Davis Gaines, a renowned performer who has graced the stages of "Phantom of the Opera" over 2,000 times in Broadway, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, recently took the spotlight at the California Club in Downtown Los Angeles. This one-night event was a true treat for theater enthusiasts.

Experience the Enchantment of Davis Gaines' Broadway Performances

Broadway Standards and Beyond

Davis Gaines treated the audience to a medley of Broadway standards. His powerful rendition of "Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha" filled the air with a sense of determination and hope. As he introduced the song, he intoned with drama, "To become a knight errant and sally forth into the world to right wrongs." This performance earned him an Ovation Award in 2012 for his portrayal of Don Quixote.Another classic he sang was "Ol’ Man River" from "Showboat," showcasing his vocal range and ability to bring the essence of each song to life. The audience was captivated by his interpretation, feeling the emotions of the characters through his music.He also performed "It Only Takes a Moment" from "Hello Dolly," adding a touch of charm and lightness to the evening. Each song was a testament to his talent and the power of Broadway music.

The "Phantom of the Opera" Experience

The finale of the evening was dedicated to "Phantom of the Opera," the musical that made him a household name. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and premiering on Broadway in 1988, it holds the record for being the longest-running show in Broadway history.Before taking on the role of The Phantom on the L.A. stage, Gaines had performed the role of Raoul on Broadway. He shared a poignant moment when he talked about being there when the curtain finally fell in April 2023. For this gathering at the California Club, he performed the musical's most iconic songs, "All I Ask of You" and "Music of the Night." His emotions were palpable as he sang, and the audience was transported back to the world of the Phantom."I was fortunate enough to go back to New York and see the final performance. It was bittersweet," Gaines said, his voice filled with a mix of memories and emotions.

Friends and Fans Come Together

The concert was attended by many members of the Little Tokyo and Japanese American communities. Darlene Kuba, a close friend of Gaines for years, invited him to perform. Among the attendees was Irene Matsubara, a long-time chief of staff to the late Councilmember Gilbert Lindsay. She was thrilled to have the chance to hear Gaines again, having seen him perform in "Phantom" more than a dozen times at various venues in L.A. and the Bay Area.After the show, Gaines recalled performing when Bill Fujioka retired in 2014 as the chief executive officer for Los Angeles County. Kuba shared that there were 1,400 people at his retirement, and when Gaines got up and sang, the silence was deafening. "Well I think tonight was even better!" Gaines said in response, his eyes shining with gratitude.Looking ahead, Gaines will be performing at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts on March 15, 2025, for an evening of Broadway hits. This is sure to be another memorable event for his fans.