You read that correctly the FAMOUS Andrew Lloyd Webber musical The Phantom of the Opera, Phantom for those musical theatre diehards, will bring the Broadway touring production to Omaha this week. Critics are raving that this new production produced by Cameron Mackintosh is “bigger and better than before.” I am geeking out in the biggest way.

Phantom first debuted in 1986 and since the first run it has been updated using 21st century theatrical technology. Ok techies this is your turn to geek out. The set, lighting, and sound have all been updated and redesigned for this new production and will include pyrotechnics.  💥 The chandelier, oh the chandelier will be there, and the Phantom will exact his revenge don’t you worry. Audience members beware as the chandelier plunges over your head.

My BA is actually in Theatre so knowing some of the “behind the scenes” facts makes me happy. I know from all my years spent in the theatre that so much goes into a production that the audience is completely ignorant to. Well lucky for you I received a fun facts sheet that I am sharing so you too can (theatre) geek out with me.

Load–in

• 75 local stagehands are hired in every market to load the production into the theatre
• 35 local stagehands are used for each performance
• 20 trucks are used to move the production from city to city (16 trucks in the building, 4 more trucks for the jump/advance)

Costumes

• The show incorporates most of the Maria Björnson designs from the original production.
• There are a few pieces from the original production that are over 25 years old used in this production.
• Over 1,200 costume pieces used during the show.
• Each ballet girl goes through a pair of ballet shoes every 2-3 weeks
• Madame Giry has only 1 costume

Wigs

• Over 120 wigs travel with Phantom
• About 50 wigs are used in the show every night
• All wigs are made from human hair except for 5
• Stock of about 50 mustaches

Sound

• Phantom uses over 200 speakers 
• Approximately 50 are used just for the surround sound package

Electrics

• Over 85 moving lights in the design that utilizes 4 different kinds of haze/smoke effects.

Chandelier

• Over 6,000 beads are on the chandelier
• Each strand has 632 beads
• The chandelier weighs 1 ton
• This new chandelier was designed by Howard Eaton (who designed the Olympic rings for the London ceremonies)

Scenery

• The main scenic wall weighs 10 tons and rotates around the stage
• The 2 opera boxes scenic elements together take up a full truck to travel from city to city

Orchestra

• 17 orchestra members plus conductor perform Andrew Lloyd Webber’s magnificent score every performance

This production travels in 20 trucks with a cast and orchestra of 52, making this PHANTOM one of the largest touring productions of a Broadway musical.

This will be my first time seeing Phantom and I can’t wait! Trust me I will follow up later in the week and let you know what I thought. So “All I Ask of You” is to hurry up and get your tickets so you too can hear the “Music of the Night.” 🎭

The Deets:

the what: Omaha Performing Arts presents The Phantom of the Opera
the when: opens Wednesday, April 20 and runs until Sunday, May 1
the where: Omaha’s beautiful Orpheum Theater, 409 South 16^th St., Omaha, NE
the how much: Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased online at TicketOmaha.com; by phone at 402.345.0606 or at the Ticket Omaha Box Office inside the Holland Performing Arts Center, 12^th and Douglas. Groups of 15 or more may purchase tickets by calling 402.661.8516 or toll-free at 866.434.8587

Are you heading to the theater this year? Tell me what are you going to see.

*disclosure: I have received two complimentary tickets in exchange for my promotion of this post, as always, all opinions are my own and I will only share what I love and would recommend to you if you asked me what you should go see in Omaha