It's hard to believe after April 16, Broadway will exist without the iconic production of "The Phantom of the Opera."

It's even more difficult to think that people who have been a part of this Broadway staple will have to say goodbye to, not only the production, but a very significant part of their lives.

What You Need To Know

  • Emilio Benoit is the head porter and has worked at the Majestic Theatre for 35 years

  • Bassoonist Atsuko Sato put three of her kids through college without student loans thanks to the financial safety "The Phantom of the Opera" gave her

  • Vivien Leone, associate lighting designer, was in the theatre the first time the creative team saw the iconic chandelier raise

"Sadly, when I find now Phantom is closing, I feel a little depressed but now, I'm happy because I feel I was the only one of many working for a long time here on Broadway." said Emilio Benoit, head porter at the Majestic Theatre.

But, Atsuko Sato, a bassoonist in the orchestra pit, has an optimistic point of view.

"I'm going to miss my phantom family. My phantom sisters from a pit. That's a sad part. And come to the end. Well, 35 years is probably a good idea to move on to something else,” she said.

Meanwhile, Vivien Leone, associate lighting designer, said she will always be proud of the work she did on the production.

"It is incredibly sad to lose this amazing experience, but I am also incredibly proud and grateful to have been part of it,” she said. "’The Phantom of the Opera’ is a once in a lifetime experience."