The Phantom Of The Opera at Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago
Set in the shadowy depths of the Paris Opera House, The Phantom of the Opera follows a mysterious, disfigured musical genius who lives beneath the stage and exerts a powerful influence over the company above. Captivated by the voice and innocence of young soprano Christine, he becomes her secret tutor and driving force, determined to make her a star while hiding both his identity and his growing obsession. Christine, however, is torn between the Phantom’s hypnotic world and her love for Raoul, leading to a story where romance, jealousy, madness, and dangerous passion collide. All of this unfolds against one of musical theatre’s most beloved scores, filled with sweeping melodies such as “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade,” and the unmistakable title song.Chicago audiences will see a production that combines the grandeur of the original with a renewed energy. This engagement features Maria Björnson’s iconic design, with its opulent sets, costumes, and of course the famous chandelier that has become a symbol of the show. The current version was greeted with enthusiasm when it reopened at His Majesty’s Theatre in London in 2021, and the forthcoming North American tour will bring that refreshed staging to cities across the United States. Director Seth Sklar-Heyn leads this incarnation, working from Harold Prince’s legendary original direction, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne, re-created and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright to honor the past while keeping the show vibrant for today’s audiences.
Cameron Mackintosh said, "I'm really delighted to bring Andrew Lloyd Webber's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA back to thrill American audiences once again after its phenomenal record-breaking run on Broadway. When I unveiled this new production in London after the pandemic many of our brilliant original creative team, including Hal Prince, Gillian Lynne and Maria Björnson , were sadly no longer with us. Our exciting new team, inspired by their predecessors’ glorious work, updated certain aspects of the production that resulted in a dazzlingly fresh version of the much-loved original, which was rapturously received by audiences and critics alike. So, when we raise our even more sensational chandelier, you can once again thrill to Andrew’s soaring music of the night and be swept away by a revitalized PHANTOM in all its glory!”
Andrew Lloyd Webber said, “The Phantom made it very clear that it would not be long before his legend would, once again, be told in America. While Hal, Gillie and Maria are, sadly, no longer with us, they live on in the show we all created together. Love, passion and live theatre are what THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is all about. I still get goosebumps every time that chandelier comes alive and infuses the theatre with something that only happens when design, direction and music are completely at one. I am absolutely delighted that we are bringing this very special production back to audiences across North America.”
Nearly four decades after it first captivated London audiences, The Phantom of the Opera remains one of the most successful and visually spectacular musicals ever staged. The show has been seen by more than 160 million people in 47 territories and 195 cities, translated into 21 languages and cherished around the globe. The original London production is now the second longest-running musical in West End history, and on Broadway it reigned as the longest-running show of all time, opening in 1988, winning seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, and ultimately playing almost 14,000 performances before taking its final bow in April 2023 after 35 record-breaking years.
On tour, The Phantom of the Opera has been equally dominant. Three major U.S. national tours based on the original Broadway staging crisscrossed the country for a combined total of more than 36 years, playing over 14,500 performances and reaching some 31 million people. Long runs in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco helped cement its reputation as the most successful and longest-running touring musical in U.S. history, turning the show into a rite of passage for generations of theatergoers.
Now, Chicago gets another chance to experience the romance, suspense, and sheer spectacle of this legendary musical live on stage. With its rich score, unforgettable imagery, and a story that feels both grand and intimate, The Phantom of the Opera is a perfect choice for a special night out during the holiday season. Whether you’re introducing someone to the show for the very first time or returning to the Phantom’s lair for another visit, tickets to this limited engagement at the Cadillac Palace Theatre are sure to be a cherished gift and a highlight of the winter for any theater lover in Chicago.
To see a full list of all Broadway Shows coming to Chicago, visit our Broadway Shows in Chicago page.