Phantom of the Opera

Our seats were great, but the show was pretty disappointing. We saw this at the Orpheum Theatre, SF and sat in the Mezzanine section E 101 – 103 ($ 110 ea). Any seat in this general vicinity has a great view of the stage. I don’t think it’s really necessary to pay extra $$ for the first couple rows in the Mezzanine.
As for the performance, I could not understand what they were singing! I suggest reading the background storyline and get a good sense of what will happen, else you may be totally lost, like we were! The musical became more confusing as it went on. I love the melody and the classic songs, but it was a pretty dark musical. Also, compared to Book of Mormon (the best!), the set was not as creative imo. Lots of scenes involved the same room/​staircase, and it got old. But, I don’t regret coming to see this musical at least once, since it’s a classic. Maybe the broadway version is better?

The new production of this musical is a bit of a letdown to me. Firstly, Erik doesn’t do it for me. Chris Mann’s voice is beautiful, but doesn’t fit the role of the Phantom. It doesn’t hit the low bass note or isn’t strong enough to set the audience’s mood. I don’t feel scared when he’s angry or hypnotized by his version of the Music of the Night. Christine is average. It’s just hard to have a really good Christine like Sierra Boggess. Raoul is okay. Piangi annoys me. Masquerade’s choreography is a bit too much. I prefer the simple moves from the Broadway or London production. The final lair is probably the worst for me.
There’s just lack of chemistry between Erik and Christine in this production, which is sad because that’s not the case for other main productions. (Broadway and London)

Saw the performance starring Celia Hottenstein and Allan Snyder. I didn’t expect to be blown away (especially since the 25^th anniversary show set a new high for Phantom) but I definitely was! Christine, the Phantom, and Raoul were absolutely phenomenal and the sets, costumes, music, and effects were brilliant! Yes, there were a few things in Mackintosh’s new production that I did not like (minor details such as changes from the original plot, lyrics, and tempos of songs), but I cannot pretend that this wasn’t a spectacular production! Bravissimo!

My husband and I came here to see the Phantom of the Opera last night. We are both big fans of this show and movie… and soundtrack. We were super excited to finally see it! Neither of us have ever seen this production put on my any other group, however, we are big musical theatre junkies.
I was so surprised to see the poor reviews on Unilocal.We read through some of them as we were waiting for the show to begin. We realize that everybody has their own opinions and critiques for theatre and we ignored the negative feedback. This was going to be a great performance and we were going to enjoy ourselves and our night out together.
We found nearby parking in a garage and paid $ 7.00 for the evening. Had no issues finding our way to the theatre, but it was chilly! I was glad that we dressed somewhat warm.
Many people had arrived early, so when the doors opened everybody was pushing around. It was sort of embarrassing. We all want to get to our seats, so lets just work together and practice patience. Nobody will miss the show… oy.
The theatre itself is beautiful just as we expected it would be. The architecture is impressive and it has a gothic charm to it. Seats were easily accessible, and we were offered assistance by the staff; everybody was very kind and professional.
The show started right on time.
The first scene (auction) was definitely a little bit dark. Phantom of the Opera is a dark, gloomy musical, though, so I can see why the lighting was kept mysterious. It was hard to make out faces or see items up for auction, so a little more lighting on the face/​objects would have made a huge difference. Thankfully, the following scenes for the most part were illuminated perfectly. We were able to see the expressions on actor’s faces and see details. There were definitely certain scenes that were dark, too dark, and I think that could have been improved. Overall it did not take away from the experience and, if anything, added to its charm.
The costuming throughout the entire production was impressive. Everything was very reminiscent of the movie; especially during the actual Opera performances. You can tell there was a lot of thought put into the costuming. Even the actors looked similar to the movie cast; Emmy Rossum, Mini Driver and Gerard Butler.
The actress who played Christine was sensational. Her voice was strong and her vibrato filled up the entire hall. She played the role beautifully. Truly her performance exceeded my expectations. I also thought the Phantom was so much fun to watch; especially in the dungeon scene. Raul is always interesting to watch unfold throughout the show. I thought his character was played very well. His compassion and warmth toward Christine was evident.
I was interested to see how the chandelier and the Phantom’s chambers were going to be done. Our minds were blown! The sound/​lighting effects for the chandelier were done so well. I can’t think of any way they could have embraced that scene and its vigor. It would have been fun to be in the audience sitting below the chandelier.
I also thought the rotating stage was amazing! I was so inspired to see how the stairs unwound as they creeped around the corner. What a PERFECT way to take advantage of the space. The Phantom’s chambers were just as eerie, dark and curious as in the movie. They had many candles lit as well as hanging lights in the ceiling that added to the effect. The boat that the Phantom carries Christine in «sailed» smoothly, and combined with the rolling clouds of fog, I felt like we were witnessing the actual scene! Beautiful and well done!
My favorite scene, Masquerade, was a blast. It was the first number after the intermission. I loved the dancing, lights, and special effects that were used (lighting, capturing the essence of the ball room, sound).
The orchestra was DIVINE! Bravo, all of you! The music was so beautiful. I could have listened to them all night. We were able to peek into the pit and see all of the instruments. What a talented group!
This show deserves much more credit. If all people do is hone in on the things they didn’t like about the show then it takes away from the beauty of musical theatre and the arts. Nothing is ever perfect and no two people will ever feel the same way about a production. Rather than list the many things you didn’t like… mention what you did like! Surely nobody could be disappointed with the whole production.
This was a great show and I would recommend it to anybody interested in the arts and that is a dedicated Phantom fan.

