MASQUERADE Reviews

[malcs98]

Posted: 9/28/25 at 10:28pm

Does anybody know when the critic embargo for Masquerade is lifted? 

Updated On: 9/28/25 at 10:28 PM

[Ensemble1711444445]

Posted: 9/28/25 at 11:13pm

it is mind bogglingly good. 

[Lot666]

Posted: 9/29/25 at 7:42am

Has it transitioned from "previews"? I somehow completely missed that announcement.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 9/29/25 at 8:47am

Lot666 said: "Has it transitioned from "previews"? I somehow completely missed that announcement."

It looks like they had an opening night gala performance last night, but I don’t know if critics have been invited yet? Odd that they wouldn't make more of a to-do about their opening night.

[quizking101]

Posted: 9/29/25 at 10:26am

They just announced an extension throwing February 1, 2026

Tickets on sale now via their website 

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 9/29/25 at 10:29am

I’m not claiming any kind of conspiracy, and it’s not just because I disliked it, but I genuinely wouldn’t be surprised if they’re being a little loose with critical engagement for as long as possible to stave off bad (or at least mixed) press. To date, we’ve only seen paid puff pieces and influencer videos on the usual platforms. And with no official opening night listed anywhere, I think it’s unlikely we’ll see any kind of traditional review rollout.

EDIT: Lol the reviews are literally coming out tonight. I maintain it’s not an incredibly traditional rollout; Vulture sent two critics to review it at once.

Updated On: 9/29/25 at 10:29 AM

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 9/29/25 at 11:42am

Not too long ago I read about the opening gala & press nights (tonight 9/29 being the latter) in one of the various write ups. The information was out there but not widely reported 

I still don’t think there will be as much traditional press/coverage as we would usually expect. The social media personality/“influencer” route produces better results for this kind of event, IMO. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/29/25 at 11:46am

ColorTheHours048 said: "I’m not claiming any kind of conspiracy, and it’s not just because I disliked it, but I genuinely wouldn’t be surprised if they’re being a little loose with critical engagement for as long as possible to stave off bad (or at least mixed) press. To date, we’ve only seen paid puff pieces and influencer videos on the usual platforms. And with no official opening night listed anywhere, I think it’s unlikely we’ll see any kind of traditional review rollout."

Agreed, they're getting what they want with all these influencers hyping it up. Good move on the productions' part and the new photos that came out today look pretty great. I think people love the idea of dressing up for an event, as it's pretty uncommon since Covid. No reviews necessary, this will print money for a long time.

[umbrellaman]

Posted: 9/29/25 at 1:52pm

I was expecting reviews today because I thought opening night was last night.   
https://playbill.com/article/get-a-1st-look-at-masquerade-the-immersive-phantom-of-the-opera
Playbill says it opens today, but the show is dark tonight.

If today is a special press night, could that explain what is happening?   I would think the show would be better reviewed with  regular theatergoers in the audience.

[BobbyBaccalieri]

Posted: 9/29/25 at 9:17pm

Edited because reviews are out.

Updated On: 9/29/25 at 09:17 PM

[malcs98]

Posted: 9/29/25 at 10:02pm

We got our first review: Adam Feldman, Time Out New York

https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/masquerade-review-phantom-opera-immersive-andrew-lloyd-webber

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 9/29/25 at 10:40pm

Sara Holdren and Jackson McHenry reviewed it together, but it’s really not much of a review at all: https://www.vulture.com/article/theater-review-masquerade-lloyd-webber-phantom-immersive.html

They both agree it’s on the cheesy side, and have some nice things to say about their respective Phantom/Christine pairing, but they spend more time discussing the musical, the original staging, and the logistics of how the show runs than the production itself.

The New York Times review by Alexis Soloski is more detailed and decidedly mixed: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/29/theater/masquerade-review-phantom-of-the-opera.html

Updated On: 9/30/25 at 10:40 PM

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 9/30/25 at 10:39am

ColorTheHours048 said: "The New York Times review by Alexis Soloski is more detailed and decidedly mixed:https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/29/theater/masquerade-review-phantom-of-the-opera.html"

 

"This “Masquerade” is silly, frustrating, ethically dubious and frankly thrilling. Also, it briefly tried to kill me."

There's your pull-quote!