Phantom of the Opera is the theatrical phenomenon that took the world by storm back in 1986. Before that there were several movie versions of the story, and of course the original novel. The musical went on to play all over the world and is estimated to have been seen by 52 million people. It was also made into a major motion picture.
The new production is currently playing in the beautiful Venetian Resort and Casino, and is called Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular. And spectacular it is. This is the best production of Phantom of the Opera anywhere, in any medium.
For those of you who have been living away from civilization, the musical Phantom is based on the classic story of a hideously deformed “phantom" who lives under the Paris Opera House wreaking havoc among the inhabitants. Eventually he falls in love with a young chorine named Christine, and tries to make her the reigning diva of the Paris opera world.
This totally new production of Phantom has been trimmed to a short but sweet 95 minutes. I didn’t miss the rest; in fact I think because it is more compact, it is more moving. What you get, as an audience member, is a cascade of gorgeous music, in a setting which elicits a strong sense of high art that lifts you, temporarily, from the chaotic world of the casino just beyond the door.
The producers of Phantom have built a 40 million dollar home for the production in a lavish theater in the Venetian Resort and Casino. From the moment you enter the theater you are transported to the Paris Opera, with its gold-trimmed opera boxes filled with mannequins in period costumes, and everywhere twisted gargoyles with hideous faces.
That mingling of beauty and horror is perfect for this production, which even tops all others by having a chandelier in four parts that miraculously come together, only to make its famous fall later on. Created by the famed Rockwell Group, the theater is totally state of the art.
![Phantom of the Opera [1990 TV Mini Series]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411X6QJ9TXL._SL120_.jpg)
Article comments
1 - Rachel Evans
I agree wholeheartedly with your review. I live in Vegas and have seen the production 4 times already. It is magnificent in every way, shape and form. Kristi Holden is a flawless Christine and I personally know Brent Barrett. Not only is he a ridiculously talented singer and amazing actor and plays the most convincing and layered Phantom,but he is THE NICEST man i have ever met in my life!