The Phantom Theatre marquee. |
Main entrance to the Phantom Theatre and box office. |
Mosaic of the Phantom's mask greets visitors before entering the theatre. (above photos: TheHopefulTraveler) |
David Rockwell, theatre design and special effects consultant for 'Phantom The Las Vegas Spectacular,' perfectly described the Phantom Theatre at the Venetian. The text below is from "The Phantom's Lair" as featured in the souvenir brochure for the Vegas production.
It's a scenic design hat trick: Charles Garnier's magnificent Paris Opera House, Maria Bjornson's fantastic theatrical interpretation of it, and Hal Prince's masterful rethinking of this legendary musical. When I was given the opportunity to create a permanent home for 'The Phantom of the Opera' there was only one thing to say - a very enthusiastic "Yes."
(story continued below)
The $40 million custom-built theatre for 'Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular.' |
Boxes with mannequins help to transport guests to a 19th century Paris Opera House. (above photos: Rockwell Group) |
In designing the theater to house this new production of 'Phantom,' it was important to do two things. First, we wanted to create an extension of what you see on stage, so that you're literally immersed in the bold, sexy, and slightly ominous ambiance that permeates the story. Glance up at opera boxes, where mannequins dressed in period costumes are posed waiting for the evening's performance, look up even higher at the magnificent chandelier, anchored (safely?) in a majestic dome 80 feet above the orchestra floor. All around you, fragments reminiscent of the Paris Opera House appear like pieces of a dream. You're wrapped in the The Phantom's seductive environment.
Second, and just as important, the theater must serve as a bridge, ushering you from the contemporary Las Vegas to the more measured, formal atmosphere of the late 19th-century Paris. Much as they might have in common -- an exciting nightlife, exotic characters and vivid locales -- they are really two separate worlds. You must be prepared for Phantom's miller in order to full appreciate the show.
(story continued below)
From dome to chandelier to seats gives the feeling of a grand, luxurious opera house. |
"A chandelier in pieces" awaits visitors as they enter and are seated. (above photos: Rockwell Group) |
As you make your way to the lobby up the steps, into the theater and to your seats, you're not only embarking upon a shared experience with 1,800 other theatergoers, you're also replicating the stately progression of the audiences who long ago filled the Paris Opera House.
Venue seating chart located at bottom.
Deep red and shimmering gold and glowing lighting greets visitors to the Phantom Theatre. |
A grand staircase transports visitors to the mezzanine level. |
Glowing entryways heralds visitors into the theatre. |
An orate golden ceiling hovers above the grand staircase. |
Entry to mezzanine seats and bar. |
Mezzanine level hallway. (above photos: TheHopefulTraveler) |
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