There’s no Masking this Exceptional Phantom of the Opera____________________________________________

***** The new national tour of The Phantom of the Opera feels less like a revival and more like a return to the original production that took Broadway by storm in 1988. There have been many tours and changes thru the decades, but it may be that the closing of the original production on Broadway which ran for decades that gave the producers the idea that it was time for the country to experience what Broadway goers did so many years ago. Most notably, the success of this production is clearly anchored by Isaiah Bailey’s commanding, emotionally rich performance as the Phantom. Between his performance and the amazingly strong supporting cast, it’s a time to see Phantom if you never have, and time to return to the music of the night if you have. There’s little wonder why this show is considered one of the great Broadway classics of all time.

This production does not re-invent the original Phantom. It doesn’t have to; it respects the original but with a current strength in production that will make the returning fan and the newcomer very glad they came!

Michael Crawford will always be the original Phantom, but you’d be hard pressed to describe Isaiah Bailey’s performance as anything short of character defining, deeply detailed and filled with passion and emotion. We feel his pain as he yearns obsessively for Christine (played here by Jordan Lee Gilbert) and we feel a sense of pity for him as well, but not hatred. And that accomplishment is critical for this portrayal to work with the audience

Jordan Lee Gilbert’s Christine is strong and enhances her relationship to and with the Phantom and Raoul as well. Which will win her heart? Could it be that she has love for both men?

This touring production uses the revitalized staging first seen in London, but exuding of the original Broadway production. It’s all here: the grand chandelier, the Phantom’s lair and indeed the setting for the masquerade…they all serve as strikingly visual experiences. In short, this national tour is strong and clearly respects the strong production values and talents audiences have come to expect from this classic musical and this show exceeds all expectations.

“Phantom of the Opera” will continue Thru – Feb 1, 2026 with performances as follows: