REVIEW: Phantom of the Opera
Almost four decades after The Phantom of the Opera first premiered, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s juggernaut remains as visually sumptuous and musically arresting as ever. The latest national tour is back in Minneapolis and proves that Phantom still has the capability to thrill an audience.
What continues to astonish is the sheer scale of the production. Few touring shows can match the collective magnificence of Phantom’s sets, opulent costumes, and special effects that result in an immersive and transportive experience. From the moment the overture erupts and the chandelier begins its ascent, the show envelops you in a world that feels equal parts gothic romance and operatic spectacle. The score, will forever give me goosebumps when blasted throughout the ornate Orpheum Theatre. Hearing it performed live—at full orchestral power—remains one of the great pleasures of attending this show. Webber didn’t write music that whispers; he wrote music meant to shake the rafters, and it adds so much to the thrill of seeing the show in person.
Vocally, this cast excels in all the ways that matter most. All roles are notoriously demanding, requiring vocal athletic precision, emotional intensity, and stamina that would expose even minor weaknesses. Fortunately, there were none to be found. Even in the show’s quieter moments, where soft singing can often expose the limits of a voice, the principals’ voices (Isaiah Bailey and Jordan Lee Gilbert) resonated just as deeply as the show-stopping crescendos.
No live production is immune to the occasional technical hiccup, and this performance had a few noticeable imperfections. Still, these felt more like opening-week wrinkles than any fundamental flaw, and it’s safe to assume they’ll be smoothed out as the tour settles into its run.
What matters most is that The Phantom of the Opera still remains one of the most reliable, lavish, and best bangs for your buck. Whether you’re returning for the umpteenth time or seeing the Phantom descend into the darkness for the very first time, this national tour is well worth a visit…or two!
The Phantom of the Opera is at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis through December 7, 2025.
Photo by Matthew Murphy andEvan Zimmerman
