Watch Mayor Eric Adams Present Andrew Lloyd Webber With Key to the City of New York

Prior to the April 16 closing of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, New York City Mayor Eric Adams awarded a Key to the City of New York to the famed composer April 14.

"For more than 50 years, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's music has defined Broadway," said Mayor Adams. "From Jesus Christ Superstar to The Phantom of the Opera—Broadway's longest-running show—to Bad Cinderella, Andrew's legacy has inspired countless generations and attracted tens of millions of people to our city. Although he may come from across the pond, Andrew's story is a New York City story. An EGOT winner, a Knight, a Lord—and now I am proud to add one more honor to that long list —recipient of the Key to New York City."

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"For nearly five decades, Broadway has acted as my second home, dating all the way back to 1971 with Jesus Christ Superstar," added Lloyd Webber. "I am honored to receive a Key to the City of New York, a symbol of how pivotal New York City is to my personal life and professional career in theatre. I thank Mayor Eric Adams for this gift and with Bad Cinderella, I'm looking forward to performing my work under Broadway's iconic lights once again."

Lloyd Webber was joined at the ceremony by Sarah Brightman, Phantom's original Christine, and Bad Cinderella's Linedy Genao.

Olivier winner Lloyd Webber, whose newest musical, Bad Cinderella, just opened on Broadway, has been nominated for 23 competitive Tony Awards, winning six, as well as a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement. He has also been nominated for 14 Grammys, winning three. With his 1996 Oscar and his 2018 Emmy, he became one of a handful of people to achieve EGOT status. In 1992, Lloyd Webber was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

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The Key to the City of New York was first awarded in 1702 by New York City Mayor Phillip French, when he offered "Freedom of the City" to Viscount Edward Cornbury, governor of New York and New Jersey. Today, the Key is a symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for those whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.

Check out video of the event above and photos from the presentation below: