Phantom of the Opera
Los Angeles

Planning Your Visit to the Pantages Theatre

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre is located in the heart of Hollywood at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard. The venue has been a landmark entertainment destination since 1930 and provides an ideal setting for The Phantom of the Opera. Performances include evening shows Tuesday through Sunday, with matinee performances on select days. The show runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.

Recommended for ages 8 and up, all guests require a ticket regardless of age. Children under 5 will not be admitted, and children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The production contains theatrical haze, fog, prop guns, and pyrotechnics. Parking is available at nearby lots and structures, with public transportation options including the Metro Red Line stopping at Hollywood/Vine station, just two blocks from the theater.

The Award-Winning Legacy

Since its 1986 London premiere, The Phantom of the Opera has earned virtually every major theatrical award. The production won the 1986 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and swept the 1988 Tony Awards with seven wins, including Best Musical, Best Actor in a Musical for Michael Crawford, and Best Direction for Harold Prince. The show also received seven Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards.

The original London cast recording made history by entering the UK charts at number one—a first for a British musical. The album has since sold over 40 million copies worldwide and achieved both gold and platinum status. Andrew Lloyd Webber, one of the few artists to achieve EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), created this masterpiece specifically for then-wife Sarah Brightman, who originated the role of Christine alongside Michael Crawford's legendary Phantom.

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The Story Behind the Music

Gaston Leroux's 1910 gothic novel "Le Fantôme de l'Opéra" provided the inspiration for Lloyd Webber's musical adaptation. The story is set in the opulent Paris Opera House during the late 19th century, where rumors persist of a ghostly figure haunting the building's labyrinthine underground passages. When beautiful soprano Christine Daaé suddenly replaces the prima donna Carlotta, she attributes her newfound talent to lessons from an "Angel of Music"—who is actually the Phantom, Erik, a disfigured musical genius living beneath the opera house.

As Christine's star rises, childhood sweetheart Raoul, now the Viscount de Chagny, returns to her life. The Phantom's jealousy grows dangerous, leading to dramatic confrontations, mysterious disappearances, and the famous chandelier crash. The love triangle reaches its climax during the Phantom's underground lair scene, where Christine must choose between the man society accepts and the tortured genius who educated her voice. The story explores themes of obsession, beauty, art, and the transformative power of compassion.

What Theater Critics Are Saying

The revitalized production has received acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Following its 2021 reopening at London's His Majesty's Theatre, the Sunday Express called it "more spectacular than ever." The production maintains the grandeur and romance of the original while incorporating technical innovations that enhance the theatrical experience without overshadowing the human drama at its core.

Theater enthusiasts praise the production's ability to transport audiences to 1880s Paris through its elaborate period costumes, atmospheric lighting, and the iconic set pieces including the underground lake, the opera house's grand staircase, and of course, the legendary chandelier. The musical staging brings to life elaborate opera-within-an-opera sequences, from the comedic "Il Muto" to the dramatic "Don Juan Triumphant," showcasing the breadth of Lloyd Webber's compositional range.

Behind the Scenes

The production requires an orchestra of skilled musicians to bring Lloyd Webber's complex score to life. The orchestrations, by David Cullen and Lloyd Webber, blend romantic melodies with dramatic flourishes, creating the musical's signature sound. The score draws inspiration from French opera, rock elements, and Lloyd Webber's theatrical instincts, resulting in music that appeals to both classical music aficionados and contemporary audiences.

Creating the Phantom's world involves extensive technical coordination. The production employs theatrical fog and haze to create the mysterious atmosphere of the opera house's underground domain. Pyrotechnics punctuate dramatic moments, while the famous chandelier—weighing approximately one ton—rises and falls throughout the performance. The production team includes specialists in wigs, makeup, and prosthetics to create the Phantom's distinctive appearance, which must allow the performer freedom of movement while maintaining the character's tragic mystique.

Perfect for Special Occasions

The Phantom of the Opera makes an unforgettable choice for celebrating milestones. Anniversary couples appreciate the show's romantic themes and spectacular production values. The accessible yet sophisticated story makes it ideal for introducing younger theatergoers to Broadway musicals. Groups celebrating birthdays, graduations, or reunions find that the shared experience of this theatrical masterpiece creates lasting memories.

Many fans make seeing The Phantom a tradition, returning multiple times to catch nuances they missed previously or to share the experience with new friends and family members. The Hollywood Pantages Theatre's summer engagement offers Southern California residents and visitors an exceptional opportunity to experience this cultural phenomenon without traveling to New York or London.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is The Phantom of the Opera performance?

The show runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission. The first act is longer than the second, with the intermission occurring after the famous chandelier sequence. Plan to arrive at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre at least 30 minutes before curtain to allow time for parking, finding your seats, and reviewing your program.

What is the best way to get tickets for Phantom of the Opera in Los Angeles?

Tickets are available through verified resale marketplaces that connect buyers with authenticated sellers. These platforms often provide access to a wider selection of seats and price points compared to limited official inventory. Reputable resale sites include buyer protection guarantees and secure payment processing. Purchasing early provides the best selection, especially for premium orchestra seats or popular weekend performances.

Is The Phantom of the Opera appropriate for children?

