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. 
Your luxurious seat will afford you a first-hand view of the most successful stage musical of all time. The Phantom of the Opera debuted in London in 1986, and in the past 20 years, it has reached more than 20 countries and 110 cities, for a total of more than 65,000 performances and grossing more than $3 billion worldwide. The original cast recording has sold more than 2 million copies, and in 2004, it was made into a movie, which was nominated for three Oscars.
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.
This original creative team of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Hal Prince, choreographer Gillian Lynne, and lyricist Charles Hart has reunited to craft a never-before-seen version of this legendary tale. Billed as a “permanent theatrical installation,” Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular combines the best storytelling elements of a Broadway production with the wonder and awe of a Las Vegas show.Taking cues from the recent film adaptation, the creative team has crafted a 95-minute version of the timeless love story that allows for surprises yet leaves intact every song from the original. Instead, certain scenes have been cut down, but important lines have been relocated to other points of the narrative. The result is a story that is no less moving or memorable. Those who fear that Phantom will resemble another sequins-and-spandex Vegas show can stop worrying; no less an authority than Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has expressed confidence in the guiding hand of original director Hal Prince to maintain the play’s integrity.
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.
