For over three decades, a stunning chandelier has been the centerpiece of the hit musical “The Phantom of the Opera” at the Majestic Theatre in New York City. The iconic crystal chandelier, weighing over one ton, has been one of the most memorable and recognizable elements of the show, thrilling audiences night after night.
However, as with all good things, “The Phantom of the Opera” is coming to an end on April 16, 2022. So, what will happen to the Phantom Chandelier once the show wraps up?
The Phantom Chandelier: A Brief History
First debuting in London’s West End in 1986, “The Phantom of the Opera” became an instant sensation and soon made its way to Broadway. With its opulent sets, stunning costumes, and soaring score, the musical became the longest-running show on Broadway, captivating audiences for over three decades.
One of the most memorable elements of the show has always been the Phantom Chandelier, which dramatically falls from the ceiling of the Majestic Theatre during the show’s climax. The chandelier, weighing in at over 2,000 pounds, is made of Swarovski crystal and has 8,000 beads, which are illuminated by 50,000 fiber-optic lights.
What Will Happen to the Phantom Chandelier?
After 33 years on Broadway, fans of “The Phantom of the Opera” are eager to know what the future holds for the iconic chandelier. According to James Lampel, the production supervisor for the show, the plan is to return the theater to its original state.
Once “Phantom” wraps on April 16, the Majestic Theatre’s actual chandelier, which has been stored all the way upstage for over three decades, will be put back in its accustomed place. The original chandelier, which the Phantom Chandelier was built to mimic, is a massive bronze fixture that has adorned the theater since it was built in 1927.
The restoration of the Majestic Theatre to its original state will be a momentous occasion, as the theater will be reclaiming its original centerpiece after three decades. The Phantom Chandelier was designed specifically for the musical, so the original chandelier details, the fixture’s weight, and positioning will have no similarity to the show’s prop.
The Future of the Phantom Chandelier
The Phantom Chandelier may be retired after the final performance, but its legacy will live on thanks to its incredibly detailed design and high-quality construction. The chandelier was built by Hudson Scenic Studio, a company that has spent over three decades creating sets and props for Broadway shows.
Many fans of the show have expressed interest in purchasing the chandelier, but unfortunately, the chandelier is not for sale. The production team has not yet disclosed the future of the Phantom Chandelier, but it is likely that it will be preserved as a museum piece or used for future productions of “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Conclusion
After more than three decades, the Phantom Chandelier will be ending its run on Broadway along with “The Phantom of the Opera.” The iconic prop has been the centerpiece of one of the most successful musicals of all time, thrilling audiences for years. With the show coming to an end, the Majestic Theatre will be returning to its original state, and the original chandelier will once again take center stage. While the future of the Phantom Chandelier is uncertain, it is clear that it will always be remembered as one of the most iconic props in Broadway history.
FAQ
Where does the chandelier fall in Phantom seats?
The chandelier fall is one of the most iconic moments in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Phantom of the Opera. Many theatre-goers want to experience this moment from the best possible seat in the house. The ideal seat location for experiencing the chandelier fall can depend on personal preferences and what you want out of your theatre experience.
For those who want to feel like they are right in the middle of the action and experience the full effect of the chandelier fall, a center seat in the stalls section would be the best choice. This seat location allows you to feel almost as if the chandelier is coming down on you. It is a very exciting and immersive experience, but be prepared for a loud noise and bright lights.
However, if you are looking to enjoy a broader view of the stage and the chandelier fall, a seat in the royal circle would be a better option. The royal circle offers a more elevated view of the stage, allowing you to see the full stage production and the chandelier fall from a distance. Additionally, from this seat location, you can see more of the intricate detail and beauty of the elaborate set design.
The choice of seat location depends on what you want out of your theatre experience. If you want to feel like you are in the middle of the action and experience the full effect of the chandelier fall, choose a center seat in the stalls section. However, if you prefer a broader view of the stage and enjoy seeing the intricate details of the set design, then a seat in the royal circle is ideal.
Why is the phantoms face messed up?
In Universal’s 1943 film adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s novel “The Phantom of the Opera”, the titular character’s face is depicted as severely disfigured. This disfigurement is at the core of the character’s motivations and actions throughout the story. The film changes the original novel’s backstory of the Phantom being born with a mutilated face, to instead having it be caused by an act of violence.
In the film, the Phantom is a composer who hides his identity behind his angelic voice. After being rejected by the woman he loves, he takes revenge on the publisher’s assistant, who had sabotaged his career, by throwing acid on him. However, the acid ends up splashing back on the Phantom, causing him to be horrifically burned and disfigured. This not only adds a layer of sympathy to the character, as he is now a victim of violence himself, but also justifies his subsequent actions as a means of vengeance against a society that had rejected him.
The decision to change the Phantom’s backstory to having his disfigurement be caused by an act of violence adds a layer of psychological complexity to the character. His motivations for his actions are not simply because of his physical appearance, but also stem from the emotional pain of rejection and the trauma of the acid attack. This makes him a more sympathetic and complex character, as his actions are driven not by a desire for power or control, but by a need for revenge against those who have hurt him.
The Phantom of the Opera’s disfigurement is a key aspect of the character in both the novel and film adaptations. While the novel has a different backstory, the 1943 film adaptation depicts his disfigurement as a result of an act of violence. This decision adds a layer of psychological complexity to the character, making him a more sympathetic and nuanced figure in the story.