago and Les Miserables have all been running for years now but none of them hold a candle to Phantom which, with 30 years under its belt, has now succeeded at the longest stint in theatre history. 

In celebration of this landmark achievement, there will be a week of events in the run up to the anniversary, including a ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building.

Platinum-selling Swedish star, Peter Joback leads the 30th Anniversary cast, returning after a 2012 run in London, New York in 2013 and Stockholm in 2016.

Speaking exclusively to Broadway.com, he said: "I am, of course, absolutely thrilled about having the honour of taking The Phantom through his 30th anniversary on Broadway.

"Humbled for the task, but excited about once again being asked to do this classic role on the classic grounds of Broadway."

He will star alongside Ali Ewoldt, who plays Christine, and Rodney Ingram as Raoul.

They will appear on NBCs The Today Show for a musical performance, as well as a 2pm matinée show, along with the shows regular 8pm performance.

The musical also co-stars Laird Mackintosh as Monsieur André, Craig Bennett as Monsieur Firmin, Raquel Suarez Groen as Carlotta, Carlton Moe as Piangi, Maree Johnson as Madame Giry and Kara Klein as Meg Giry. 

At certain performances, Kaley Ann Voorhees  plays the role of Christine.

Based on the novel Le Fantome de L'Opera by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of The Opera tells the iconic story of the disfigured, mysterious mask-wearing man who lives under the Paris Opera House.

This will mark the musical's fourth decade, having played 12, 500 performances and grossing over $1.1 billion (£0.79bn).