The show is recommended for ages 8 and up. The production contains some intense dramatic moments, theatrical haze and fog effects, prop guns with blank firing, pyrotechnics, and themes of obsession that may be frightening for very young children. Children under 5 are not admitted to the theater. All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Most children aged 8 and older who enjoy theater find the story engaging and the spectacle thrilling.

When does Phantom of the Opera play in Los Angeles in 2026?

The production runs at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre from June 24 through August 9, 2026. The performance schedule includes evening shows Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with matinee performances on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Specific showtimes vary by day of the week, with most evening performances starting at 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM and matinees beginning at 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM.

What songs are in The Phantom of the Opera?

The score features many beloved songs including the powerful title number sung by the Phantom and Christine, the romantic ballad "All I Ask of You" performed by Christine and Raoul, the seductive "The Music of the Night" where the Phantom reveals his lair, the emotional "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" where Christine visits her father's grave, and the spectacular ensemble number "Masquerade." Other notable songs include "Angel of Music," "Prima Donna," "Think of Me," and "The Point of No Return." The musical features minimal spoken dialogue, with most of the story told through Lloyd Webber's romantic score.

Who composed The Phantom of the Opera?

Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the music, with lyrics by Charles Hart and additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Lloyd Webber and Stilgoe also wrote the book. Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most successful musical theater composers in history, with other acclaimed works including Cats, Evita, and Jesus Christ Superstar. He achieved EGOT status by winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards throughout his career. Lloyd Webber wrote the role of Christine specifically for his then-wife, Sarah Brightman, who originated the part in both London and on Broadway.

Where is the Hollywood Pantages Theatre located?

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood, California. The theater is easily accessible via public transportation, with the Metro Red Line stopping at Hollywood and Vine station, just two blocks away. Multiple parking lots and structures are available nearby. The historic venue has been a Hollywood landmark since 1930 and provides an elegant setting for Broadway touring productions.

What is the dress code for Phantom of the Opera?

There is no official dress code for attending the show at the Pantages Theatre. Most patrons opt for smart casual to business casual attire, though some choose to dress more formally to enhance the special occasion atmosphere. Los Angeles audiences tend toward the casual end of the spectrum compared to New York or London. The most important consideration is wearing something comfortable for sitting through a nearly three-hour performance. The theater is air-conditioned, so bringing a light sweater or jacket is advisable.

Can I buy Phantom of the Opera tickets on the day of the show?

While same-day tickets may sometimes be available, purchasing in advance is strongly recommended. Popular performances, especially weekend evenings and matinees, often sell out weeks in advance. The summer 2026 Los Angeles engagement at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre is anticipated to be in high demand given the limited run and the show's enduring popularity. Booking early ensures you get your preferred performance date and seating location at the best available prices.

What makes the 2026 production different from previous tours?

This revitalized production premiered in London in 2021 and features enhancements while honoring the original 1986 design. The production incorporates updated technical elements including enhanced lighting design, refined sound engineering, and improved special effects that make the chandelier crash and underground lake scenes even more spectacular. However, the core elements that made the show legendary remain intact, including Maria Björnson's award-winning costume and set designs, Gillian Lynne's choreography, and the complete original score. The staging is based on Harold Prince's celebrated original direction while being adapted by Seth Sklar-Heyn for contemporary audiences.

Are there any age restrictions for The Phantom of the Opera?

Yes, children under the age of 5 will not be admitted to the theater. The show is recommended for ages 8 and older. All persons entering the theater, regardless of age, must have their own ticket. Children and teenagers under the age of 14 are required to be accompanied by an adult chaperone. The production contains intense dramatic moments, theatrical fog and haze, pyrotechnics, and prop guns, which the venue considers when setting these guidelines.

How early should I arrive at the Pantages Theatre?

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled curtain time. This allows sufficient time to find parking in the Hollywood area, enter the theater, locate your seats, visit the restrooms, and review your program before the performance begins. The Pantages Theatre opens its doors approximately 45 minutes to one hour before showtime. For evening performances during summer, traffic in Hollywood can be heavy, so consider adding extra travel time.

Will there be an intermission during the show?

Yes, there is one 20-minute intermission approximately midway through the performance. The intermission typically occurs after the famous chandelier crash that concludes Act I. During the intermission, theater bars and concessions are open for refreshments and merchandise is available for purchase. Restrooms are accessible on multiple levels of the theater. The intermission provides a good opportunity to discuss the first act's dramatic developments before the story continues.

What is the seating capacity of the Hollywood Pantages Theatre?

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre has a seating capacity of approximately 2,700 seats across three levels: Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony. The theater features excellent sightlines from most locations, with each level offering a different viewing experience. Orchestra seats provide an immersive close-up view of the production, mezzanine seats offer an elevated perspective with excellent overall stage views, and balcony seats provide affordable options while still delivering the full impact of the spectacular staging and choreography.

Is photography allowed during the performance?

No, photography, video recording, and audio recording are strictly prohibited during the performance. The use of cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices that emit light or sound is not permitted once the show begins. This policy protects the artistic rights of the production and prevents distractions for other audience members. Taking photos in the theater lobby before the show or during intermission is typically permitted, but photography is not allowed once you enter the auditorium or once the performance has started.