Davis Gaines Headshot

Davis Gaines

Get Davis Gaines Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Davis Gaines BIO

Davis Gaines performed the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "The Phantom of the Opera" over 2,000 times, during his run on Broadway, in Los Angeles, (where he remains LA’s longest-running Phantom), and in San Francisco, (where he received the Bay Area Critics’ Award for Best Actor). Subsequently, he was chosen by Hal Prince and Lloyd Webber to play the leading role in the world premiere of "Whistle Down the Wind". Other Broadway and National Tour credits include Raoul in "The Phantom of the Opera", Cornelius Hackl in "Hello, Dolly!" (with Carol Channing), "Camelot" (with Richard Burton) and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (with Alexis Smith). Gaines’ Off-Broadway appearances include Des McAnuff’s "The Death of Von Richthofen as Witnessed from Earth", the Maury Yeston/Larry Gelbart musical "One Two Three Four Five", Stephen Sondheim’s "Assassins", "She Loves Me" and "Forbidden Broadway". He made his New York City Opera debut in "The New Moon" and appeared in New York in concert versions of "Sitting Pretty", "The Cat and the Fiddle", "Pippin" and the Encores production of "The Boys from Syracuse". Regionally, he appeared in "Spamalot", "Man of La Mancha" (Ovation Award, Best Lead Actor) and "1776" (Musical Theatre West), "Night of the Hunter" (Lyric Stage) and "Parade" (with T.R. Knight/Mark Taper Forum), in addition to "Camelot" (Sacramento Music Circus), "Side by Side by Sondheim" (Rubicon Theatre/Pasadena Playhouse), "Damn Yankees" as Joe Hardy (directed by the legendary George Abbott), "Arsenic and Old Lace" as Mortimer Brewster (with Kate Reid), "The Rink" (with Lainie Kazan) and "Two Into One" (with Tony Randall). Gaines played Anthony Hope, in the 20th anniversary concert productions of Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" in Los Angeles (with Kelsey Grammer and Christine Baranski), in London (with Len Cariou and Judy Kaye) and in New York, San Francisco and Ravinia Festival (with George Hearn and Patti LuPone). More recently, played Sweeney Todd in "Sweeney Todd" opposite Faith Prince, and Sky Masterson in "Guys and Dolls", both with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. He also toured the country with Olympic Champion Dorothy Hamill in "Broadway on Ice". Film work includes a featured role in "Warlock: The Armageddon" (with Julian Sands) and television credits include "Desperate Housewives", "Charmed", "Chicago Hope", "Veronica’s Closet", "Bodies of Evidence" and "Murder, She Wrote". He appeared in three PBS Great Performances broadcasts (Emmy Award-winning "Sweeney Todd" with the San Francisco Symphony, "Broadway Originals" with the Boston Pops and "Jerry Herman’s Broadway at the Bowl"), as well as the televised specials of the "1994 Kennedy Center Honors" and the opening ceremony of the "1998 Goodwill Games". Additionally, Gaines has sung for five U.S. Presidents and with every major symphony orchestra in North America, including the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl. He has also performed in cabaret in New York at ‘Feinstein’s at Loews Regency’ and ‘Rainbow and Stars’, Hollywood’s ‘Cinegrill’ and San Francisco’s ‘Plush Room’. His voice can be heard over 30 cast recordings and compilation albums, as well as two solo CDs, 'Against the Tide' and 'All My Tomorrows: Songs of Sammy Cahn'. Gaines resides in Los Angeles and is a frequent singer of our National Anthem for the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Kings and Dodgers. Most recently, he portrayed Hannibal Lecter in the musical parody, "SILENCE! The Musical" at the Hayworth Theatre in Los Angeles and made his LA directing debut at Musical Theatre West with "Oklahoma!".

Davis Gaines Photos

Davis Gaines STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Docu-Musical Premiere, 2017
Performer

[St. Louis, MO (Regional)]
The Muny's Adapted Revival, 2017
Joseph Pulitzer

[New York]
Manhattan Concert Production at Lincoln Center, 2015
Judge Roan

Old Soldier

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2000
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2000
Anthony Hope

[London Fringe]
London Concert, 2000
Anthony Hope

[Regional (US)]
Reprise! Concert, 1999
Anthony Hope

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 1998
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1997
Antipholus of Syracuse

[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1990
Balladeer/Charles Guiteau (Understudy)

[US Tour]
1st National Tour, 1990
The Phantom [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 1990
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 1989
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1988
Avi

Avi

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
The Phantom [Replacement]

Raoul [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Performer

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1986
Performer

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Off-Off-Broadway Concert, 1986
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1982
R. Raymond-Barker

The Flying Circus

[St. Louis, MO (Regional)]
World Premiere, 1982
Younger Man

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1980
Sir Lionel's Squire

Sir Lionel

Ensemble

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1986
Performer

Davis Gaines Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1987]
Musical Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1987]
Musical Director
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1987]
Musical Director

Davis Gaines Videos

Davis Gaines News


Gladys Knight, THE NUTCRACKER & More Set for La Mirada Theatre Holiday & 2024 Programming


Discover the exciting lineup of holiday shows and special events at LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. Get ready for a season filled with entertainment and mark your calendars for the unmissable performances in 2024.

Video: Go Inside the Epic Final Performance of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA


Broadway's longest-running show ever, The Phantom of the Opera, took its final Broadway bow on April 16, 2023, after a 35-year run and BroadwayWorld was there for the red carpet. Check out highlights from the red carpet and curtain call in this video!

