Steven Neal Barton was an American actor, singer, dancer, teacher, choreographer, and stage director.
16 Facts About Steve Barton
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Steve Barton worked internationally in the United States, London, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
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Steve Barton is most well-known for originating the role of Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny in the West End and Broadway productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, and later taking over the title role of The Phantom of the Opera in the Broadway production.
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Steve Barton originated the starring role of Graf von Krolock in Dance of the Vampires.
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Steve Barton won a scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin, where he majored in theater, dance and voice, and appeared in over 30 productions with UT and the Ballet of Austin.
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Steve Barton landed his first professional role in St Gallen, Switzerland, then performed in several major Swiss, German and Austrian theater companies.
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In 1986, Steve Barton originated the role of Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera in London.
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In 1989, Steve Barton reprised his performance as Raoul opposite Crawford's Phantom in the previews and opening night performance of the Ahmanson Theatre production of the show when principal Raoul actor Reece Holland was injured.
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Steve Barton took over the role of The Phantom in 1990 from Cris Groenendaal in the Broadway production; he was the fourth principal actor to portray the role on Broadway.
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In 1996, Steve Barton returned to Vienna, where he took over the part of The Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
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Steve Barton originated the role of Graf von Krolock, a vampire in Jim Steinman's Dance of the Vampires, for which he won an IMAGE in 1998.
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Steve Barton celebrated his 30-year onstage anniversary in 1997 during his run as von Krolock.
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Steve Barton was taking over the title role from Ethan Freeman.
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Steve Barton was married to swing dancer and choreographer Denny Berry, who served as dance supervisor for the North American productions of The Phantom of the Opera, whom he met at college.
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Steve Barton was an honorary chairperson of the Steadman Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation and an honorary member of the UTA Board of Education.
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Steve Barton was found dead at his apartment in Bremen, Germany, on July 21,2001, aged 47.