Norm Lewis to become 1st African-American actor to play lead in 'Phantom'

Norm Lewis has been tapped to be Broadway's next Phantom in "The Phantom of the Opera," a move that makes him the first African-American to slip behind the famous mask on the Great White Way, The Associated Press reports. Producers said Thursday the Tony Award nominee, who brought his deep and rich voice as Porgy in the recent "Porgy and Bess" revival, will make his debut opposite a returning Sierra Boggess as Christine beginning May 12. Lewis played John in "Miss Saigon" on Broadway, Javert on Broadway in "Les Miserables" in 2006 and appeared in "Side Show," "The Little Mermaid," "Chicago" and "Sondheim on Sondheim."