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David Gaschen

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David Gaschen BIO

Internationally renowned vocalist and stage performer David Gaschen remains best known for the years he devoted to the title character in "The Phantom of the Opera." That success did not arrive overnight; it only seems that way.

Gaschen graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, his home town, in 1993, his degree in vocal performance. He chose to move to Chicago, Ill., to begin his professional career. He performed in more than 20 musical plays in Chicago --- and was cast by Light Opera Works of Chicago in the leading roles of Frederic in "The Pirates of Penzance," and Karl Franz in "The Student Prince."



Acceptance in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" would not be far behind.

In fact, in May of 1995, he was cast as the alternate for The Phantom in the original Swiss production of "The Phantom of the Opera" in Basel, Switzerland. As an alternate, Gaschen averaged 3 to 4 performances per week as the Phantom. At age 26, Gaschen had become history's youngest performer cast as the Phantom in a professional production.



Gaschen’s first European performances were in German. Eventually, however, the immensely popular production in Basel began being produced six times in German, and twice in English, each week. Gaschen was a success in Europe. After refining the role of the Phantom over the course of two years in Switzerland, he was contracted to perform the lead in the

German production of "The Phantom of the Opera“ in Hamburg.



All told, Gaschen made the role his own, acting and singing as the Phantom more than 1,000 times in Europe.

In the summer of 1999, Gaschen found himself walking out on stage to sing for famous Broadway producer Harold Prince. The result was immediate: Gaschen joined the Broadway cast after that audition. He would make his Broadway debut in the title role of "The Phantom of the Opera" in November 1999.



All told, Gaschen has performed the role of the Phantom in professional productions worldwide more than 1,300 times.

While producers of "The Phantom of the Opera" still call on Gaschen to temporarily join productions when needed, the versatile performer eventually opted to leave Broadway and seek success in the recording and concert arenas.



He already is included on the compact disc "Broadway's Fabulous Phantoms" with the likes of Howard McGillin, Hugh Panaro and Michael Crawford, the latter of course being Broadway's original and best known Phantom of the Opera.

However, Gaschen also recorded two solo CDs called "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy,"and "David Gaschen" He just recently released a new Christmas CD titled "A Celebration of Christmas." His recordings paved the way for pop music success, and his vocal guest appearances with orchestras include the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, Allen Philharmonic Orchestra, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Longview Symphony Orchestra as well as internationally with the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra in Guadalajara Mexico.



Success on the professional stage would also find Gaschen honored in his hometown of Lubbock. In September 2006, Gaschen was inducted onto the West Texas Walk of Fame, where bronze plaques depict West Texas natives being honored for excelling professionally in the arts; this walk of fame traditionally is located adjacent to a bronze state of the late Buddy Holly, considered Lubbock's native son. Gaschen also returned to Lubbock to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas Tech's School of Visual and Performing Arts.



Gaschen is most proud of his wonderful family. He thanks God everyday for his beautiful bride Jeanne and his incredible children Andrew and Molly!

David Gaschen STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Jeweler [Replacement]

The Phantom [Replacement]

Ubaldo Piangi [Replacement]

Ubaldo Piangi [Replacement]

Ubaldo Piangi (Understudy) [Replacement]


David Gaschen News


College Audition Prep Intensive and Weekend in North Texas Return This July and August


CAPI/CAPW in north Texas is an event where talented young high school performers come together with university faculty to prepare for the highly competitive college audition process. Students hone their audition skills with one-on-one feedback from faculty members who get an early look at upcoming talent.

Broadway's Ken Davenport and Rachel Hoffman join COLLEGE AUDITION PREP at Texas Woman's University


Texas Woman's University's College Audition Prep Program is back better than ever this year with two great options for high school musical theater and acting students: a new two week Intensive stay camp hosted by Texas Woman's University on their beautiful Denton, Texas campus OR a four day Weekend event packed with master classes, dance classes, mock auditions and college program overview presentations.

PHANTOM FLASHBACK: The Men Behind the Mask- Broadway's Past Phantoms


Below, BroadwayWorld tributes the men behind the mask- the many who have taken on the title role at the Majestic Theatre since it opened in 1988. Check it out below!

Photo Flash: Christian Sebek, Aaron Galligan-Stierle and Kevin Ligon Join Cast of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA


Principal cast changes have been announced for the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the longest-running show in Broadway history. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Group, Inc. and directed by Harold Prince, the musical phenomenon is in its unprecedented 24th year in New York, playing at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street). Three principal performers, all new to PHANTOM, will be joining the company over the course of the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The Third National Tour of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Pantages Theatre 10/31


Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Theatre Company, Inc. have confirmed that the third national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA , known as the Music Box Company, will play its final performance on Halloween Night -- Sunday, October 31, 2010 -- at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles.

National Tour of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA to Take Final Bow in Los Angeles Nov. 2010


Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Theatre Company, Inc. announced today that the national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, known as The Music Box Company, will play its final performance in November 2010 at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles.

National Tour of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA to Take Final Bow in Los Angeles Nov. 2010


Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Theatre Company, Inc. announced today that the national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, known as The Music Box Company, will play its final performance in November 2010 at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles.

Photo Flash: PHANTOM Tour Becomes First to Reach 7,000 Performances


The longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, is set to reach another unprecedented milestone.

REVIEW: Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Opens at the Fox Theatre for Extended Run


THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is really a triumph of staging with Harold Prince's direction presenting and coordinating these spectacular set pieces with cinematic precision. The constant movement of actors and curtains and backdrops provides a dazzling display of theatrical technique and technical virtuosity. Maria Bjornsson's amazing production design and Andrew Bridge's moody concert lighting scheme also contribute immensely. And, of course, there's Webber's full-bodied orchestral score (with lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe) to contend with as well.

Kim Stengel To Join 'Phantom' Cast 3/27


Beginning Tuesday evening, March 25, Kim Stengel, the actress who has played the role of the outrageous opera diva 'Carlotta' in The Phantom of the Opera more than any other actress worldwide, will join the Broadway production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, directed by Harold Prince, at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street). This will mark Ms. Stengel's Broadway debut.

Photo Flash: The Phantom of the Opera Nears Record Performance


On January 9th, The Phantom of the Opera will break the record and become Broadway's longest-running show

Musicals Tonight Honors Understudies in May 15 Concert


Musicals Tonight continues its ongoing salute to Broadway's Standbys and Understudies with At This Performance…to be held on Sunday, May 15th at the 45th Street Theatre, 354 West 45th Street at 8 PM. This edition will be the final one for this theatrical season.

'At This Performance' Salutes Standbys/Understudies May 1-2


Musicals Tonight continues its ongoing salute to Broadway's Standbys and Understudies with its current editions of At This Performance…to be held on Sunday, May 1st and Monday, May 2nd at the 45th Street Theatre, 354 West 45th Street at 8 PM.

David Gaschen FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has David Gaschen been in?

David Gaschen has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has David Gaschen been in?

David Gaschen has not appeared in the West End.

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