The seats were fine, but my glasses would have enhanced the experience. If only I hadn’t forgotten my glasses at home! Sitting in the mezzanine, some of the details were lost on me. And the masquerade scene with ornate costumes, and a massive staircase. Several scenes wowed for their staging as well, like the river and boat scene with candles appearing from the floor and mist floating across the stage as the boat moved effortlessly. Phantom of the Opera chandelier moving during intermission. It’s still incredible to see that happen (granted, it doesn’t actually come crashing down as I imagined it might, it was more like a slow descent – which makes sense for safety, but I did think it would go faster). You probably know the chandelier moves – it’s a major plot point. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so I’ll just say the Phantom appears in places you don’t expect him, which amazes and delights.

Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan Phantom of the Opera stagingĪssuming the staging is the same, after 30 years, the show MORE THAN holds up. Phantom of the Opera on Broadway – opening scene. I felt like a parent failure that my son hadn’t heard any of the music before this. I’ve grown up with the music, but there was no equivalent to hearing it performed live by an orchestra and hearing the vocal performances live too. And reading through the Playbill, it’s amazing how many of the actors were in traveling versions of Phantom elsewhere. Having listened to the music many many times over the years, the cast did more than justice to the roles. Those playing Christine and the Phantom were in their first year in these Broadway roles, and it was Carlotta’s Broadway debut (granted, she’s had an illustrious career in opera, so it’s not like she’s new to the stage). And I was happy for them, because they were wowed and this would be an incredible first Broadway experience. The tourists behind us said this was their first Broadway show.

Phantom of the opera costume 3 yr old