Has the Phantom of the Opera's set been replaced/refurbished?

[Dallas Theatre Fan]

Posted: 1/28/18 at 7:26pm

Are the set pieces seen today the same set pieces that opened the show back in 1988?  If it was replaced when was the time period when it occurred?  If it is the same set from 1988 is there a plan to replace it?

Running for eight times a week for thirty years using 1988 computer technology puts a strain on anything no matter how well taken care of the set is.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 1/28/18 at 7:33pm

Not set related, but I remember reading the sound system got a complete upgrade a few years back

[Tag]

Posted: 1/28/18 at 7:55pm

Yes in 2008 the production shut down for 4 days to install a digital sound system.

I believe Phantom is the only Broadway production that doesn't use intelligent or moving light, meaning the lighting plot is pretty close to what it was 30 years ago (obviously  fixtures have been replaced over the years).

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 1/28/18 at 7:57pm

Here’s a link to an article about the four day shutdown to update the sound system:
http://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-phantom-shuts-down-aug-24-27-for-installation-of-new-sound-system-com-152632

I remember in the early 2000’s, the webbing at the center stage edge of the Hannibal drop was torn and stayed that way for years and then sometime in the middle of the decade it was either repaired or replaced.
There are many backstage pictures of Phantom that show where the cast and crew tagged the upstage side of some of the set pieces. Not sure how far back the tagging goes.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 1/28/18 at 8:05pm

I was at the 30th anniversary performance on Wednesday night, and the show (performers and the production itself) are both in incredible shape. The looks and sounds great.

[Dallas Theatre Fan]

Posted: 1/28/18 at 8:53pm

I forgot the show closed to get a new sound system thank you.
To add on, I've heard that the West End version is on their second chandelier but I couldn't find anything concrete on that.

[CallMeAl2]

Posted: 1/29/18 at 2:06am

I'm sure things that have worn out have been replaced as needed, but it's the same set as 1988. The original motors still raise and lower the candelabras from beneath the stage. The same chandelier ("Ruthie II" ) still rises over the audience.

Updated On: 1/29/18 at 02:06 AM

[Tag]

Posted: 1/29/18 at 3:40pm

The chandelier computer still apparently runs on MS DOS!!
According to this video the winches were replaced around 20 years ago, to make it fall more dramatically.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 1/29/18 at 6:22pm

Tag said: "The chandelier computer still apparently runs on MS DOS!!
According to this video the winches were replaced around 20 years ago, to make it fall more dramatically."

I think the term "fall" is rather generous. "Lowered at a slightly faster speed than the opening ascent" is probably more accurate.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/29/18 at 9:29pm

Please remember that stage lighting will fade scenery. Surely sets have been re-painted or replaced down through the years.

[ThirstyThersites]

Posted: 1/29/18 at 9:52pm

I remember about 12 or so years ago the self-playing piano kept malfunctioning but the producers didn't want to pay to replace it. I suppose that speaks to a certain reluctance to do too much set replacement. 

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 1/29/18 at 10:02pm

Just curious if there is a source for the piano anecdote? I too remember it not working occasionally around 10 or so years ago.

[ThirstyThersites]

Posted: 1/29/18 at 10:07pm

Phantom4ever said: "Just curious if there is a source for the piano anecdote? I too remember it not working occasionally around 10 or so years ago."

Not really, I was backstage in HS and a cast member told me. 

[SomethingPeculiar]

Posted: 1/29/18 at 10:36pm

The boat was replaced about 3 months into the run, according to this article

 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/29/18 at 11:11pm

It def needs a bit of an update.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 1/29/18 at 11:29pm

With something like lights, I feel like soon they’ll need to update the grid at some point. In another thirty years, the lights they used thirty years might not be manufactured anymore.

[Loopin’theloop]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 5:03am

Over in London, it has become a little notorious for cost cutting. If the set is in great condition, then of course why would a producer replace it but it seems there have been corners cut for years. I’ve never heard the self playing piano story but I would imagine it is true. There is a lot of duct tape folding the flats together!

[Justin D]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 7:15am

From what I saw the few times I went backstage the bulk of the 'hard set' is pretty well made, steel stage and all. and the Candelabra are still the original. The drapes definitely got replaced a while ago as the one at the top of the show is much brighter than it use to be (the first one in the auction).

as for the lights, I agree that it will eventually become harder to source replacement bulbs, and those old fashioned bulbs arent cheap. Converting to LED will also save on their electrical bill, but I have yet to see a 'modern' show with LED lights that have the warmth that the incandescent lights in Phantom have. Alot of LED lit shows these days have a 'bubble gum' look to them

[Lot666]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 7:48am

Justin D said: "I have yet to see a 'modern' show with LED lights that have the warmth that the incandescent lights in Phantom have. Alot of LED lit shows these days have a 'bubble gum' look to them"

Like Spongebob?

[Justin D]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 11:44am

well haven't seen spongebob as yet, but in that case it would suit it nicely. it isnt impossible to get the warmth with LEDs, its just very tricky. But come to think of it, surely the more recent replica productions use modern lighting, I know they use moving lights so maybe they use LEDs also.

[Justin D]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 11:46am

It has also been said that the Broadway production got a new chandelier but they are reluctant to use it and replace the original (superstitions about it causing the show to close)

But I am sure with modern technology they can make it lighter thus crashing more effectively.

[RemlapLBC]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 1:15pm

I'm just saying the chandelier crash in the Las Vegas production was amazing.  They obviously can do things with 30 years of new technology.  That said, I hope they don't do too much to it.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 1:17pm

Certainly in London a great deal of car is taken in maintaining set and costume.

It still looks in good shape, although obviously the design is now rather "classic".  But I'd sooner that than the tour mess.

[Lot666]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 1:24pm

RemlapLBC said: "I'm just saying the chandelier crash in the Las Vegas productionwas amazing. They obviously can do things with 30 years of new technology. That said, I hope they don't do too much to it."

I'm not sure if/how this might impact things, but the chandelier in Las Vegas was positioned way out in the middle of the orchestra seating area and only went up and down; it did not swing over onto the stage (directly at several members of the cast) as the London/Broadway chandeliers do.

[Lot666]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 1:26pm

devonian.t said: "obviously the design is now rather "classic". But I'd sooner that than the tour mess."