Jordan Donica Joins the Cast of The Phantom of the Opera

Black performers continue to make their mark on Broadway this week.

Two 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.

Donica 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.

Here’s a preview of the romantic love duet, “All I Ask Of You,” taken from the 2016 Stars in the Alley performance.

This addition to the cast also comes only two days after Black performers won in all four musical acting categories at the 2016 Tony Awards.

Broadway 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.

We did it!! Thank you so much to the Phantom Phamily for welcoming us with open arms!! #christineandraoul @phantombway #onedown #letsdoitagaintomorrow #JordanDonica #imgoingtosleepwelltonight

A photo posted by Ali Ewoldt (@aliewoldt) on Jun 13, 2016 at 9:53pm PDT

It’s about damn time.

Imported from London, The Phantom of the Opera is currently the longest running Broadway musical with a Tony-nominated score by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Now let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

The Phantom of the Opera is currently playing at the Majestic Theatre.