Photo: Everett Collection/REX USA.Here's a pretty mind-boggling fact: In the 25 years since The Phantom of the Opera opened on Broadway, the titular character has never been played by an African-American actor. But, that's about to change. Variety reports that actor Norm Lewis, who did a short stint on Scandal, will assume the role in early May.
Lewis will star opposite Sierra Boggess, who has performed the role of Christine on Broadway before. This isn't the first time Lewis and Boggess have shared the stage. The duo performed together in the 2008 Broadway version of The Little Mermaid, he as King Triton and she as Ariel. So, this will be quite the role reversal, if you ask us.
Scandal superfans will recognize Lewis as one of Olivia Pope's season three love interests, Senator Edison Davis. That match didn't work out so well — who can compete with the prez, after all? And, Lewis will step into an even more (famously) doomed romance as the Phantom. But, even if love isn't in the cards for his character, this groundbreaking role is definitely a step in the right direction for Lewis — and for Broadway. (Variety)