I’m fairly shocked by the negative reviews here. I have seen this show twice before. The first time in London, the second in NYC and the third here in SF. The cast in this production was excellent, the stage settings and lighting were amazing and the music, as always, truly spectacular. I was with a party of 6, 4 of which were new to Phantom. Everyone thought it was wonderful. Personally, I think that the smaller theater adds intimacy that might otherwise be lacking in a large theater. The cast was given a standing ovation and it was a fantastic night. If every performance I attended were this great, I would be at the theater weekly. Giving 2.5 stars for this show overall is laughable, it was amazing.

This was our 4^th time watching this show (three at the Curran), and probably would have been better if it was at the Curran theatre again. The current venue seems too small and made it cluttered. Plus the acoustics are not as grand as the Curran where you felt the music. The visuals were a hit or miss with this new version. Still enjoyable, but I guess it’s difficult when you’re comparing to the original version.

Very disappointed with this «New Version» of a classic. I love the music and it was one of my favorites, but this performance just ruined it for me! It was dark, the story was nothing like the original. For example, singing «Point of No Return» with a latin dance style and stomping of the feet… really?
I’ve seen Phantom in LA and NY. Both were great, but this version was really really really disappointing.
Don’t spend your money on this one… take a pass…

I am glad I did not read the reviews for this performance before I went with my wife. I have now seen POTO at least five times, but it was my wife’s first. The original show I saw was in the Curran and I think it is just a bit more grand there, especially considering the size of the chandelier their. As far as the performances, the orchestra was the star and it should be considering the score, while the singing definitely matters, the drama is in the music and this orchestra did it. As long as they do a good job, I am happy and they hit it out of the park. For the performers, Christine was ok and so was the Phantom. Could it have been better? Yes. Were they as powerful as any of the performers I saw in the past? No. But were they unwatchable at all? No. I enjoyed myself. Raul was the only one I just could not connect with. His voice and acting did not do it for me and I never felt like he made me want to invest any feeling in his character, this was a bit disappointing for me. Carlotta was good and had a fantastic voice but as opposed to others, I think she fit that role perfect, she just would not have worked as Christine for me. The opera owners I thought were good and kept a good comedy slant to their roles which is important in this production
As far as the set. Yes, it is different but did it really draw away from much? The staircase in Masquerade is nice but I thought it was fine without it, the dancing and song were perfomed well. The small space of the stage made it needed to combine some of the sets, like the stairs into the phantom’s lair. While not critical, I also did miss the throne, getting the mask off the ground just didn’t seem to have the same drama.
Overall, while different and not as powerful, it was still enjoyable. The story and music make it for me, so I would likely go no matter what.

