Posted: 8/6/25 at 3:23pm
Isaiah Bailey - The Phantom
Jordan Lee Gilbert - Christine Daaé
Daniel Lopez - Raoul
Posted: 8/6/25 at 3:24pm
Has anyone heard of them before? Would've thought they would've got some veterans for this tour.
Posted: 8/6/25 at 3:37pm
TennisFan said: "Has anyone heard of them before? Would've thought they would've got some veterans for this tour."
This tour exists to be cheaper, they wouldn't hire veterans as its counter to the mission.
Posted: 8/6/25 at 3:47pm
TheatreFan4 said: "TennisFan said: "Has anyone heard of them before? Would've thought they would've got some veterans for this tour."
This tour exists to be cheaper, they wouldn't hire veterans as its counter to the mission."
I guess, but I believe it was level 1 touring contracts, which kinda counteract that point.
Posted: 8/6/25 at 6:09pm
It's a little weird to me that none of the three leads have been on Broadway before, and the guy playing the Phantom's biggest credit is being in the ensemble of a national tour. Not saying he won't be fantastic, but that is a pretty major jump up the showbiz ladder.
Also, can we please stop with "hot Phantom?" Why is he posing for the press photo with his pecs poking out of a half-buttoned shirt? The whole point of the character is that he is physically repulsive. I hope they stick to the original costume and wig design and don't give him floppy hair parted on the side like the last tour.
Posted: 8/6/25 at 6:36pm
Da tour. Love those 80s globe lightbulbs on the cute chandelier. Oh my.
Posted: 8/6/25 at 6:42pm
BrodyFosse123 said: "Da tour. Love those 80s globe lightbulbs on the cute chandelier. Oh my.
"
Posted: 8/6/25 at 7:07pm
BrodyFosse123 said: "Da tour. Love those 80s globe lightbulbs on the cute chandelier. Oh my."
The website lists Hal Prince and his designers and makes no mention of Laurence Connor, so one should assume this tour is based off the original production. That’s not to say it will be an exact replica and will be downscaled a little bit.
I actually wonder if they’ll be using the World Tour scenic package(I can’t find any info if that’s still running or not) or bringing back The Music Box tour set.
Posted: 8/6/25 at 7:15pm
The world tour is still running. The website is in Mandarin or something but the official TPOTO Instagram posted cast info the other day, so it probably paused and is now starting up again.
Posted: 8/6/25 at 7:25pm
This tour will be a (scaled down) version of the original production, so yes, it will be the original design.
I would argue that "Hot Phantom" is kinda the point? If he has the mask and the wig on, the man is supposed to look mysterious and seductive. They cast (aging) leading men in the role for 35 years - the Phantom is supposed to be attractive as long as his face is covered up.
Posted: 8/6/25 at 8:26pm
The Distinctive Baritone said: "It's a little weird to me that none of the three leads have been on Broadway before, and the guy playing the Phantom's biggest credit is being in the ensemble of a national tour. Not saying he won't be fantastic, but that is a pretty major jump up the showbiz ladder.
Also, can we please stop with "hot Phantom?" Why is he posing for the press photo with his pecs poking out of a half-buttoned shirt? The whole point of the character is that he is physically repulsive. I hope they stick to the original costume and wig design and don't give him floppyhair parted on the side like the last tour."
God forbid they cast new worthy talent you’ve never heard. How dare they possibly market the show in a way you aren’t used to! If we are gonna tour Phatom for the 20th time let’s do it exactly the same way, with the same theater names you know. That’s surely how to keep it all fresh. Just go see the show, then maybe come here and complain.
Posted: 8/6/25 at 8:59pm
Ensemble1698878795 said: "The Distinctive Baritone said: "It's a little weird to me that none of the three leads have been on Broadway before, and the guy playing the Phantom's biggest credit is being in the ensemble of a national tour. Not saying he won't be fantastic, but that is a pretty major jump up the showbiz ladder.
