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PHANTOM OF THE OPERA REVIEWS

Show
NY Times
Newsday
USA Today
Variety
Daily News
A Catered Affair Broadway Review Broadway Review Broadway Review Broadway Review Broadway Review

 

Synopsis: A disfigured musical genius haunts the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera and exerts strange control over a lovely young soprano. Based on "Le Fantome de L'Opera" by Gaston Leroux. Score includes: "Music of the Night," "Angel of Music," "Think of Me" and the title song. Click here for tickets.

 

 

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Reviews

 

NEW YORK TIMES REVIEW:

 

"The real news is that the rest of the production has grown old gracefully. Judging by sheer invention, emotional punch and onstage talent, the venerable blockbuster still beats out almost all of the whippersnappers currently on Broadway."

 

Click here to read the full Phantom of the Opera review.

 

 

VARIETY REVIEW:

 

"Andrew Lloyd Webber has taken the Gaston Leroux potboiler about the love-crazed disfigured genius who lives in the catacombs of the Paris Opera and fashioned it into a thrilling and musically rich mass legit entertainment. The 19th century period spectacle, scenic legerdemain, soaring melodies and exceptional singing are at the service of an involving and piquantly offbeat love story, all of it staged with brilliantly organized flair by Harold Prince, back in top form."

 

Click here to read the full Phantom of the Opera review.

 

 

THEATERMANIA REVIEW:

 

"Of course, the staging makes for splendidly spectacular theatre as well. The opening remains a marvel of theatrical know-how and timing; and the quick descent of the chandelier at the end of Act One, especially if you're sitting nearby, is utterly thrilling."

 

Click here to read the full Phantom of the Opera review.

 

 

TIME REVIEW:

 

"Even if The Phantom of the Opera were the greatest show on earth, probably nothing in the way of actual experience could measure up to the hoopla that preceded last week's U.S. debut of the monster-meets-girl musical. No previous offering in Broadway history has rivaled the $18 million advance sale for Phantom, a commitment made by hundreds of thousands of people to pay up to $50 a ticket, generally before having had a chance to hear any of the songs, read any reviews or acquire the vaguest familiarity with the imported-from- London stars.."

 

Click here to read the full Phantom of the Opera review.



User Reviews:
Average Audience Review:
Click here to post your own review
The Phantom of the Opera is the all time best musical that I have ever seen,
Reviewed by: TimTam   2008-10-22

and i have seen a bunch. I've seen it 3 times already and it always makes me laugh and cry sometimes together. The music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber is powerful and gripping, in my opinion he is one of the best composers writing music today. A tragic love story, one that is worth telling, and seeing over and over again. Not for the faint of heart. I would say it's worth paying extra money for seats up front, where the action takes place. If you never saw this show before, I highly recommend you see it one time. For those of us who just can't get enough, see it again and again.
 
 
DO NOT MISS THIS!!!!!!!!!
Reviewed by: The Hearts   2008-10-20

This is the BEST love story ever written! Phantom definately deserved EVERY tony award it ever recieved!! Everything was amazing! When the chandilier came down...AWE! The music was SUPERB, as was the acting and coreography. FANTASTIC SHOW!! GO SEE IT!!!!!!!!
 
 
Great visuals, horrible voices!
Reviewed by: Jacob M   2008-10-19

Review by: Anonymous, May 31, 2008 I saw this show on Broadway in early May 2008. I've always loved the story and had high expectations. The sets and costumes were phenominal, making it a treat for the eyes; the orchestra was outstanding. The acting, however, was slightly bizarre; the Phantom was odd and childish, even crawling on the floor in one scene. But there to ruin the play completely were the voices. I hate to say it, but the singers did not open their mouths wide and constantly sang with ear-splitting vibrato, not to mention the shaky pitches. Christine sounded no better than Carlotta, and I bit my lip as I heard the musical's beautiful songs butchered. This totally soiled my experience.
 
 
Everyone should see Phantom at least once.
Reviewed by: JoeE   2008-10-19

I remember quite vividly when Phantom opened. The year was 1988, and the "play of the season" was something called Chess, written by Tim Rice and the guys from ABBA, which all the cognoscenti predicted would be a huge hit. I remember the NY Times critic (Frank Rich at the time) opining that Phantom was "a very nice production -- pity it won't last, with Chess as its competition." (Or something similar -- I'm paraphrasing from memory.) Chess lasted a month (if that), and Phantom is still here, 20 years later. Pretty amazing, eh? At this point, of course, the audience is mostly tourists, but that's fine -- Phantom is the only musical many out-of-towners see, and I have no problem with that -- they go home with fond memories of Broadway, and of New York City, which is all to the good. If you've been hibernating in a cave for 20 years, or have otherwise "never gotten around" to seeing Phantom, there's no day like today. Go.
 
 
Finally Phantom!
Reviewed by: Dae   2008-10-19

I went into NY w/ my 13 yr old daughter last week and saw Phantom, I thought it was enjoyable, but was confused at times. My daughter, a theater geek, loved the show, so that's all that matters. I did like it, and the song "All I Ask of You" is still going through my head. It's a show that I could definately see again. We did have discounted tickets and sat in row Q (paid $65 per ticket) which was fine seats, but we couldn't see the all of the chandelier because of the overhang. The chandelier is a small part of the show, but it didn't take away from the experience. I recommend it to audiences of all ages, although small kids might get scared or not get the story.
 
 
PHANTASTIC!
Reviewed by: Mike   2008-10-19

I first went to see the national tour with Gary Mauer. I was awed and had to see it again. So I went to see it with the current Phantom, Howard McGillin. Although it lacked the superb voice of Mr. Mauer, it was phantastic. I've seen alot of Broadway shows, and this was definatley the best. The music is amazing, the lyrics are sensational, Mr. McGillin's voice is so powerful and so emotional that you believe this has been his real life, and that in reality he is The Phantom of the Opera. I am definitley making it a habit of seeing it twice a year as long as it's playing on Broadway and I am an actor and a singer and hope to play the role that Michael Crawford made great. Without a doubt this show gets a 10/10
 
 
This show is so special
Reviewed by: Sarah Goode   2008-10-17

This show is so special - I remember listening the soundtrack as a young child. It's the only piece of theater I've seen with my entire family. The music brings back fond memories from childhood and all the way to adulthood. Seriously, who doesn't love Phantom? Oh, and I loved the movie too. I know some may not agree, but whatever! :) The singing was phenomenal. You know how in theatre you're supposed to project your energy so that every person in the theatre can feel it? I was sitting literally second to the last row, and I felt the power of every note. Besides just that, the set changes and special effects were astounding.
 
 
 

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SHOW INFORMATION:

Perf Schedule:

Mon at 8pm

Tue at 7pm

Wed-Sat at 8pm

Wed & Sat at 2pm

 

Tickets:
$26.25 - $111.25
Call: 212-239-6200
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Show Run Time:
2 hours & 30 minutes with 1 intermission

 

Theatre Information:
Majestic Theatre
247 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036

 

 
 
 

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