‘The Phantom of the Opera’ to Haunt Hollywood Pantages Theatre

Sandra Miska

Los Angeles will have the opportunity to take in “The Phantom of the Opera,” the most successful opera of all time, when the latest production comes to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.

Because “The Phantom of the Opera” is such a cultural phenomenon, it may be hard to believe that it wasn’t even 30 years ago Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Phantom” debuted on London’s West End. It headed to Broadway two years later in 1988, where it celebrated its 10,000th show in 2012, making it the longest running Broadway show ever.

Lloyd’s opera was based on the French novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra by Gaston Leroux, which was published in volumes from 1909-1910. The story focuses on a beautiful young soprano, Christine, who becomes an object of obsession for a mysterious disfigured singer who haunts an opera house. He becomes her teacher, and a bond forms. Competing with the phantom for Christine’s affection is Raoul, her childhood friend who still holds a torch for her.

“The Phantom of the Opera” was adapted into a feature film in 2004. Joel Schumacher’s “Phantom of the Opera” featured Gerard Butler in the title role and then-newcomer Emmy Rossum as Christine.

This latest “Phantom” incarnation is being produced by Cameron Mackintosh, a legend in the theater world who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1996 for his services to musical theater. After a successful run in the UK, Mackintosh’s show is coming to Los Angeles as part large North American tour.

The new “Phantom” is bigger than ever, with a cast and orchestra of 52. Fans can look forward to stunning new special effects, as well as classic songs such as “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” and “Masquerade.” Chris Mann, who came to fame as a finalist in “The Voice,” will be the Phantom, while Michigan native Katie Travis will play the role of Christine.

“The Phantom of the Opera” will be at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre June 11 – August 2. For ticket information, go here.