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Share the magic of The Phantom of the Opera with your family...

Now in its 26th record-breaking year--it's time to see it once again!

By Merri Cohen July 11, 2014

ThePhantom of the Opera is one of my all-time favorite musicals, so I was so excited when I got the opportunity to take my daughter to see it a few weeks ago. I first saw the musical with my soon-to-be husband over 18 years ago, and we actually walked down the aisle to "All I Ask of You." Now whenever my husband gets stressed out, he blasts The Phantom of the Opera in the car or at home, and he is instantly calmed down. We have had many Phantom sing-alongs in the car.

Therefore, it was so surreal to be able to take my 14-year-old daughter to see the show 18 years later--she already knew all the music from my husband and she was just mesmerized by the entire show. She loved all the drama, the candles, fog, gorgeous costumes, curtains, and falling chandelier. And the music drew her in as she quietly sang along in her seat.

I had forgotten how beautiful and haunting the music is in person--from the first time we meet the Phantom in "The Phantom of the Opera" to the high note in "Music of the Night" to my favorite love song, "All I Ask of You," I was so caught up with the musical that I think I forgot to breathe. The lyrics of "Music of the Night" say it best:

Close your eyes, let your spirt soar

And you'll live as you've never lived before
Softly, deftly, music shall caress you
Hear it, feel it, secretly possess you

 

The theatre just put in a new state-of-the-art sound system, and the music just shakes the entire theatre. We were lucky to see the new Phantom played by Norm Lewis--the first African-American to play the role. While past actors were all tenors, Norm Lewis has a booming baritone voice and a very large physical presence. He added an extra layer of drama to the Phantom role, and he was wonderful to watch. I didn't want the show to ever end, and my daughter and I could have sat through the show over and over again. It looks like we will have to come see it again soon--the magic of Phantom of the Opera never fades.

After the show, we found some fun facts about Phantom of the Opera, which is Broadway's longest running show and just had its 11,000 performance on Broadway.  Here's one of my favorite facts:
Each performance has 230 costumes, 14 dressers, 120 automated cues, 22 scene changes, 281 candles and uses 250 kg of dry ice and 10 fog and smoke machines. Click here to see more fun facts.

The Phantom of the Opera is playing at
the Majestic Theatre, 247 West 44th Street, New York. Click here for tickets.

Prior to the show, we had a reception at NYY Steak--a huge steak house with a New York Yankees theme that is located across from Rockefeller Centre. We were in
heaven as we tasted unbelievable thick and delicious NYY steak bacon bites with maple glaze, mini prime burger sliders, crabcake sliders with caper remoulade, and macaroni and cheese empanadas. Wow, The Phantom of the Opera, steak, and the New York Yankees--sounds like a perfect way to spend my husband's next birthday.


Below is official information about The Phantom of the Opera and NYY:


THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Now in its 26th record-breaking year, The Phantom of the Opera is the Broadway musical all others are measured against. The timeless story, the unforgettable score, an undeniable obsession that could never die. Experience the haunting love story that has captivated New York…and the world.

Far beneath the majesty and splendor of the Paris Opera House lives the Phantom. Fueled by overwhelming desire for his beautiful protégée Christine, he has written an exquisite new opera to introduce her extraordinary voice to the world. But as passion turns to obsession, the love he holds for his ingénue is so strong that even her heart cannot resist.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mesmerizing score, along with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects, magically combine to bring this tragic love story to life eight times a week.

The musical opened at the Majestic Theatre on January 26, 1988, leading to dozens of productions across America and around the world. As Broadway’s longest-running musical, The Phantom of the Opera continues to captivate audiences nightly.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA:

Facebook: facebook.com/phantombway

Twitter: @PhantomBway

Instagram: @PhantomBway


NYY STEAK

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, NYY Steak is New York’s latest premier steakhouse for lunch, dinner, special events, and private dining. Just one block from Rockefeller Center, guests can enjoy a fine dining experience with the class and quality that only this world class franchise can provide. Rich with New York Yankees history and design, this 200 seat, three-story space features a custom made Signature Wall adorned with 86 autographs of legendary Yankee players. NYY Steak is the home of championship cuisine, featuring our USDA prime dry-aged steaks and over 400 varieties of fine wine.


NYY STEAK:

Facebook: facebook.com/NYYSteak

Twitter: @NYYSteak

Instagram: @NYYSteak