Also, can we please stop with "hot Phantom?" Why is he posing for the press photo with his pecs poking out of a half-buttoned shirt? The whole point of the character is that he is physically repulsive. I hope they stick to the original costume and wig design and don't give him floppyhair parted on the side like the last tour."
God forbid they cast new worthy talent you’ve never heard. How dare they possibly market the show in a way you aren’t used to! If we are gonna tour Phatom for the 20th time let’s do it exactly the same way, with the same theater names you know. That’s surely how to keep it all fresh. Just go see the show, then maybe come here and complain."
I would argue that this tour is going to sell well because of the “same way” the show was for 30+ years. You are belittling the amazing talents of the late Maria, Hal and Gillian; as well as the nostalgia many feel for this show. If people wanted something new, then that dreadful Laurence Connor production would still be running.
This cast leaves me interested, and perhaps underwhelmed; but I’ve got my tickets for Los Angeles and I’m hoping for the best.
Posted: 8/6/25 at 9:03pm
Ensemble1698878795 said: "The Distinctive Baritone said: "It's a little weird to me that none of the three leads have been on Broadway before, and the guy playing the Phantom's biggest credit is being in the ensemble of a national tour. Not saying he won't be fantastic, but that is a pretty major jump up the showbiz ladder.
Also, can we please stop with "hot Phantom?" Why is he posing for the press photo with his pecs poking out of a half-buttoned shirt? The whole point of the character is that he is physically repulsive. I hope they stick to the original costume and wig design and don't give him floppyhair parted on the side like the last tour."
God forbid they cast new worthy talent you’ve never heard. How dare they possibly market the show in a way you aren’t used to! If we are gonna tour Phatom for the 20th time let’s do it exactly the same way, with the same theater names you know. That’s surely how to keep it all fresh. Just go see the show, then maybe come here and complain."
Actually, yes, I would like it to be exactly the same as the original. I saw the Broadway production four times throughout my childhood growing up in New York and it was one of my favorite pieces of theater ever, so if I am going to spend $200 on a ticket to the tour I would like it to sufficiently feed my nostalgia for a simpler time when Phantoms were creepy and sang in a half-whisper while underscored by bombastic 80s rock orchestrations. Thank you for your understanding.
Updated On: 8/6/25 at 09:03 PM
Posted: 8/6/25 at 9:03pm
Also, can we please stop with "hot Phantom?" Why is he posing for the press photo with his pecs poking out of a half-buttoned shirt? The whole point of the character is that he is physically repulsive. I hope they stick to the original costume and wig design and don't give him floppy hair parted on the side like the last tour."
Considering the majority of ticket buyers are women, we enjoy seeing the Phantom as he's supposed to be: A sexy, broken artist that can seduce ladies (haha). This isn't 40 years ago, it's okay that he's delicious in 2025.
Posted: 8/6/25 at 9:11pm
That’s fair I guess Sutton. But as a not particularly attractive middle aged man I want to see myself represented onstage, lol.
Posted: 8/7/25 at 7:37am
The Distinctive Baritone said: "It's a little weird to me that none of the three leads have been on Broadway before, and the guy playing the Phantom's biggest credit is being in the ensemble of a national tour. Not saying he won't be fantastic, but that is a pretty major jump up the showbiz ladder.
Also, can we please stop with "hot Phantom?" Why is he posing for the press photo with his pecs poking out of a half-buttoned shirt? The whole point of the character is that he is physically repulsive. I hope they stick to the original costume and wig design and don't give him floppyhair parted on the side like the last tour."
100% agree. I found the casting of the last CamMack "reimagined" tour to be almost entirely disappointing, and this announcement isn't giving me much hope for the new tour.
I also find it curious that they're calling it "Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design". I'm expecting a virtual copy of what's in London now, and that's not "Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design"; it's "Cameron Mackintosh's cheap knockoff".