Agree I am a Phantom fan. The stage set was cooler than the last show that came to SF, and the orchestra was my favorite. Lovely costumes too.
I only wish the singing was less opera-​ish and reverbish so that I could understand it better.

As a broke students I was only able to afford the cheap (est) seats, so it was a little hard to see the actors faces and a little hard to make out the words sometimes. However the magnificent set design stole the show for me. I can’t say the singing/​acting was amazing but I was genuinely impressed overall!

I had a very nice time watching this musical tonight. The theatre is special and I would definitely visit again…

This is the first time I have posted to a public venue. I had to let everyone know how disappointed I was with this play. I have seen the Phantom 10 times before and never could get enough.
I did compare it to the last production a few years ago. I felt they were trying to «save money» on the sets. Not elaborate at all. I did love the office setting.
Most disappointing was the Masquerade Ball. The costumes (if you can call it that) were awful. A few voices were okay but nothing to compare as previously. I felt this production was on a strict budget. The ending was very disappointing also. I would recommend saving your money and hopefully in the future the old Phantom will return and then shall I.
There was absolutely no chemistry between the actors.

I felt that I had to write this review after reading all the crappy reviews before seeing the Phantom yesterday.
A little backstory…
I bought these tickets months ago. I wanted to splurge and get the prime orchestra, which were really expensive, for myself, my husband and our daughter. My hubs did not want to go. he does not like theater but I really wanted it to be a family thing, so we compromised. He said he would go if I bought the cheap seats. Which, I did. Balcony center. It was $ 50 per ticket instead of $ 200 per ticket.
I have seen the phantom a handful of times. When I was a kid, I saw it at the music center several times in LA. The original! With Michael Crawford. I remember it blowing my mind. I also saw it a couple times at the Orpheum in LA, as well as the Orpheum in San Francisco. but I have not seen in it at least 15 years.
I made the mistake of reading the reviews the day before our performance and all of the reviews are soooo terrible! I couldn’t get over it!!! So I was nervous. But I decided after reading them and realizing this production of the Phantom was going to be considerably different than the ones I have seen In the past, I was going to go into it with an open mind. I had initially bought the tickets anyways for my daughter to have the experience more than anything, so who cares if I didn’t leave mind blown.
My overall review:
IT WAS GREAT!!! Yes, it was different, but I definitely did not feel like I was watching a high school play, like some people had said. Yessss, there is no more stare case in Masquerade, but it was still really exciting to see with the dancers and the costumes and Masquerade wasn’t ruined for me just because the staircase was gone. I also didn’t have a problem with the revolving stage deal that everyone is complaining about. TImes change… Roll with it!
The orchestra was AAAAAAHHH-​MAZING! I can’t say enough good things about the quality of the music and the sound.
The singers were Okay. Not great. They can’t hold a candle to Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, but really, who can?. They used a lot of bravado. Which I do not personally find as beautiful as a crisp, clear voice. The other reviews were correct in that you can’t really understand what they are saying. They do not enunciate that well and if you don’t know the story and have never listened to the soundtrack, you would be lost like my hubs. To quote him, «I don’t know what the hell is going on!» But my daughter has seen the actual anniversary edition of the play on Netflix a handful of times and so she knew what was happening. I had read a tip in one of the other reviews that it helps to know the story. So the day before, I chatted with my daughter about the story, to refresh her memory. I tried to chat about it with my hubs, but he didn’t give a shit! (lol) so I just let him be lost!
My fave performer was Carlotta. Who is played by Jaquelynne Fontaine. She truly was amazing in her performance, as well as the quality of her voice. Her singing seemed effortless. I really really can’t express how much I enjoyed her and I feel like she would be a better Christine. The Phantom, Chris Mann, seemed an odd choice to me. I found his voice, style of singing and acting, off putting. Again, he did Okay. Not great. Raul enunciates very strangely. IDK. I guess all I can say about the performances are:
Carlotta: 2 thumbs up! she could have sung the entire damn thing and I would have been happy!
Everyone else: Meh.
About our seats, I def recommend anyone considering going to buy the cheap seats. Get the good cheap seats, in the center, but don’t splurge. I think if I had gone bananas for the expensive tickets, I would have been disappointed. But because I only paid for the nose bleeds, it felt worth It to me.
Parking sucks and the area is trashy and filled with bums. Be prepared. It smells like pee.
I used spothero and only paid $ 13 for Valet!!! I was really jazzed about that!
I cant give this 5 stars. I would give the original production 5 stars. But I give this 4 stars mostly because of the following reasons:
1. it was a great experience for my daughter, which is what I was after
2. the chandelier was still really exciting as were the other pyrotechnics!
3. THE ORCHESTRA!!! I wish I could mail them a thank you card for the epic sound!
4. Carlotta. I want to mail her a thank you card too!!!
This did not get the 5^th star for the following reasons:
1. Too much bravado from Christine Daae.
2. The Phantom’s off putting performance and style of singing
3. Raul not enunciating
I hate it when people get stuck in the past of how things should be and I told myself I was not going to do that. I was going to enjoy what the Phantom was today, in 2015, instead of reminiscing about what it used to be in 1990. I think had I not read all the shitty reviews and made this agreement with myself specifically in advance, I would have done just that. Hated it!
But it really was truly great. I recommend!!!

