Tony nominee Norm Lewis (Porgy and Bess) has just taken on duties as the title character in the record-breaking The Phantom of the Opera and at least judging from the performance we attended, he might be the reason why Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote this musical (apologies to Ms. Sarah Brightman) here are our reasons why:

1) The second he opens his mouth you wish to own a Cast Recording with him as the Phantom.
Sure, as any good phan you own the London Cast Recording, the 25th Anniversary Concert and probably even the movie soundtrack (not to mention the countless bootleg versions you’ve owned throughout the years) and as much as you love those, even you agree it’s about time we had a version of the Broadway cast recording. Who better to sing you towards bliss than the multitalented heldentenor?

2) He’s making Phantom feel like an event again.
Forget the race element. Actually don’t. Join us in saying “finally!” as we celebrate the fact that we have our first African American Phantom. It was about time we caught up with the rest of the world. With that said, the reason why Lewis is making the show feel like a “must see” is because people know him from Scandal and in a show that’s always been so devoted to its music and avoided stunt-casting, it’s refreshing to see them hire a relatively big name who is also one helluva actor.

3) He makes you forget the movie.
We all can agree that Gerard Butler belong exclusively to films where he can be bearded, shirtless and yelling things as he shows of his pecs in slow motion.

4) Sex appeal.
Since we brought up Mr. Butler, isn’t it rare nowadays for sexiness not to require any nudity/showing off skin? However those who go see The Phantom of the Opera will realize that every time Mr. Lewis opens his mouth you hear two things: his beautiful voice and the collective sound of all of the audience members’ panties dropping.

5) His chemistry with Sierra Boggess.
Forget the fact that he played her father in The Little Mermaid (and also made the sexiest King Triton ever…) Norm and Sierra have the kind of stage chemistry that, more than ever, makes us wonder why on Earth would Christine pick the milquetoast Raoul over the Phantom. Why? Why? Why?

What are your reasons for loving Norm in Phantom (or in general). For more on the show visit:
Website: thephantomoftheopera.com/new-york
Facebook: facebook.com/phantombway
Twitter: @PhantomBway
Instagram: @PhantomBway