How Long Will Ben Crawford Be in PTO?

Planning a trip to NYC in early March, and I was wondering if anyone knows when Ben Crawford's current contract with Phantom will be up. I know he's on his second contract, but I can't figure out when he's set to depart the show.

Dave13 said: "Ben first performance was 4/16/2018. Typically, it is yearly contracts. Theoretically, his first contract is over and he renewed for at least another year, which his contract would end around 4/16/2020. However, I am sure if something bigger and better came along, he could bolt at anytime.

Also, actors that have played Phantom in the past usually stay for a while. My guess is you are safe that he will be there inMarch, but nothing is guaranteed."

Thanks for the info! Hoping I get to see him. I've heard wonderful things about his portrayal that make me think I would love seeing him in the role.

Perhaps shoot for a Tuesday performance? I saw the show last Thurs matinee and don’t believe he was on - I was sitting orch Q so couldn’t make out his face perfectly but pretty sure it wasn’t him - didn’t sound like him from a broadway.com video I watched when I got home. Then, I checked the playbill and was a bit confused by the cast list, as follows:

PTO, Ben Crawford
PTO (Mon. performances), Paul A. Schaefer
PTO (Wed.—Sat. performances), Ted Keegan
And Sundays are typically dark

Perhaps I totally misread that but if not, looks like he only performs on Tuesdays?

Ted Keegan plays the role of Jeweler “Il Muto”, but as above, this role is played by another actor Jason Forbach for Wed.-Sat. when Ted is on for PTO.

Updated On: 11/6/19 at 08:41 PM

dshnookie said: "Perhaps shoot for a Tuesday performance? I saw the show last Thurs matinee and don’t believe he was on - I was sitting orch Q so couldn’t make out his face perfectly but pretty sure it wasn’t him - didn’t sound like him from a broadway.com video I watched when I get home. Then, I checked the playbill and was a bit confused by the cast list, as follows:

PTO, Ben Crawford
PTO (Mon. performances), Paul A. Schaefer
PTO (Wed.—Sat. performances), Ted Keegan
And Sundays are typically dark

Perhaps I totally misread that but if not, looks like he only performs on Tuesdays?

Ted Keegan plays the role of Jeweler “Il Muto”, but as above, this role is played by another actor Jason Forbach for Wed.-Sat. when Ted is on for PTO."

Unlike Christine, the actor playing the Phantom is officially scheduled to perform eight shows per week. In the event that anyone in a principal role has scheduled time off, the Playbill will specify the actor(s) who will cover the role in each show for the calendar week. Based on what you wrote above, Mr. Crawford was out (e.g., vacation) several days during that particular week. He performed on Tuesday, and the role was covered by Mr. Schaefer on Monday and Mr. Keegan on the remaining days.

Regarding the OP's question, Mr. Crawford renewed his contract in October for another year. I spoke with him about it, and he indicated that he loves playing this role and was very pleased to continue doing so. There are no guarantees in life, but it is very likely that you will have an opportunity to see him in March. I've experienced innumerable actors playing the Phantom, and Ben Crawford is probably the best since Michael Crawford. His voice is so powerful that he barely needs a mic, and he acts the role with with a commanding presence that many others have lacked.

Updated On: 11/6/19 at 08:31 AM

thedrybandit said: "Phantom updates their playbills weekly, so if he's scheduled to be out, they're able to have in the playbill that one of the understudies will be on. He's still meant to do all eight a week, and isn't regularly scheduled to be off most of the week."

Thank you for clarifying this!