The Phantom of the Opera • April 10, 2026 • Eccles Theater
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mega hit musical “Phantom of the Opera” is playing at Eccles Theater until April 26. I had the opportunity to see this production on Friday, April 10. I thought I knew what to expect. I’ve seen “Phantom” a few times over the years. I have always enjoyed it. I figured, going into Eccles Theater last weekend, that I’d be seeing something similar to what I had seen in the past. While the show is still the show you might know and love, I felt like everything I had seen before was enhanced. This was “Phantom of the Opera” on a whole new level.
The atmosphere when walking into the lobby of Eccles Theater was electric. It felt different from other pre-show experiences. Perhaps because I was attending on a Friday night instead of the typical Tuesday night that reviewers attend. But I noticed an uptick in attire. Some people were dressed in outfits similar to those worn by the cast. Some were dressed to the nines in fancy suits and dresses. Whatever it was, I felt an extra excitement from this audience, and anticipation was high.
Walking into the performance hall, I got really excited when I saw the famous chandelier lowered, covered, and suspended above the audience. This was the first difference that I saw from the previous performances I had seen. I had read that there would be some upgrades and changes on this tour. Seeing the chandelier, I knew there were some exciting surprises in store.
I don’t want to spoil all of the new elements in this show. But I will say that if there is a special effect that you recall from seeing this show, it’s been updated. And it works well. I was amazed at the spectacle. There were several moments with audible gasps or “Ah’s” during these moments. “Phantom of the Opera” has always been known for its grand staging. These updates allow this musical to keep that reputation.
While the sets and effects are impressive, the true test of a show this beloved is the cast. I feel for casts of shows like these. People have their favorite Phantoms or Christines and can be harsh when the actor playing the role doesn’t measure up to their expectations. I grew up in the Los Angeles area, and “Phantom of the Opera” played there for almost five years from 1989 to 1993. I remember when people saw the show, they would come back either disappointed that the guy they saw playing the Phantom didn’t sound like the original Phantom, Michael Crawford, or that the soundtrack, which had Michael Crawford, didn’t sound like the guy they saw because they preferred him. It feels like that’s been a thing across the decades.
I definitely have my favorites among the Phantoms. But like any show, I go into it with an open mind. Sometimes there will be a casting that I don’t love, but I’m always hopeful to have a new experience with a cast and find things I love about them. That was not difficult to do with this cast at all! This production has been perfectly cast. From the ensemble to the principals, the talent in this cast was impressive.
Isaiah Bailey was excellent as the Phantom. While I’m never a fan of patrons talking during the show, I couldn’t help but enjoy hearing people around me saying things like, “That was the best I’ve ever heard that!” following “Music of the Night.” Or, “He’s my new favorite Phantom.” There were a lot more positive comments like that during intermission as well as on the way to the car. I can’t imagine anyone left the theater not loving Bailey’s performance. The Phantom has been performed so many times. I would think it’s impossible to find new ways to portray the character. I applaud Isaiah Bailey for finding a space to make this character his own. He found new and impactful ways to portray the Phantom, and the audience ate it up.
Like Bailey, Jordan Lee Gilbert found opportunities to portray Christine in a fresh way while still giving the audience some of the classic elements of the character. Her voice soared throughout Eccles Theater, and it felt as if the audience was struggling to stay in their seats at the end of “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.” What a performance! I feel like I’ve seen some great Christines, but I don’t think any have impressed me more than Gilbert. Her performance is one of my favorite theater performances that I have seen.
Daniel Lopez as Raul is a great fit. His interaction with so many members of the cast can be difficult to navigate. Lopez did an admirable job. You would never guess that this is Midori Marsh’s first national tour. Playing Carlotta is a tricky task. You have to sound incredible so we know that you’re the diva, but also portray the role in a way that we’ll want to see and hear Christine. Her comedic timing was excellent. I thought Marsh and Christopher Bozeka as Carlotta and Piangi were paired well.
I also thought William Thomas Evans and Carrington Vilmont made a great team as Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur André, respectively. It was very cool to see a former Christine Daaé return to “Phantom.” Lisa Vroman, who played Christine on Broadway and in San Francisco (where I saw her!), is back at the Paris Opera House, this time portraying the role of Madam Giry. She played that role just the way you want it to be played. It was good to see her again.
This music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and the lyrics by Charles Hart are some of the most recognizable melodies and words in Broadway history. To hear them again felt amazing. And this orchestra was exceptional. And the best part, several members of the orchestra are from right here in Utah! Apparently, the tour has welcomed several local musicians to play in all of the performances. I thought that was pretty great. Utah has some of the best musicians around, so it came as no surprise that the orchestra sounded as phenomenal as it did.
I was excited to get to see “Phantom of the Opera” again. I had no idea I would leave the theater as blown away as I was. I absolutely loved this performance. If you have the opportunity, I cannot recommend coming to Eccles Theater and seeing this production enough. It’s special.
“The Phantom of the Opera” is playing at Eccles Theater until April 26. There are still a limited number of tickets available. For information about the show and ticket availability, click here.