#1
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
#3
==> this board is a nest of vipers <==
"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene"
- Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
Posted: 9/29/25 at 7:42am
Has it transitioned from "previews"? I somehow completely missed that announcement.
"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene"
- Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
#4
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.
#5
Posted: 9/29/25 at 10:26am
They just announced an extension throwing February 1, 2026
Tickets on sale now via their website
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#6
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
#7
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.
I am big. It’s the REVIVALS that got small.
#8
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.
#9
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.
#10
Posted: 9/29/25 at 9:17pm
Edited because reviews are out.
“The guy was an interior decorator. He killed 16 Czechoslovakians!”
Updated On: 9/29/25 at 09:17 PM
#11
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
#12
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
#13
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!
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