“Phantom of the Opera” is back in Seattle.
The beloved, long-running musical is here for a limited engagement. Judging by crowd enthusiasm (huge) and ticket availability (tiny), this show is still a hit 40 years in.
This is a new North American tour of one of the most popular and successful shows ever. “Phantom of the Opera” opened in London in 1986 and on Broadway in 1988. The Broadway production closed in April 2023 after close to 14,000 performances.
We were lucky enough to join the crowd at the Paramount Theatre on the Friday of opening weekend. By “we” I mean this middle-aged writer, who saw “Phantom” in its early London days (after sitting on the sidewalk for hours to score last-minute seats); and my college-age niece, a dancer and lover of all things theatrical for whom “Phantom” was a bucket-list item.
We both had a great time and definitely found ourselves holding our breath and gasping in surprise at times.
‘Phantom’: What the show is about
Isaiah Bailey is quite menacing at times as the Phantom. (Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
“Phantom” is darker than I remembered.
Based on a 1910 French novel by Gaston Leroux, it’s the tale of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House and makes a young soprano his protégé. It is not all “hearts and flowers” as one might say, though, as the Phantom doesn’t hesitate to impose his will nor to express his displeasure at certains turns of events.
The production is recommended for ages 8 and up and contains theatrical haze, fog, prop guns, blank firing, and open flame. Not to mention a certain dramatic incident with a piece of home decor.
This is also an eye-poppingly beautiful production, as well as being technically amazing. (How did the Phantom just disappear? How did they create that lake? Wait … how did Christine get from her dressing room to the basement so quickly?)
The Masquerade is one of many visually spectacular moments in “The Phantom of the Opera.” (Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
‘Phantom of the Opera’ in Seattle
If you’re intrigued, here’s what to know:
“Phantom” is in Seattle for longer than some touring shows stay, but it’s still a short run. This is the remaining schedule:
- Saturday, May 16: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Sunday, May 17: 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (open captioned)
- Tuesday, May 19: 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 20: 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, May 21: 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 22: 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 23: 2 p.m. (open captioned); 8 p.m. (ASL interpreted)
- Sunday, May 24: 1 p.m. (ASL and audio described); and 6:30 p.m.
Find tickets here. Be warned: Availability was pretty sparse when last I checked. Good luck!
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