I’ve seen POTO 10 times from Sacramento to SF to LA to Las Vegas. This POTO tour is by far the worst. It hurts to write this review because I absolutely love this show. The stage is smaller, all new stage set. I miss the grand stairs during the Masquerade act. I didn’t get the stairs going into Phantom’s lair. The boat ride has shorted to almost non-​existence. Why would they take away the throne at the end? I am all supportive of changes, however, the changes need to be better than the original production, not worst. Let’s talk about the actors. I was excited to see Chris Mann perform, however, he mumbled through his songs and you can tell he is inexperienced with this important role. The actress is not the best Christine Daae. She does not stand out. Raoul, although has powerful voice, needs more experience. There was no chemistry between Raoul and Christine. I love POTO, just not this production.
My 6 year old saw POTO 25^th Anniversary Special on Netflix and asked me why is this show so different than the one on TV. Even she noticed the differences.

I should have read the fine print when I bought our tickets for this evening’s production seven months ago. This is billed as a «spectacular new production», but the only thing spectacular about this production was how much they charge for what is basically a high school musical version of a classic show with actors who might sing a little better than your average high schooler. If you’ve seen this show before, you’ll notice that that the entire show has been re-​staged. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it just looked like the producers were going for a budget version of the show vs a new telling of the story.

Oh wow… I don’t even know where to start. I saw Phantom several years ago with Davis Gaines doing his 2500^th show at the LA Orpheum and perhaps I was a bit spoiled by his spectacular performance.
I took my gf to this show and while she thought it was nice, I think she was just being kind since we both fell asleep more than once. I was completely underwhelmed by the small stage, and a lack of powerful voices by any of the cast. Even the auctioneer had a high, squeaky voice — no wonder the bidders couldn’t be persuaded to bid higher.
While the orchestra was small, I think they did an excellent job, and give props to the conductor who managed to perform well, even while taking it like a champ from the fog machine for a full five minutes during «Phantom of the Opera» (boat scene).
Most disappointing was that the vocals were uninspiring and didn’t elicit any emotional response from me — they just weren’t that good. I expected far better for the $ 200/​ticket i paid. Overall, it had the presence of a high school performance with an average budget. The modular rotating platform that contained props for most scenes seemed cheap and just plain odd, and hinted of laziness.
I can’t recommend this show and am chalking it up to the lack of experience of Chris Mann in the role. Based on the program and credits, it seems it was a new opportunity for almost all core characters. You’d do better to wait for these performers to season and mature as a team before investing your hard-​earned money. You’ll get more torture and drama by taking in a Giants game, and you’ll have more fun.
One more thing — be sure to eat before you go, as the only food available inside the venue is candy. Seriously.

