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John Cudia | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1970-09-21)September 21, 1970 (age 54) |
| Occupation(s) | Stage actor,singer |
| Known for | The Phantom of the Opera |
| Spouse | Kathy Voytko |
| Website | www |
John Cudia is a classicaltenor singer and amusical theatre actor who has played many of the biggest roles in musical theatre onBroadway.
Born on September 21, 1970, Cudia was raised inToms River, New Jersey.[1] He graduated from Monsignor Donovan High School (since renamed asDonovan Catholic High School).[2]
Cudia began his career in regional theater. His credits includeJesus inJesus Christ Superstar, Lieutenant Cable inSouth Pacific,Cinderella's Prince inInto the Woods, and Tony inWest Side Story. His first role on Broadway was Feuilly inLes Misérables, he understudiedEnjolras and later got promoted toJean Valjean understudy. Cudia is noted for his critically acclaimed portrayals inAndrew Lloyd Webber'sThe Phantom of the Opera.
His first encounter withPhantom occurred when he was cast as a temporary swing in the U.S. touring production in 1999. There, he met Kathy Voytko, an alternate Christine, who is now his wife. Nine months later, he was given the role ofRaoul in the touring cast. He played Raoul on Broadway for 3 years (2003–2005), where he was an understudy forThe Phantom. Finally, he was cast as the "principal" Phantom in the U.S. touring production in 2006. Cudia stayed with the touring company until the spring of 2008 when he left to portray Valjean in the Marriott-Lincolnshire Theater's production ofLes Misérables.
Cudia then returned toPhantom, this time playing the title role at Broadway'sMajestic Theatre as a 10-week substitute for long-running PhantomHoward McGillin. Cudia played his first performance in the ten-week stint on May 22, 2008, and continued until McGillin returned on July 28, 2008. He then returned toThe Phantom of the Opera national tour. He left the tour in May 2009 to celebrate the birth of his first child.
Cudia then became the "principal" Phantom at the Majestic Theatre, having taken over from Howard McGillin on July 27, 2009. He concluded his run as the Phantom on September 4, 2010, and was replaced byHugh Panaro.
Cudia returned to Broadway when he joined the closing cast of the Broadway revival ofEvita, understudyingJuan Peron. In April 2016, he reprised the role of Peron in theVancouver Opera production.
He made hisLyric Opera of Chicago debut as Curly in its production ofOklahoma!. He recently began his career as an operatic tenor.
