I had the pleasure in 1991, I think, of seeing Phantom of the Opera in Toronto, original Canadian cast.
Now whether one likes or dislikes AL Webber doesn't matter.
What mattered was I was taken out of my own reality for the period of the time I was there and became part of the experience. Now I didn't know this had happened until it ended, and suddenly I was me again. Then I realized that I was so involved in the play that I totally became devoid of who I was.
This has never happened since.......maybe it was because that was my first major Broadway (Canadian) musical, .....I don't know......but I remember the feeling when I "came back"......and was in my seat........and I was not happy to be back.
Anything that can make you forget who you are, what your problems are, if only for a short time, is a wondrous thing!
It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story...
AGATHA CHRISTIE, Life magazine, May 14, 1956