During the Nov. 30 matinee, the moment the opening notes swept through the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, a familiar thrill returned — the kind only “The Phantom of the Opera” can evoke.
Closing its Minneapolis run on Dec. 7, this 2025 North American tour honors the show’s iconic romance and gothic grandeur while infusing it with fresh, lively momentum.
A visual world that breathes and moves
One of the great triumphs of this production is how visually immersive it is. The creative team leans into the original brilliance of Maria Björnson, whose sets and costumes have defined “Phantom” for decades. Scenic adaptation by Matt Kinley preserves her ornate world — grand staircases, sculpted opera boxes, candlelit stone passages — while giving it a fresh touring polish.
Lighting designers Andrew Bridge and Warren Letton build an atmosphere that feels almost like another character. Shadows ripple across velvet curtains, warm golds soften the most intimate scenes, and dramatic flashes of brightness ignite moments of tension. The lighting doesn’t just illuminate; it breathes with the music.
And the drapes — they deserve their own round of applause. Dramatic, expressive, and beautifully timed, they move like storytellers, revealing and framing scenes with a grace that heightens the drama.
Choreography that feels alive
Though legendary choreographer Gillian Lynne is no longer with us, her unmistakable style lives on. Recreated and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright, the choreography remains elegant, sweeping, and filled with that operatic physicality that makes “Phantom” timeless.
The ensemble moves with intention and unity, yet each performer brings individuality that makes the opera house feel lived-in. Large dance sequences shimmer with color and precision, filling the stage with old-world glamour.
A cast that brings heart to the classic
Isaiah Bailey brings a Phantom who is powerful and wounded in equal measure. His voice fills the theater with authority, but it’s the vulnerability beneath it that anchors his performance.
Jordan Lee Gilbert offers a luminous, heartfelt Christine whose innocence and strength deepen as the story unfolds. Her voice is warm, clear, and emotionally rich.
Daniel Lopez portrays Raoul with tenderness and sincerity, making his devotion feel earned.
The supporting cast shines as well: Midori Marsh is wonderfully comedic and vocally superb as Carlotta; William Thomas Evans and Carrington Vilmont bring charm and wit to the opera managers; and Melo Ludwig gives Meg Giry a quiet grace that enriches every scene she enters.
Stage magic that still feels … magical
What stands out most is the show’s ability to draw the audience into a shared emotional experience. Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, this production embraces intentional storytelling — through lighting, movement, pacing, and energy — that makes each moment feel meaningful.
Throughout the performance, the audience responded with genuine emotion: gentle laughter during lighter moments, audible gasps during surprises, and complete stillness during the most intense scenes. That collective engagement is the unmistakable sign of a powerful production.
The Orpheum: A perfect home for ‘Phantom’
The Orpheum Theatre elevates “Phantom” in ways few venues can. Its gilded architecture, dramatic arches, and historic beauty mirror the show’s elegance and mood. The space almost feels tailor-made for this story.
The acoustics were especially striking — each musical swell felt rich and resonant, allowing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score to fill the room without overwhelming the cast. Conductor Isaac Hayward led the orchestra with warmth and precision, creating a soundscape that wrapped gently around the audience.
The takeaway
Overall, “The Phantom of the Opera’s” return to Minneapolis was a triumphant spectacle. This production manages to feel fresh and revitalized while honoring everything that made “Phantom” a legend in the first place — the breathtaking visuals, the soaring music, and the poignant story at its core.
I was swept up from the overture, when the chandelier rose above the audience, to the spine-tingling final scenes in the Phantom’s lair. The combination of a talented cast, meticulous direction, and world-class stagecraft made the afternoon “unforgettable.”
If you have the chance to see “The Phantom of the Opera” at the Orpheum — or the next time it comes through — do not miss it. It’s a rare treat to experience a Broadway touring production of this caliber in our historic theater.
As the Phantom might say, “the music of the night” was indeed alive in Minneapolis — and judging by the roaring applause and wide-eyed faces in the crowd, we were all more than happy to surrender to it.
Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Do you have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at rachel.engstrom@eplocalnews.org.
