PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Broadway At The Paramount Seattle, WA May 13 - May 24, 2026 Media Night Review

Cameron Mackintosh

presents

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Charles Hart
Additional Lyrics by Richard Stilgoe
Book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber
Production directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn
Premera Blue Cross Presents Broadway At The Paramount
Paramount Theatre
Seattle, WA

Friday May 15, 2026 - Media Night

((L to R) Isaiah Bailey as The Phantom inThe Phantom of the Opera North American Tour. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

One of the most well known musicals of all time returned to the Paramount Theatre last night to a truly sold out house in Seattle, WA. Many “phans” have been anticipating this return ever since the tour announcement was made well over a year ago that Eric, Christine, and Raoul were returning to the lair beginning in November 2025 in Baltimore, MD. Thousands of "phans" here in Seattle purchased tickets as soon as they went on sale, some for multiple performances.


Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera is one of those marquee shows that every patron has an opinion about. There are some “phans” that have literally seen it hundreds of times since the 1980’s. There are others that missed out on any production but fell in love with the film version from the early 2000’s. Of course there are still others that have known about the show but have never watched any version of it, stage or screen. And, yet still, there are patrons like myself that have seen the stage version a handful of times, sometimes in other cities, over the years.


Based on the sales of the entire run here in Seattle, the anticipation has been building for this show in immense ways like I honestly have never seen before. And that’s saying something considering all of the other big shows such as Hamilton, Wicked, and Les Miserables (which was just here last month) that have had near or at capacity runs here. Outside of the spare single seat or a few reseller seats, this run is truly sold out. Check the official site just in case seats become available but be prepared for disappointment.


For those that are fortunate enough to have tickets, you are in for a “phantastic” experience!


I’ve seen five iterations of this show over the years, including last night’s performance. I always do my best to not compare shows or performers to others that I’ve seen or reviewed. Rather, I attempt to take in what is presented to me and compare it to the story, the book, or in some cases the novel.


I know other patrons take the opposite approach and want to see if the current show/cast can match their favorite show from years past. Comparing this performer to that performer, etc. I recommend blocking that point of view out of your head and going in as fresh as possible. Just my opinion.


I won’t go point by point about this current production compared to the others over the years. You’ll see that soon enough when you attend a performance. However, I will go over what stood out to me.

((L to R) Isaiah Bailey as The Phantom and Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine Daaé inThe Phantom of the Opera North American Tour. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

Having been a credentialed reviewer of our beloved Seattle Opera since 2019, I was so happy with the performance of Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine Daaé last night. Her vocal performance was nuanced, emotional, and powerful. She took each song from the show and walked that line that is so difficult to walk when the songs are legendary at this point. She gave the old school patrons something to connect to from past performers but also added in her own personality whenever it felt right. Some would say she was a classic Christine but I believe that extra layer of personal nuance made her Christine stand out.


Her acting was also emotive and believable. She fits the role like a glove (or should that be a mask) and the company absolutely has a winner in Jordan Lee Gilbert.


The phantom was portrayed beautifully by Isaiah Bailey. I never thought I’d write this about a performer but Isaiah’s interpretation of the role was emotionally connective for me in ways I’ve never experienced before at the theatre. It was moving beyond belief and even during the scenes leading up to the finale, he continued to draw me in with his striking performance.


His voice matched his acting. He had it all vocally. I can’t think of anything that could improve what he did last night on that stage. He was just magical.


Raoul was expertly handled by Daniel Lopez. The third partner in the tragic love triangle, Mr. Lopez held his own and that is truly saying something considering the magnitude of his co-stars on stage. His scenes with Christine were exactly what was needed. Not too much and not too little, his performance was that of an established performer.


The entire cast was firing on all cylinders which was apparent in every scene. Any kinks (if there were any) from the start of the tour last year have been worked out to where they are an energetic and artistic machine now.


The staging, the wardrobe, “Gillian” in all her glory (the chandelier for those not in the know for this tour), everything was as any patron would hope it would be. It was just an overall stunning package of musical theatre.

(“Masquerade”fromThe Phantom of the Opera North American Tour. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

Of course the iconic music cannot be forgotten. I don’t know if the orchestra was enhanced for this tour but it sure sounded fuller than in the past. I didn’t peek into the pit to see but needless to say, they went from strength to strength with every number that they performed. It sounded glorious all evening.


What else can I say? This performance will stay with me for years to come. It was just that good! Many thanks to everyone involved with the production. All of you should take a bow and also know that your work is affecting “phans” in unique and profound ways with each and every performance.


Highest recommendation!


“Phantom Of The Opera” plays through May 24, 2026. Check for tickets:  HERE! (opens in new window)


Best,
Mark D. Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media

Connect With Eclectic Arts Media:  Social Media and Email Links


A note: For those that are fortunate enough to have tickets to an upcoming performance, I’ve been pinged on email and text about arriving early for your show. Due, again, to the sold out capacity of these performances, everything will take longer (traffic, parking, drinks/dinner, and security to get into the show). Unlike a concert or sporting event, you can’t just walk in during a performance after it’s started. They will wait for a quiet break in the show to escort you to your seats. Don’t be one of those people who get stuck in the lobby waiting for such a break. We planned ahead and accounted for the larger crowds. Definitely do the same would be my strong suggestion.  This also includes during intermission - don't get caught stuck in the lobby after Act 2 begins.


Also, there were two merch booths for this show. Some items were crossed out as not available. Since we didn’t get in line until after the show, I don’t know if these items were sold out - period (before and after the show) or if they had them initially but then sold out. So, if you just have to have something in particular, I suggest getting in the line before your performance. The line went up the staircase last night but it moved quickly.


Have a "phantastic" time!

(Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine Daaé inThePhantom of the OperaNorth American Tour. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

((L to R) Daniel Lopez as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny and Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera North American Tour. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

("Prima Donna" from The Phantom of the Opera North American Tour. (L to R) Melo Ludwig,Christopher Bozeka,William Thomas Evans,Midori Marsh, Daniel Lopez, Carrington Vilmont, Lisa Vroman. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

(Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine Daaé inThePhantom of the OperaNorth American Tour. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

((from L) Lisa Vroman as Madame Giry and theCorps de Ballet in The Phantom of the OperaNorthAmerican Tour. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)