Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ opened at the Majestic Theatre last week and audiences are loving it. ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is the story of a Phantom, a disfigured composer who haunts the Paris Opera House. It plays until Sunday December 16 with show times at 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m.,Saturday, 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday and tickets start at $45. This new version is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in New America.

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ begins with a Prologue set in Paris in 1911 at an auction where the Paris Opéra is auctioning off old theatrical props, one of which is lot 666, a chandelier in pieces. Act I is set in Paris in 1881 where the cast of a new production, Hannibal, are rehearsing onstage when they learn that the opera house has new owners. After being nearly killed by a falling backdrop, the soprano prima donna angrily walks off because nothing is being done to prevent such incidents. Christina Daaé, one of the chorus girls, is chosen to replace her. (“Think of Me”) The Phantom appears to her in her mirror and she, thinking him to be the Angel of Music, follows him to the cellar of the opera house. They board a small boat and cross a lake leading to his secret lair (“The Phantom of the Opera”) where he explains that he has chosen her to sing his music and he serenades her. (“The Music of the Night”) He becomes obsessed with her but makes it known to all that as long as his demands are met, he will stay out of sight but when the new owners do not take his threats seriously, he makes good on his threats.

Friday’s performance was to a nearly full house and the excitement in the air was palpable. As soon as the lights dimmed and the orchestra played the first few notes, the audience was captivated; especially when the chandelier was first revealed at the auction. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart, ‘Phantom of the Opera’ boasts bigger and better scenery, the most impressive being the Labyrinth Underground and The Phantom’s Lair. Show highlights include “The Phantom of the Opera” by the Phantom and Christine and “The Music of the Night” by the Phantom; not to mention the chandelier crash scene. Quentin Oliver Lee and Eva Tavares work well together as the Phantom and Christine and the costumes and scenery are stunning. Long time fans are in for a treat and first timers will be charmed by this enchanting story and first-rate performances all around. Overall, audiences will be thrilled by the majesty and intrigue that is ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’