Cast & Creative Team Announced for EVITA at Skylight Music Theatre


Skylight Music Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for Evita, running February 3-19, 2023 at Skylight’s Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center.

School Spotlight: School of Theatre at Florida State University


The School of Theatre at Florida State University is regularly recognized as one of the finest theatre programs in the nation. The School of Theatre at Florida State University's mission is to use the evolving, live, collaborative art of theatre to develop artists and scholars who have a lifelong passion for the arts.

BWW Interview: Chatting with Veteran Broadway Actor Telly Leung


Broadway veteran Telly Leung has co-produced a documentary with Aaron Albano, another Broadway veteran and active member of the AAPI Broadway community. It is called ENSEMBLE and it is currently available via Broadway on Demand.

BWW Review: THE FANTASTICKS at Orlando Shakes


It’s hard to imagine a musical theatre world without the iconic, simple but lovely, musical THE FANTASTICKS. Opening at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in 1960 and playing a record breaking 42 years (making it the “world’s longest running musical”), Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s “little musical that could” has touched hearts and audiences for the last 62 years. It has evolved and changed over that time (more on that in a minute) but has never lost its core appeal – a beautiful, poetic, and highly theatrical tale of the power and depth of love – gained, lost and found again. Adding to the rich history of THE FANTASTICKS is the latest production of the musical at Orlando Shakes – one which delights, warms the heart and reminds us why it’s good to “Try to Remember” every so often.

Broadway Veteran Calvin Remsburg (Sweeney Todd, Cats And Phantom) Passes Away In Palm Springs


The recent passing of the talented, versatile, dynamic Calvin Remsberg has left a very wide and deep loss to all who have known and loved him. As well as to those who have worked and studied with him. Calvin’s accomplishments are not only many but varied and fascinating. His humor and creative insights were also a major element in all he did. He was a true friend to all and fiercely loyal to the professional ethics he learned from his amazing career.

Laura Hodos Sings Ethel Merman In New Solo Cabaret Premiering At Winter Park Playhouse


Who Could Ask For Anything More? Ms. Laura Hodos pays tribute to the iconic Ethel Merman and premieres her newest solo cabaret in The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series, February 23 and 24, 2022. Playhouse Musical Director Christopher Leavy will accompany on piano. 

Davis Gaines Returns To Orlando Shakes For THE FANTASTICKS


Acclaimed actor Davis Gaines, who has performed the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera over 2,000 times, will be featured in Orlando Shakes' next production, The Fantasticks, which runs February 2-26.

La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts Announces Special Events For 2022


La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts wants you to start your new year with some unforgettable experiences and extraordinary entertainment!  

New Events And Artists Announced For The Opening Weekend Community Celebration Of Steinmetz Hall


The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts today announced new events and artists for the opening weekend community celebration of Steinmetz Hall, an acoustically remarkable theater that completes the original design for the arts center. 

Orlando Shakes Returns For Season 33


For the first time since closing its doors due to the pandemic in March 2020, Orlando Shakes in partnership with UCF will return to its artistic home inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center.

Orlando Shakes Earns Actor's Union Approval For Return To Live Theater At Lake Eola Park


Orlando Shakes in partnership with UCF gained approval from the national professional actors union, the Actors' Equity Association (AEA), for an enchanting production under the stars filled with laughter and romance.

Winter Park Playhouse Presents BACK HOME TO BROADWAY Featuring Laura Hodos


The Winter Park Playhouse continues its virtual musical entertainment this Fall with a brand new cabaret - Back Home to Broadway - featuring professional vocalist Laura Hodos with Christopher Leavy on piano.

Virtual Theatre Today: Thursday, July 9- with Rosie Perez, an ALTAR BOYZ Reunion & More!


Today (July 9) in live streaming: The Public Theater premieres The Line, Bernadette Peters visits Stars in the House, and so much more!

Virtual Theatre Today: Monday, July 6- with Melissa Errico, Jay Armstrong Johnson & More!


Today (July 6) in live streaming: the conclusion of Broadway's Next on Stage, a Stars in the House birthday and so much more!

Tune in to The Muny's OUR LEADING MEN Stream Tonight, Featuring Jay Armstrong Johnson, Davis Gaines and More


The fourth installment of Muny Magic in Your Home will feature four of The Muny's most talented and beloved leading men from recent seasons.

Rubicon Theatre Company Kicks Off RUBICON GOES RETRO DRIVE-IN CONCERT With Christian Hoff and Travis Cloer


After record-breaking opening week sales, Rubicon Theatre Company has announced details related to the first event of Rubicon Goes Retro, the company's Safe-Distance Drive-In Theatre Concert Series featuring live 75-minute concerts at the Ventura County Fairgrounds that patrons can enjoy from the safety and comfort of their cars.

Rubicon Theatre Company Announces DRIVE-IN THEATRE CONCERT SERIES Featuring Christian Hoff and More


One theatre company in California has found a creative way to change that for their audiences. Rubicon Theatre Company, based in the beachside community of Ventura, has become the first non-profit professional regional theatre in the nation to announce a Safe-Distance Drive-In Theatre Concert Series.

The Muny Announces Free Online Summer 2020 Season Featuring Beth Leavel and More


The Muny announced today that it will offer 10 weeks of free online Muny entertainment for the summer of 2020. For 10 consecutive Monday nights, with a single repeat stream on the subsequent Thursday, audiences and fans can experience the magic of their Muny summer online at muny.org with both curated and newly created entertainment.

Davis Gaines FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Davis Gaines been in?

Davis Gaines has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Davis Gaines been in?

Davis Gaines has not appeared in the West End.

Get Davis Gaines Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos