By AJ Jaffari
What happens when one of musical theatre’s most iconic productions returns to the stage nearly four decades later and somehow manages to feel just as magical as ever?
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera has officially made its long-awaited debut at Broadway San Jose, and what a spectacular occasion it was. Having already experienced this revitalized production earlier this year at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre, I was beyond excited to descend beneath the Paris Opera House once again. And let me tell you, this production does not disappoint.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll happily say it again: this is one of the finest incarnations of Phantom I’ve ever experienced. There is something truly remarkable about a production that has been seen by generations of theatregoers and can still manage to inspire such awe. From the moment that iconic overture begins and the chandelier comes to life, the theatrical magic is simply undeniable.
What made this particular performance even more special was the occasion itself. I attended during the musical’s 40th-anniversary celebrations, marking an extraordinary milestone for a show that has become synonymous with Broadway and musical theatre history. Even more exciting was the fact that this engagement marks the first time The Phantom of the Opera has ever been presented in San Jose. For a city with such a vibrant arts community, it felt like a particularly meaningful moment.
Having reviewed this same touring production in San Francisco earlier this year, I won’t spend too much time revisiting every design element or creative decision. My feelings remain overwhelmingly positive, and much of what impressed me at the Orpheum was just as spectacular here. Instead, I want to focus on what made this particular evening special.
Isaiah Bailey continues to be an absolute powerhouse as the Phantom. I was completely enamored with his performance in San Francisco, and seeing him tackle this monumental role once again only reinforced how extraordinary his talent is. His voice possesses an incredible richness and power, but what makes his portrayal so memorable is the emotional depth he brings to the character. There is something almost hypnotic about watching him command the stage, particularly during the score’s more demanding moments.
Unfortunately, there were a few minor microphone issues during the performance that occasionally interfered with Bailey’s otherwise magnificent vocals. While definitley noticeable, they did little to diminish the overall impact of his performance. When everything was working as intended, his voice filled the theatre beautifully.
At my performance, Alyssa Giannetti stepped into the role of Christine Daaé, offering a refreshing opportunity to experience a different interpretation of this beloved character than the one I had seen in San Francisco. Giannetti was absolutely fantastic, bringing a gorgeous vocal quality and lovely sensitivity to Christine. The role demands an extraordinary amount of vocal control, particularly as the music moves between delicate passages and soaring operatic moments, and she handled those challenges beautifully. I was thoroughly impressed by her performance, and she was a wonderful addition to an already extraordinary company.
The remainder of the company continued to impress me just as they had earlier this year. This is a production filled with incredibly talented performers who understand the grandeur and theatricality of the material. From the principal characters to the ballet ensemble, every element contributes to the richness of the world unfolding onstage.
One aspect I particularly want to highlight this time around is the absolutely breathtaking orchestra. Under the musical direction of Isaac Hayward, this ensemble performs Webber’s iconic score with the grandeur, richness, and precision it deserves. I cannot emphasize enough how important a magnificent orchestra is to a production like Phantom. The sweeping strings, dramatic brass, and delicate instrumental passages are just as essential to the storytelling as the performers themselves.
Hearing this score played live by musicians of this caliber is an experience in itself. There were moments when I found myself simply sitting back and appreciating the music, reminded of just how beautifully orchestrated this show truly is. This is how The Phantom of the Opera is meant to be heard, and the musicians deserve an enormous round of applause for bringing such extraordinary life to these timeless melodies.
Visually, the production remains nothing short of breathtaking. Maria Björnson’s legendary designs, adapted for this production by Matt Kinley, continue to create a world of remarkable theatrical grandeur. The costumes are exquisite, the scenery is magnificent, and the entire production feels wonderfully lavish. Seth Sklar-Heyn’s direction honors the legacy of Harold Prince’s original staging while allowing this incarnation to feel refreshed and alive.
And while I already knew many of the production’s surprises from my previous visit, I still found myself marveling at the theatrical craftsmanship on display. There is something so special about watching a production of this magnitude and realizing that, even after seeing it before, the magic hasn’t worn off.
But perhaps the most memorable moment of the evening came after the final curtain.
In celebration of the show’s 40th anniversary and its historic San Jose debut, the cast returned to the stage for a commemorative photograph. Audience members were invited to illuminate the Center for the Performing Arts with their phone flashlights, transforming the auditorium into a sea of twinkling lights. It was such a simple gesture, yet an incredibly magical way to conclude an already unforgettable evening.
Looking around the theatre and seeing an audience collectively celebrating this remarkable piece of musical theatre history was very special. These are the moments that remind me why I love live theatre so much. Beyond the music, the performances, and the spectacle, there is something irreplaceable about sharing an experience like this with hundreds of other people.
The Phantom of the Opera remains one of the greatest theatrical achievements of its kind, and this touring production is a magnificent reminder of why audiences have fallen in love with it for nearly forty years. Having now experienced it twice in the same year, I can confidently say that my admiration for this incarnation has only grown.
From Isaiah Bailey’s commanding performance to the breathtaking orchestra and extraordinary production design, Broadway San Jose has welcomed a truly spectacular theatrical event to the South Bay. Whether you’re experiencing Phantom for the first time or returning for your tenth, this is a production that deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
The Phantom is here, San Jose, and I couldn’t be happier.
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