This was my first Phantom of the Opera. I was super stoked to see it because it is known to be Broadways classic. I invited my boyfriend but these kind of shows doesn’t interest him and I invited my friends but they were all busy. Since yesterday was the last day of $ 40 rush tickets, I still went and lined up for it. I’ve seen musicals alone and normally I get good seats. The show starts at 8pm and rush tickets can be bought 2 hours before it starts so I came at 5:30pm and there was a long line already. I was scared I wasn’t going to get a seat. Luckily, since I was the only solo one, I was fortunate enough to get an Orchestra level K seat 115! 11 row away from the stage! I was super stoked! !!
The play itself was really good. It was an emotional roller coaster and felt good connection with the Phantom, especially at the end. Christine, she was good at the most part but when she sang the Phantom of the Opera’s theme song in which the Phantom was saying, «sing to me!» She didn’t hit those notes. She was losing out if breath that I cringe when she had to keep going. The diva character was really good though, her voice was so powerful and she had a really fun and funny character.
Although the stage looks small, the production was by far the best I’ve ever seen. It was changing constantly, new set with a new scene. Hands down to the production team and people that work backstage. I was completely amazed with the production and how they used the stage despite of it being small. It could have been better with a bigger stage but what can they do, they have to perform there as a result, it looked a bit crowded.
Costumes were really pretty and loved the classic look. Sounds effect and lighting was on point. The orchestra were really good. I used to play the violin and appreciate the sound of each and every instruments. I will watch them alone, that’s how good they were!
Overall, this show was really good. I could give it 5 stars but there were several things that were missing. Paying for $ 40 dollars rush tickets orchestra level K was definitely worth it! Those seats were like $ 100, yikes!
I would definitely recommend it to others!

Very disappointing! We watch one a long time ago and loved it. This time we brought our teenager thinking this is a perfect broadway show for her.
The stage and stage effect:
So small. It looks so crowded. When we watched our first POTO, the stage seemed dramatically changing all the time. This one is «Meh». The falling chandelier and fire were the only highlight of the show.
Chris Mann:
The first Phantom we watched was dark, scary yet captivating. You could not help to wish Christine chose him. On this POTO, I can understand why Christine did not want him. He was an awkward mean dude!
Despite the failure, as a family we had a lovely time.

The show was very good. Maybe not great as I have seen it before twenty years ago, so it’s hard to compare. The gal who played Christine was especially good. The sets were fantastic and the sound great. We were about ten rows back stage left and had a perfect eye level view.
I would recommend seeing this POTO especially if you have never seen the production before. The only down side is the venue. Although I like the Orpheum theatre itself, the area sucks. We took a cab to the front door so that was fine but leaving and walking down Market Street was bad. Loads of lowlife bums and beggars and because it was hard to get a cab we walked back to Union Sq. We were very uncomfortable with this. When the show got out, did we see even one SF PD cop? NO! Not one and that is unacceptable in that area of the city.
This has turned me off from ever attending any kind of performance at either the Orpheum or the Golden Gate again. It’s to bad that the politics of San Francisco has such a negative effect of great theatre productions like this.

Disappointed with Chris Manns performance as the phantom. Was really looking forward to it and he let me and my wife down. His voice does not fill the shoes and he sings with way too much vibrato and not enough finesse.
We did like the new special effects and set. Although missed some of the original parts like the phantom coming down the stairs during the masquerade.
Overall I wouldn’t waste your money on seeing Chris Mann play the phantom. Wait till they get someone new. Christine was good though. Sorry to sound mean but unfortunately we spent over $ 200 and left feeling unfulfilled by the experience. Thanks Chris