Report: The Phantom of the Opera May Be Readying an Off-Broadway Return — Page 9

phantom1978 said: "Wow everyone on here is so negative. As a long time Phantom fan I am on the edge of my seat waiting to buy these tickets. Love the marketing they have done as it's been so creative. Why come on here to complain? You haven't seen it or experienced it but have a whole lot of judgements. Just stay home and let us fans enjoy it."

No one is saying that you can't or shouldn't enjoy this, and I hope you don't let anyone stop you.

I saw the original Prince/Bjornson/Lynne production in London, New York, and on U.S. tours at least 100 times. I even shelled out (and subsequently lost) a lot of money to see the French-language production with Sierra Boggess in Paris, which was subsequently canceled after a fire in the theatre destroyed the sets and costumes. I consider myself a huge fan of the show, but I am definitely not a "phan" of the show.

To me, "phans" are people who have email addresses like "ChristineDaae@gmail.com" or "EriksLover@gmail.com", who attended the show in costume, and who dream of someday having a Phantom-themed wedding. They are people whom Cameron Mackintosh was courting when he started casting young, pretty guys who lacked the vocal skills to sing the title role, and many of them contend that Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum will always be the quintessential Phantom and Christine. To be clear, I mean these people no offense (different strokes for different folks), but I am not one of them.

This new "Masquerade" show grows less appealing to me with each press announcement. I shall be quite happy to learn that I was wrong about any or all of these, but I currently suspect that:

• It is going to be a truncated version of the show, i.e., songs and scenes will be trimmed or even removed entirely (think Vegas Spectacular) to make it fit in the space and time constraints.
• It will have multiple casts so that it can be performed several times per day, perhaps even simultaneously, and the cost of that will likely result in the hiring of people who are not really capable of singing the roles (quantity over quality).
• The "extravagant black/white/silver dress" and "masks required" aspect of the production reeks of cosplay and Comicon-like experiences. For me, that puts it firmly in the "phans" category and removes it from the "fans of the original Broadway musical" category.
  

Also, I think it rather telling that this is not being billed as "Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera"; the name has been changed to "Masquerade", which promises nothing and removes liability lest anyone should say, "This isn't 'Phantom of the Opera'; I want my money back."

Updated On: 6/24/25 at 08:43 AM

Lot666 said: "phantom1978 said: "I saw the original Prince/Bjornson/Lynne production in London, New York, and on U.S. tours at least 100 times. I even shelled out (and subsequently lost) a lot of money to see the French-language production with Sierra Boggess in Paris, which was subsequently canceled after a fire in the theatre destroyed the sets and costumes. I consider myself a huge fan of theshow, but I am definitely not a "phan" of the show.

To me, "phans" arepeople who have email addresses like "ChristineDaae@gmail.com" or "EriksLover@gmail.com", who attended the show in costume, and who dream of somedayhaving a Phantom-themed wedding. They are people whom Cameron Mackintosh was courtingwhen he started casting young, pretty guys who lacked the vocal skills tosing the title role, and many of them contend that Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum will always be the quintessentialPhantom and Christine. To be clear, I mean these people no harm or offense (different strokes for different folks), but I am not one of them."



You’ve just won the gayest post of the month award! With it being pride month and all, this is quite an accomplishment. Condragulations!

The fact that it's $200 a pop and mask is required but costs extra is a hard line to cross.

RippedMan said: "Sounds like it's just an immersive party where they run through the show?"

I expect it will be less songs than the original show, and shorter versions of any song that they DO do. Verse and chorus type stuff. I wouldn’t be surprised if a large percentage of the time is spent wandering from location to location and then waiting around in the ambience for scenes and songs to happen.

umbrellaman said: "FWIW, I got an email with the announcement, which was all one picture - but the metatext when you hide the picture says "Secure Your Preview Tickets. Six Weeks Only."

I suspect that the attire, mask, and "invitation only" is just for the "previews" - and part of the marketing campaign.

At the end of the day, the creatives will have to deliver an experience that is worth what they are charging.

Does anyone remember the immersive play "Tamara" at the Park Avenue Armory - it had a light supper catered by Le Cirque at intermission, with a ticket price of over $100 in 1987! It ran for 5 years - although later on they lowered the price and simplified the intermission meal."



That $100 also included an open bar all night!

They added more info @ https://masqueradenyc.com/instructions/

still sounds like a ripoff.

What kind of masks are permitted?

Lace, couture, or partially-faced masquerade masks are welcome. Masquerade masks can cover the full face or just the eyes and upper cheeks. Those with electronic components, celebrity or political likenesses are not allowed. As you will be traveling in close proximity to other guests we encourage courteous consideration while selecting your mask. Should you arrive with a masquerade mask inappropriate for the occasion, we will happily provide one for you.

Can I buy a mask at the venue?

Yes. You may purchase a limited edition couture masquerade mask at the venue, subject to availability. We will have complimentary masquerade masks should you arrive without one.

Will the mask provided work with glasses?

The mask we provide is designed to be worn under glasses.

Kad said: "Meanwhile, we still don't know when, exactly, this will be starting."

...or what it even is.

I will be highly surprised if this actually opens.

At this point I'm not convinced it's not a rehash of the Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience.

Rumored principal cast:

taken from social media


https://ibb.co/YTV26kxD

Anyone else still low key excited and hoping that it turns out to be good?

Hugh yawn … Give me Howard or Norm