By AJ Jaffari
What happens when one of the most iconic musicals of all time returns to the stage with all of its grandeur intact? The Phantom of the Opera at ATG San Francisco proves that some classics never lose their power. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sweeping score, paired with its timeless story of obsession, artistry, and longing, continues to captivate audiences decades after its premiere. While many productions attempt to reinvent beloved material, this touring production finds a beautiful balance between honoring the original and breathing fresh life into it.
Set beneath the Paris Opera House, the story follows the mysterious Phantom and his fixation on the young soprano Christine Daaé. Through romance, tragedy, and some of musical theatre’s most recognizable melodies, the show transports audiences into a world where beauty and darkness exist side by side. From the moment the overture begins, this production embraces the scale and spectacle that have made Phantom a global phenomenon.
As someone who has long admired this musical, I can confidently say this production was fantastic from beginning to end. There’s always a certain level of expectation that comes with a title this iconic, and this company met it with confidence. What impressed me most was how closely it captured the magic of the original while still feeling refreshed and modern. At no point did it feel dated or stale; instead, it reminded me exactly why this show has remained such a beloved staple of musical theatre for so many years.
Among the many strong performances, two stood above the rest for me. Isaiah Bailey delivered a compelling and emotionally rich Phantom, balancing the character’s menace and vulnerability with remarkable skill. His vocals were powerful and expressive, making every appearance feel significant. Opposite him, Jordan Lee Gilbert brought grace, warmth, and vocal brilliance to Christine. Her voice soared through the theater with stunning clarity, and she brought an emotional sincerity to the role that made her journey deeply engaging.
I would also be remissed not to mention the ensemble. The vocal strength of this company was extraordinary. Whether in the grand opera sequences or the show’s most dramatic moments, the ensemble’s sound was rich, full, and beautifully blended. Their contributions elevated the production at every turn and helped create the lush musical landscape that Phantom demands.
If there was a true star of the evening, however, it was the production itself. The sheer scale of what was achieved on stage was astonishing. Andrew Bridge’s lighting design transformed every scene into a painting, creating atmosphere and drama with remarkable precision. Mick Potter’s sound design was equally impressive, particularly the Phantom’s voice, which seemed to materialize from every corner of the theater thanks to the immersive surround-sound effects.
The scenic design, adapted by Matt Kinley from Maria Björnson’s original concepts, retained the grandeur that audiences expect while feeling polished and contemporary. Every transition felt cinematic, and the visual storytelling was consistently breathtaking. The costumes were equally magnificent—lavish, detailed, and utterly transportive. Time and time again, I found myself marveling at just how beautiful everything looked.
Finally, when the moment the orchestra began playing the iconic overture sending chills down my spine, I knew I was in for a terrific evening. Shoutout to the brilliant music director, Isaac Hayward.
This production serves as a reminder of why The Phantom of the Opera remains one of the most celebrated musicals ever written. With stunning performances, extraordinary technical achievements, and a score that still sends chills down my spine, this is a theatrical experience not to be missed. Whether you’re revisiting the Opera House or entering it for the first time, I cannot recommend this production enough.
The Phantom of the Opera runs through June 21 and tickets are available here.
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