At a time when Broadway is looking more like Las Vegas, it should come as no surprise that Vegas is claiming its own from Broadway–though with the patented Vegas twist. For proof, look no further than Las Vegas’s most recent marquee attraction, a new production of The Phantom of the Opera, exclusive to the Venetian hotel and casino.
Step inside the $40 million custom-built theater, and you’ll be transported to the Paris Opera House, circa the late 19th century.
The specially constructed theatre is a feat in itself. Built by David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group, whose Broadway design credits include The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Hairspray, as well as recent projects the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles and Nobu Las Vegas, the theatre incorporates a layout that surrounds the audience, allowing for an immersive environment not yet attempted in any other version of the play–but the updates don’t stop there. Longtime Phantom fans may be surprised to learn that the play’s plot twists and action sequences have previously been achieved by Victorian stage tricks. At the Venetian resort in Las Vegas, the old-fashioned sleight of hand will be replaced by state-of-art special effects and technological breakthroughs, such as an onstage lake.
With the addition of Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular, the Venetian resort has cemented its reputation for the finest offerings for art, dining, shopping, gaming, and entertainment. By doing so, it has also reaffirmed Las Vegas’s position as the premiere entertainment hub of the 21st century.