The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most famous musicals of all time, having been seen by over 140 million people worldwide since its debut in 1986. With beautiful music composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and an epic love story based on the classic 1911 novel by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera has cemented its place as a true Broadway classic. However, with expensive ticket prices and mixed reviews over the years, the question remains: is The Phantom of the Opera worth seeing live on stage? There are many factors to consider when determining if the experience of seeing The Phantom of the Opera is worth the ticket cost.
The Story and Characters
The Phantom of the Opera follows a deformed, mysterious man known as the Phantom who lurks beneath the Paris Opera House and falls in love with a young soprano named Christine Daaé. As the Phantom’s obsession with Christine grows, he terrorizes the opera house while also tutoring Christine in music. She becomes torn between her music teacher and childhood sweetheart Raoul. This dark, gothic tale set in the romantic, elaborate Paris Opera House has all the ingredients for drama, passion, mystery and tragedy.
The three main characters are compelling in their own ways. The Phantom is a complex, pitiable villain who elicits both fear and sympathy. Christine is a gentle, talented ingénue who must choose between her two very different suitors. And Raoul is the dashing romantic hero who tries to rescue Christine from the Phantom. Supporting characters like the diva Carlotta, the wise Madame Giry, and the opera managers Monsieur André and Monsieur Firmin also add humor and depth to the story. The characters are timeless and unforgettable.
The Score
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sweeping score is considered the heart and soul of The Phantom of the Opera. It features beautiful love songs like “All I Ask of You” and “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” lively crowd-pleasers like “Masquerade” and “Prima Donna,” and the iconic, soaring title song. Musical highlights include the crashing chandelier scene and the sweeping overture and title song. Even for those not familiar with the plot, the music is recognizable and emotive.
The lush orchestrations, haunting pipe organ melodies, romantic vocals, and memorable melodies create a powerful, emotional impact. Songs like “The Music of the Night,” “Angel of Music,” and “The Point of No Return” have become musical theatre standards. The combination of Webber’s melodic brilliance and inspired lyrics by Charles Hart make this one of the most unforgettable theatre scores of all time. Whether seen on stage or just listened to on a cast recording, the music alone makes The Phantom of the Opera a masterpiece.
The Spectacle
Beyond the story and music, The Phantom of the Opera is famous for its breathtaking spectacle. The show is designed to overwhelm the audience with its special effects and stage magic. The glorious backdrop of the Paris Opera House comes to life through majestic set pieces, elaborate costumes reflecting the 19th century time period, and dramatic lighting creating an eerie, haunted atmosphere.
Some of the most memorable spectacles include the infamous crashing chandelier scene, the Phantom’s dramatic unveiling, the masquerade ball with swirling dancers in colorful costumes, the boat ride on the underground lake, and the candlelit labyrinth underneath the opera house. The lavish production design transports the audience to the high society world of the Parisian opera. The special effects create wonder, surprise, and even fright at times that enhance the emotion of the story.
Seeing these iconic spectacles live on stage is a visual treat unavailable from listening to a cast recording alone. The incredible production value elevates The Phantom of the Opera into a feast for the senses beyond just the music.
The Cast
While many associate The Phantom of the Opera with its original cast members Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, one of the advantages of its longevity is getting to see different interpretations of the characters over the years. Standouts in the title role have included Colm Wilkinson, Anthony Warlow, and Ben Crawford, each bringing their own spin on the Phantom. Sierra Boggess, Ali Ewoldt, and Meghan Picerno are some Christines who have wowed audiences with their soprano voices and ingenue charm. Broadway veteran Hugh Panaro has frequently donned the Phantom’s mask to great acclaim.
A benefit of seeing The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway or tour is experiencing whichever wonderful cast is currently starring in those iconic roles. Their vocal talents and emotional acting can make you forget you’re watching a stage show and really transport you into the story. However, the strength of the book, music, and production ensure an engaging experience regardless of cast. The ever-rotating casts keep the show fresh and intriguing even for repeat viewers.
The Live Experience
Part of what makes The Phantom of the Opera so special is the experience of seeing it live in a grand historic theater. The spectacle loses impact without the scale, sounds, and collective energy of a live theatrical performance. Beyond just seeing the stage magic for yourself, you feel immersed in the haunted world. Hearing a full orchestra and singers without amplification makes the iconic score more powerful. Sharing screams and applause creates electricity throughout the theater.
