Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee C/o Stamp Development U.S. Postal Service 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300 Washington, DC 20260-3501

Dear Members of the Committee,

Quite simply, The Phantom of the Opera is the Broadway show all others are measured against.

As Broadway’s longest running musical ever, Phantom will mark an unprecedented milestone in January 2018 when the production celebrates its 30th year on Broadway. This is a monumental occasion —the first of its kind—and will be recognized with a year-long celebration of the timeless story, the unforgettable score and the undeniable obsession that could never die.

With nearly 18 million visitors to the Majestic Theater since its opening in January 1988, Phantom unmasks emotions like no other show can, leaving audiences breathless. When The Phantom of the Opera debuted on Broadway, the production was so ahead of its time that today, it continues to feel relevant and innovative, and because of this, audiences continue to come back year after year. The mesmerizing score is a classic, with songs that live outside the show itself and have their own space in the world of pop culture. The scenery is dazzling and spectacular, yet classic and refined, and the breathtaking special effects continue to wow audiences each night. It is no wonder The Phantom of the Opera withstands the test of time, night after night, week after week, month after month, year after year, decade after decade.

As a tribute, I truly believe that the iconic Phantom mask belongs on a US postage stamp. I enthusiastically submit this letter and urge you to take into consideration the magnitude of this once-in-a-lifetime theatrical event.

Sincerely,