Hugh Panaro

Hugh Panaro is perhaps best known for having played the coveted role of the Phantom in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera over 2,500 times, including the 25th Anniversary production. Hugh is one of the few actors to have been cast by Harold Prince as both The Phantom and Raoul in the show’s Broadway production. Hugh is back in the mask again and currently haunting NYC’s historic Lee’s Art Shop in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new immersive MASQUERADE directed by Tony award winning Diane Paulus.

Hugh made his Broadway debut in the original production of Les Misérables as Marius, the role he originated in the First National Company. He also created the roles of Buddy in the original Side Show, Julian Craster in Jule Styne’s The Red Shoes, and the title role in the American premiere of Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s Martin Guerre. Hugh was nominated for an Outer Critic Circle Award for his performance in the titular role of Elton John’s Lestat, based on Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles.

He made his West End debut in the original London company of Harold Prince’s Showboat as Gaylord Ravenal, the role he previously played in the Broadway and Toronto Productions.

Off-Broadway Hugh starred in the title role of SWEENEY TODD at the Barrow Street Theatre. Additionally, he has performed in What’s A Nice Country Like You…Doing In A State Like This?, White Lies, Michael Frank’s Noa Noa, and Michael John LaChiusa’s Little Fish.

Regionally, Hugh played Robert in Stephen Sondheim’s Company at the 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle, later retuning in Sam Buntrock’s production of Sunday In the Park With George as the titular character. In Philadelphia, Hugh won the prestigious Barrymore award for his performance as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables at the Walnut Street Theatre. Mr.Panaro received his second nomination for his portrayal of Fagin in Oliver! and in 2012, Hugh was honored with the Edwin Forrest Award for his long-term contribution to theater. In 2013, Mr. Panaro reprised his role as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables at the historic MUNY where he won the St. Louis Theater Circle Award.

An active concert artist, Hugh has performed with numerous symphony orchestras including the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, Philly Pops, Dallas, Detroit, San Francisco, Seattle, Utah Symphonies, and the London Sinfonietta, among many others. Hugh also recently returned as a guest soloist with the Czech Philharmonic in Prague and the International Music Festival in Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. He also had the privilege of performing in the world premiere of Penderecki’s Te Deum at Carnegie Hall, was a guest soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic, conducted by Marvin Hamlisch and toured Europe with the legendary Barbra Streisand.

Mr. Panaro recently made his solo concert debut at New York’s 54 Below and his performance was captured live on the recently released album titled HUGH PANARO Man Without A Mask available on all music platforms.

Other recordings include: Jerome Kern Treasury (EMI), Side Show (SONY), Tap Your Troubles Away (Jerry Herman), The Centennial (Kurt Weil), Life Upon The Wicked Stage (Jerome Kern), An American Victory (Broadway Records), and Dreamworks animated feature film The Prince of Egypt.

A native of Philadelphia, Mr. Panaro graduated from Temple University and was awarded the Boyer College of Music Certificate of Honor. In 2022, he was inducted into the LaSalle College High School Arts Hall of Fame.