The Phantom of the Opera is currently staged at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway, a venue perfectly suited to the gothic grandeur of the show. Originally built in 1927 with French baroque architecture, gold accents, red velvet seats, and boxes overlooking the stage, the Majestic Theatre transports the viewer to the opera house itself. Its excellent acoustics complements Webber’s music. The live experience at the Majestic or equally stunning touring venues elevates the material to create potent theatrical magic.
Response from Critics
The Phantom of the Opera has divided critics ever since its debut. Reviewers praised its musical score, visual spectacle and stagecraft, but had mixed reactions on the narrative.
Original reviews in 1986-87 were quite positive. New York Times critic Frank Rich said it “is one of the most gorgeously appointed spectacles in Broadway history.” Variety called it “a spectacular entertainment, one that offers theatergoers all the marvels that money can buy”.
However, some critics argued the story and characters failed to match the technical feats. Washington Post’s Richard Coe criticized “a weak, sentimental plot supported by lyrics that often border on ludicrous”. Chicago Tribune’s Richard Christiansen agreed, saying the plot “wears down long before the show’s end.”
Recent reviews have remained polarized. BroadwayWorld labeled it “the most successful musical ever” in 2014, while Hollywood Reporter reviewer David Rooney wrote the “mystery has evaporated through sheer repetition.” Critics tend to agree the score remains brilliant but the story can feel dated or over-the-top.
The accusations of it being overblown or cheesy have made The Phantom of the Opera a constant debate among theatre fans. Its longevity and continued ticket sales indicate that audiences worldwide still find it entertaining and worth the ticket cost.
Accolades
Despite mixed critical reception, The Phantom of the Opera has racked up numerous awards and honors over the decades:
- 1986 Olivier Awards: Musical of the Year, Best Actor in a Musical
- 1988 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Set Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting
- Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Actor, Director, Choreography
- Outer Critics Circle: Best Broadway Musical
- 7.9/10 audience rating on BroadwayWorld
- Over 70 major theater awards worldwide
It held the title of longest-running Broadway show ever for many years until surpassed by The Lion King in 2014. However, it remains the longest-running Broadway show at the Winter Garden Theatre, where it opened in 1988.
The original cast recording was nominated for a Grammy and reached platinum sales. The Phantom of the Opera movie adaptation earned Oscar nominations. This level of acclaim from both critics and audiences demonstrates its lasting cultural impact.
Ticket Prices
Premium orchestra seats currently range from $169-$299, while rear mezzanine seats start around $79. Limited lottery seats at $29 are also available. Comparing costs for other popular Broadway musicals, The Phantom of the Opera lands in the middle range. More affordable options are available off-Broadway or through tours.
While not cheap, fans argue the experience is worth the splurge compared to watching movies or concerts. For musical theatre devotees who’ve never seen Phantom live or want to revisit a beloved show, the ticket prices balance the production quality and memories created. Of course, discounts like student rush tickets or special promotions can make it more accessible.
Conclusion
Is The Phantom of the Opera worth it? The answer likely depends on personal taste. For die-hard musical theatre fans, the chance to see this iconic show live likely outweighs any qualms about the plot or score. Between the lavish spectacle, stellar music, and ever-evolving casts, it offers a complete Broadway package. Skeptics may still find elements like the gothic design and stage effects impressive even if the story doesn’t move them.
More casual viewers or those on tight budgets may wish to stream a film version instead. However, anyone who loves live theatre should see The Phantom of the Opera in person at least once to fully appreciate its technical achievements. Those already familiar with the show may continue finding new casts refreshing and rediscovering nuances in the script and music. The Phantom of the Opera remains a Broadway classic still worth experiencing on stage after over 30 years.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Iconic score featuring “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” and the title song | Plot can feel melodramatic or disjointed |
Elaborate sets and special effects like the crashing chandelier | High ticket prices, especially for premium seats |
rotate casts offer new interpretations | Mixed reviews especially on story and lyrics |
Opulent theatrical experience transporting you to 1870s Paris opera house | Some dated elements |
Perfect venue at the Majestic Theatre |
Key Takeaways
- The timeless score by Andrew Lloyd Webber remains the heart of The Phantom of the Opera’s appeal.
- Seeing the lavish spectacle staged live allows full appreciation of its technical triumphs.
- Ever-changing casts keep the material fresh, though it remains nostalgic for many.
- The Majestic Theatre provides an ideal backdrop reminiscent of a 19th century Paris opera house.
- Despite some valid critiques on the plot, experiencing this Broadway classic live is worth the ticket cost for most theatre fans.