From the moment I arrived at Paramount Theatre, I knew that seeing The Phantom of the Opera was going to be unforgettable. This performance was a true bucket list moment for me, made even more special because the week before I had the incredible opportunity to interview Jordan Lee Gilbert, who played Christine. After hearing her speak so passionately about the role, I was even more excited to experience the story come to life on stage.
As we walked toward the theater, the crowd stretched halfway around the building, six people wide, a powerful reminder of just how beloved this production is. Despite the massive line, one of the staff members noticed me and immediately guided me to a separate accessible entrance. His kindness and thoughtfulness made the entire experience so much easier and set the tone for what would be a truly magical evening.
Once inside, an usher warmly welcomed us, showed me where the accessible restroom was located, and directed us to our seats. The seats were absolutely incredible. Before the show began, we walked down to look at the orchestra pit and take in the beauty of the stage up close. Even before the curtain rose, there was a sense that something extraordinary was about to happen.
And then there it was: the iconic chandelier hanging above us, covered and waiting. Just seeing it suspended over the audience filled the theater with anticipation and wonder. In that moment, before a single note was played, you could feel the magic in the air. Everyone knew they were about to witness something truly spectacular.
The moment the lights began to flicker and slowly dim, a hush swept across the auditorium. Only seconds before, Paramount Theatre had been buzzing with excited whispers, the rustle of programs, and the anticipation of hundreds of people waiting for the story to begin. Then, in an instant, the room fell completely silent. You could feel every person holding their breath.
When the chandelier erupted in its dramatic frenzy, it sent a jolt through the theater, and I knew we were no longer just an audience. We had been pulled into the haunting and mesmerizing world of The Phantom of the Opera.
And then Jordan Lee Gilbert stepped onto the stage.
The moment she began to sing “Think of Me,” emotion washed over me so suddenly that I could hardly contain it. I had never experienced a true opera before, and I was completely unprepared for the power of hearing a voice so pure, so effortless, and so full of feeling. Her performance was breathtaking. There was a tenderness and strength in her portrayal of Christine that made it impossible not to fall in love with her.
But nothing could have prepared me for the first time Christine and the Phantom, portrayed by Isaiah Bailey, sang together in “The Phantom of the Opera.” As their voices intertwined, rising and swirling around the theater, tears began to stream quietly down my face. I sat there in awe, overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. For more than two hours, these performers did not simply put on a show; they transported every one of us into another world entirely.
There were moments of laughter, moments of suspense, and moments when the audience erupted into thunderous applause after nearly every song. The energy in the theater was electric. One of the most dazzling scenes was the Masquerade sequence, a feast for both the eyes and the ears. The costumes, the choreography, and the sheer spectacle were absolutely thrilling. I found myself wondering in amazement how the Phantom seemed to vanish from center stage and appear halfway up the grand staircase in the blink of an eye, hidden within a burst of pyrotechnics and theatrical magic.
Midori Marsh was extraordinary as Carlotta Giudicelli. Her commanding presence and astonishing vocals captivated me from the moment she appeared. She brought both grandeur and humor to the role, and every note she sang was delivered with incredible skill and confidence.
Beyond the unforgettable performances of the principal cast, I was deeply moved by the extraordinary work of every person who helped bring The Phantom of the Opera to life. The ensemble and ballet corps were nothing short of magnificent, filling the stage with grace, precision, and energy that made every scene feel rich and alive. Their movements were seamless and elegant, adding layers of beauty and emotion to the story. Even in the smaller roles and brief appearances, each performer gave everything they had, creating characters that felt vivid and essential.
There was not a single moment on stage that felt unimportant; every gesture, every note, and every step contributed to the magic. The support staff and crew deserve just as much applause as the actors. From the flawless set changes to the perfectly timed lighting, pyrotechnics, and special effects, their work was invisible in the best possible way, allowing the audience to be completely immersed in the world unfolding before us. The backdrops were breathtaking, transforming the stage from the grandeur of the Paris Opera House to the haunting beauty of the Phantom’s underground lair. The props were exquisite, detailed and authentic, making every scene feel like a living work of art. Together, the cast, crew, designers, and technicians created something so stunning and seamless that it was impossible not to be swept away by the beauty and craftsmanship of it all.
The chemistry between Christine and Raoul, played by Daniel Lopez, was deeply moving. During “All I Ask of You,” their voices blended together with such warmth and tenderness that you could feel the sincerity of their love. Above them, the Phantom watched in anguish, realizing that Christine’s heart belonged to another. In that moment, despite everything, you could not help but feel profound sympathy for him. Beneath the mask, beneath the obsession and the torment, was a man desperate to be loved.
One of the most powerful scenes in the entire production came when Christine, Raoul, and the Phantom shared the stage in the climactic confrontation. Their voices overlapped in a stunning and emotionally charged counterpoint. Christine wrestled with fear, compassion, and the heartbreaking realization that the Phantom had lived a life of unimaginable loneliness. The Phantom demanded her decision, his voice filled with desperation and pain. Raoul pleaded for her to refuse, begging her not to sacrifice herself. The emotional intensity of that moment was almost unbearable.
When Christine chose compassion and kissed the Phantom, the entire theater seemed to stop. It was a moment of acceptance and mercy, of recognizing the humanity in someone who had only known rejection. In that single act, she gave him the one thing he had always longed for: genuine love and understanding. Knowing he could never truly have her, he made the heartbreaking decision to let Christine and Raoul go.
The final moments were devastating in the most beautiful way. As Christine freed Raoul and the Phantom disappeared into the shadows, the sorrow in the music and the ache in the story settled over the audience like a wave. I do not think I breathed during the closing scene. As Christine’s voice faded into the distance, I felt both shattered and profoundly moved.
When the curtain finally fell, the audience leapt to their feet in an instant. The theater exploded with applause, cheers, and cries of “Bravo!” that seemed to go on forever. The ovation was not simply appreciation; it was gratitude for having witnessed something so emotionally powerful and artistically extraordinary.
I walked out of the theater with tears still in my eyes and my heart completely full. This was more than a performance. It was an experience that reached into my soul and left a mark I will never forget. I know now that this will not be my last opera, and every time The Phantom of the Opera returns to Seattle, I will be first in line to experience that magic all over again.
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