Why “Phantom” Holds The Record

What is it about “Phantom” that made it the longest-running show on Broadway? Emma Brockes: “I think it’s about the importance of not judging people by appearances, although the moral is undermined a bit when the phantom goes on a killing spree after being dumped. Still, the tunes are catchy and it thrills audiences without making them uncomfortable. This is the secret of its success.”