Broadway’s longest running musical, The Phantom of the Opera, is a spectacular show that transports audiences to 1905 Paris and the legendary Palais Garnier opera house. With opulent sets, lavish costumes, a thrilling score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and some of musical theater’s most iconic songs like “The Music of the Night” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” this musical has enthralled over 140 million audience members in its 35 year run. But with premium ticket prices, is seeing Phantom on Broadway still worth it in 2023? Here are some key factors to consider when deciding whether to purchase tickets for this Broadway classic.
The Story and Characters
Based on the 1910 French novel by Gaston Leroux, Phantom’s gothic love story has become ingrained in popular culture. A mysteriously deformed “Phantom” haunts the Palais Garnier opera house and falls in love with a young soprano named Christine Daaé. As he privately tutors Christine to develop her vocal talents, the Phantom becomes obsessed with her rising star at the opera house. But Christine is also charmed by her childhood sweetheart, the Vicomte Raoul de Chagny. This dangerous love triangle unfolds amidst the spectacle of the Paris opera house.
Audiences follow the naive Christine as she navigates her complicated relationships with the controlling, disfigured Phantom and the dashing Raoul. The Phantom is a complex, tortured antihero who evokes both fear and pity. Audiences embrace the romance between Christine and Raoul, while also feeling the Phantom’s profound heartbreak. These powerful lead characters and their emotional journey resonate with audiences, especially when performed by a strong cast.
The Iconic Score
Many musical theater fans rank The Phantom of the Opera among Andrew Lloyd Webber’s greatest scores. “The Music of the Night,” the Phantom’s lush ode to his love of music and obsession with Christine, is one of the most romantic and recognizable songs in musical theater canon. The sweeping title song and chorus number “The Phantom of the Opera” is a adrenaline rush live, as the Phantom and Christine sing of his dark, torturous existence in the opera house dungeons.
Other standout numbers include “Think of Me,” Christine’s moving aria as she embarks on her singing career, the ensemble’s vigorous rendition of the opera “Hannibal,” and the sweeping romance “All I Ask of You” with Christine and Raoul. Even listeners not familiar with Phantom likely recognize at least a few of its songs. Hearing this gorgeous score performed live by a full orchestra is an experience that sparks goosebumps.
The Production and Staging
Part of what makes Phantom such an awe-inspiring theater event are its lavish production values. The set design is cinematic in scale, with the grand proscenium stage of the Palais Garnier opera house taking center stage. When the enormous crystal chandelier crashes onto the stage in the climax of Act I, it’s a visceral, jaw-dropping moment. Other technical feats include the Phantom’s disappearing act through a mirror and trap door, flames that burst from the stage during a magic act, and a boat that carries the Phantom and Christine across a misty underground lake.
Maria Björnson’s Tony Award winning costumes evoke the belle époque period, with elaborate gowns, tailored suits, and the Phantom’s eerie half mask. Audiences can appreciate the intricate craftsmanship on display in the production’s sets and costumes up close. Seeing these lavish production elements live makes the world of Phantom spring vividly to life.
Broadway Caliber Talent
Staging an epic musical like Phantom requires vocal powerhouses and seasoned stage veterans. Four characters carry nearly the entire show themselves: Christine, Raoul, the Phantom, and diva soprano Carlotta. Leads must deliver powerful singing while also conveying emotional vulnerability. Broadway’s standards for casting are evident, with Juilliard-trained rising stars and established theater veterans taking on these vocally and dramatically demanding roles.
Beyond the principal roles, the ensemble and orchestra must execute challenging opera and ballet sequences. A standout moment comes when the corps de ballet performs choreography with billowing scarves. Audiences can appreciate the talent required to perfect these scenes. Simply put, Phantom houses some of Broadway’s best triple threat talent.
Unique Theater Experience
Phantom transforms Broadway’s Majestic Theatre into the grand Paris Opera House for audiences. The Majestic Theatre itself dates back to 1927 and features a restored Art Deco interior. The combination of the Majestic’s old world glamor and Phantom’s stage set creates an elegant, immersive theater experience. Unlike movies or TV, live theater offers a visceral rush as live performers carry you to another world right before your eyes. Phantom capitalizes on this with a scale and dramatic intensity beyond most stage shows.
Audiences also share in this live experience together, reacting with gasps, laughter, tears, and applause as the story unfolds. Especially during standout songs like “The Music of the Night,” the auditorium swells with emotion. This communal theater experience bonds audiences unlike most forms of entertainment today. For Phantom fans, actually sitting in the legendary theater and experiencing the show live can be singularly special.
Why It May Not be Worth It
Despite its longevity and popularity, there are some potential downsides of seeing Phantom on Broadway:
- It’s very expensive. Current ticket prices start at $99 and can exceed $199 for premium seats. Add in fees, transportation, and meals, seeing Phantom can become very pricey for tourists especially.
- The mystique may be gone if you’ve seen it. Many fans have already seen Phantom on Broadway or touring productions multiple times.
- It’s a very dated musical. Phantom’s belting score and romantic plot may feel old-fashioned to some modern listeners.
- The story sags in parts. The show runs over 2 hours, and some scenes crawl along without big musical numbers.
- It relies heavily on spectacle. Critics argue the Broadway production masks a weak story with stage tricks and pyrotechnics.
If money is no object and you’ve never seen Phantom live, Broadway’s original production may still enchant you. But for repeat viewers, the high ticket cost may not justify revisiting a familiar show.
How to Get Cheaper Tickets
If you still want to see Phantom on Broadway on a budget, here are some tips to get more affordable tickets:
- See a weekday matinee. These are the least popular showtimes, so you’re more likely to find ticket discounts.
- Buy rear mezzanine seats. You’ll get a more distant view but seats here typically start under $100.
- Try discount ticket sellers. Online sellers like TodayTix can offer 20-30% off normal prices.
- Enter the box office lottery. A limited number of $29-$39 tickets are sold through an in-person drawing.
- Wait for a special sale. Broadway Week and other promotions can take 20-50% off tickets.
You likely won’t score orchestra seats this way. But you can still experience the magic of Phantom for under $100 with a little effort.
Conclusion
The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway remains a spectacle like no other. Audiences are transported to early 20th century Paris through lavish sets and costumes, illusion, and pyrotechnics. Phantom’s thrilling score performed live is a Broadway experience not matched by tours or films. Fans can appreciate the vocal mastery and emotional depth of Broadway’s talented cast. And the production offers a once-in-a-lifetime night at the theater.
Yet premium ticket prices mean seeing Phantom is out of reach for many. And the musical may feel stale to anyone but die-hard devotees. For your bucket list, special occasion, or first Broadway show, Phantom still dazzles. But it may not justify repeat visits, especially at full price. For budget travelers or times when discounts are offered, Broadway’s longest running smash retains its allure. Where the magic can sweep you away, Phantom’s haunting musical genius comes alive.