Posted: 8/7/25 at 2:20pm
We should really stop acting like they've actually cast anyone in a professional production of Phantom who was not at the very least attractive, usually hot. You're just used to what 80s, 90s, 00s views as hot as opposed to a "modern" hot. Phantom has always gotten panties moist intentionally, this is all revisionist history. You've just gotten older. Like... John Cudia, Hugh Panaro, Howard McGillin, etc. All historically not-hot guys.
Updated On: 8/7/25 at 02:20 PM
Posted: 11/9/25 at 7:13pm
Phantom’s officially on tour again !! Who’s seeing it?
Posted: 11/9/25 at 11:02pm
I’ve been listening to the audio that’s on YouTube. They sound excellent!!! I looked up tickets, and it seems to be selling really well. Right now, it is touring through September of next year. They are doing pretty long sit downs in Chicago and LA, it’s not that many tour stops so far, I’m sure they will keep going.
Posted: 11/10/25 at 7:59am
I wish they'd announce the remainder of the stops.
Posted: 11/10/25 at 8:10am
I was there for the first preview performance on Friday. It's a very solid cast and you can tell they all love the show. Vocally, everyone is on point. Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine is sensational. She already has a clear understanding of Christine. Her voice is angelic sounding and her Christine is very compassionate. Her characters transformation in Act II finding her strength is captivating to watch. Midori Marsh is also wondering as Carlotta. I was worried being a younger performer that some of the characters sophistication would be missing, but she understands the assignment. She brings fun camp when she's supposed to but also brings humanity to the role. I enjoyed watching her in the Notes II scene and actually showing compassion towards Christine unraveling. Isaiah Bailey, acting wise, I feel is still settling into the role and I'm curious to see if I will notice any changes when I return this weekend. If you enjoy a baritone/baritenor Phantom, then you're in for a treat. Daniel Lopez plays Raoul by the book, but I'd be interested to see if he fleshes out the character more later in the run. He does have great chemistry with Jordan Lee Gilbert. William Thomas Evans and Carrington Vilmont are delightful as the managers. William brings a fun quality to Firmin that I feel was missing in the final months on Broadway. It's an honor to see Lisa Vroman back in the show, this time as Madame Giry. She mentioned to us at the stage door that Cameron Mackintosh called and asked her to do the role and she's glad he convinced her to do so. Christopher Bozeka is fun in the role of Piangi and Melo Ludwig brings a youthful, spunky energy to Meg.
If anyone has questions about changes with this specific production, please let me know!
Posted: 11/10/25 at 11:36am
Saw the show in Baltimore. It is VERY well done, and the new faces on stage will make a name for themselves on this tour IMO. Andrew Lloyd Webber was on hand to watch. The crowd was electric. The chandelier is quite impressive for a touring show the way it moves, drops shakes, shoots fireworks, etc. The music is as powerful as ever. Costumes are on point. Staging is above board for a touring show. Interjected some fun and jokes into Act 1, and the Phantom turns into a true evil menace in Act 2 after being so approachable in Act 1. Christine and the Phantom really shine.
If it is coming to your town, go see it!!!
Posted: 11/10/25 at 12:57pm
carlisle14 said: "If it is coming to your town, go see it!!!"
Or, if you’re closer to NY, you could just wait to see it back on Broadway next season.
Glad to hear such good things and I can’t wait for all three leads to make their Main Stem debuts.
Posted: 11/10/25 at 1:04pm
Phantour said: "Isaiah Bailey, acting wise, I feel is still settling into the role and I'm curious to see if I will notice any changes when I return this weekend. If you enjoy a baritone/baritenor Phantom, then you're in for a treat."
I love a Phantom with a deep, resonant voice, but it's been my experience that most of them struggle noticeably with the sustained high notes in "Music of the Night" (i.e., "...spirit start to SOAR" and "...where you long to BE"). How did he do with those?
Updated On: 11/10/25 at 01:04 PM
