Baritone
Norm Lewis is a groundbreaking American baritone and musical theatre virtuoso who shattered the color barrier as the first African American to play the Phantom on Broadway, establishing himself as one of the most versatile and acclaimed performers of his generation.
Defining moments and milestones
From his early work in regional theatre and concert halls, Norm Lewis emerged as a commanding presence on the Broadway stage, bringing Shakespearean depth and vocal magnificence to contemporary musical theatre. His career trajectory accelerated through acclaimed performances in Les Misérables and Porgy and Bess, establishing him as a baritone of uncommon sophistication and dramatic power. His 2018 performance as the Phantom of the Opera—the first African American to play the role on Broadway—represented not merely a personal triumph but a historic moment in American musical theatre, cementing his legacy as a transformative artist who has expanded the boundaries of what is possible on stage.
First African American to play the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway (2018)
Edgewater High School
Recordings featuring Norm Lewis in the Society index
Additional recordings will appear here as the catalog expands.