Phantom Turns Four

“The Phantom turns four… the Phantom turns four.” That’s all I could get out of the phone call from the PA, as I think she was about to hyperventilate.  And as faithful listeners and followers of The Vegas Tourist you know, Phantom: The Vegas Spectacular is her favorite show in Las Vegas, if not the world.

We had covered all three previous anniversaries, and she covered the Phantom Fans Week in October 2009.  So I was a little curious as to how we missed this news.  So a few frantic phone calls and few favors called in and we were there…. Let me tell you, THIS was an anniversary!!

It’s not everyday a Vegas show turns four and sets a new record!  And we were there!

Of course, it was a packed house and Phantom is one show you almost feel a need to dress up for.  Almost everyone was. Many around us were Phantom Phanatics who have seen it in other parts of the world, and they plan their Vegas trip around seeing this show.

I must have really made a case for us because our seats were almost dead center and under that amazing theatrical creation that cost five million dollars… the 2,000-pound chandelier.  The chandelier by itself is steals the show… but, to see it up close and personal, over your head, it will take your breath away.

The theatre is an amazing replica of a Paris opera house.  With Phantom, you immediately stop feeling like you are in a Vegas casino seeing a show.  Rather your feelings transport you to the real Paris opera house, as you watch the orchestra pit come alive with rehearsal sounds and the stage sits dark and almost empty. You become engulfed in the settings.

Ninety-Five minutes later, the house is on it’s feet, applauding the cast and crew.  The lead characters take their bow, the Phantom and Christine make impassioned “thank you’s” to the audiences for our support over the years.  Cast members filed into the audience handing out commemorative versions of the iconic mask.  The idea was to set the record for the world’s largest gathering of “Phantoms” ever assembled in a single location.

Yup, it’s photo time!  Where else but Las Vegas would you get 1800 Phantoms in one setting?  Another record and we were there.  On count down for take two, as Christine yelled “one” the Chandelier once again came alive and dropped from the ceiling in true theatrical style!  Which was only the second time in four years that the chandelier has been dropped outside of a performance.  The first time was during Phantom Fans Week.

The next time you are in Las Vegas, go see Phantom: The Vegas Spectacular and you will understand why this is the one show even I recommend to almost anybody.  You will want to see it again.