The Phantom of the Opera at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia
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The Phantom of the Opera is coming to the Academy of Music in Philadelphia! Get your tickets now for this classic musical.
History of the Academy of Music
The Philadelphia Academy of Music is located at 240 South Broad Street in Center City, Philadelphia and is the oldest grand opera house in the United States. The buildling was built in 1857-1860, designed by architect John Haviland and is a National Historic Landmark.
The Academy of Music was built to be the home of the Philadelphia Opera Company. In its early years, it served as a venue for locally produced operas as well as touring companies from Europe. It has since hosted some of the most celebrated names in opera history including Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso, and Luciano Pavarotti. The Phantom of the Opera made its American debut at the Academy of Music in 1890.
The building underwent a major renovation in 2010-2011. Today, it is home to the Pennsylvania Ballet and Opera Philadelphia. It continues to host touring Broadway shows and special events.
The Phantom of the Opera at the Academy of Music
The Phantom of the Opera is a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart. The Phantom of the Opera is based on the novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra by Gaston Leroux. The Phantom of the Opera was first performed in London’s West End in 1986.
The original production
The original production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia was produced by Oscar Hammerstein II and opened on October 2, 1887. The production was a critical and financial success, running for 264 performances. It was the longest-running musical in Philadelphia at the time and helped to establish the city as a major cultural center.
The Phantom of the Opera was one of the first musicals to use a fog machine to create an eerie atmosphere, and it also featured some innovative special effects, such as floating puppets and a mechanical elephant. The music was composed by Giacomo Puccini, and the libretto by Giuseppe Adami.
The current production
Based on the 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who haunts the Paris Opera House, causing death and destruction in an attempt to make the woman he loves a star. The musical, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart, debuted in London in 1986, and it has been running continuously on Broadway since 1988.
The current production at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia is directed by Harold Prince and stars James Barbour as the Phantom and Ali Ewoldt as Christine. The show features some of the most memorable songs from the score, including “Music of the Night”, “All I Ask of You”, and “Masquerade”.
If you’re a fan of musical theatre, or if you’re just looking for a night of entertainment, be sure to check out The Phantom of the Opera at the Academy of Music.
What to expect when attending The Phantom of the Opera at the Academy of Music
When attending The Phantom of the Opera at the Academy of Music, guests can expect a classic story, spectacular sets and costumes, and some of the most memorable music in all of Broadway.
The Phantoms story is one of unrequited love, as the Phantom – a deformed man who lives underneath the Paris Opera House – falls in love with the beautiful soprano Christine. While Christine returns his affections to some degree, she ultimately chooses to marry another man, sending the Phantom into a jealous rage.
The Phantom retaliates by sabotaging the wedding and taking Christine prisoner in his underground lair. While imprisoned, Christine comes to understand the Phantoms backstory and sympathizes with him. She eventually agrees to become his companion forever – but not before a dramatic confrontation with her would-be husband and rescue by her true love.
Set against the backdrop of 19th century Paris, The Phantom of the Opera is a classic tale of good vs. evil, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The music by Andrew Lloyd Webber is some of the most memorable in all of Broadway, and fans will be thrilled to hear such classics as “The Music of the Night”, “All I Ask Of You”, and “Masquerade”.
Whether youre a longtime fan or seeing The Phantom of the Opera for the first time, youre sure to be enthralled by this timeless story.
How to get the most out of your experience at The Phantom of the Opera at the Academy of Music
When attended The Phantom of the Opera at the Academy of Music, there are a few things you can do in order to make sure you have the best experience possible. First, arrive early and take some time to explore the theater. Be sure to look up at the stunning ceiling mural and take in the grandeur of the space. Once you find your seat, take a moment to look at your program so you can follow along with the action on stage.
As the lights dim and the overture begins, let yourself be transported into another world by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s unforgettable music. Pay attention to the reactions of those around you – you may hear gasps, laughter, or even sobs as different scenes unfold. At intermission, take some time to reflect on what you’ve seen so far and guess what might happen in Act II.
Once the curtain falls on the final scene, take your time leaving your seat and linger in the theater to soak up the atmosphere before returning to reality. If you have time before leaving Philadelphia, be sure to visit The Academy of Music’s grand lobby which is open to the public during daylight hours.
