I have to admit, I didn’t have super-high expectations going into the performance of The Phantom of the Opera at Eccles Theater. I’d seen it years before at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake and although the music was gorgeous and the story heartbreaking, I felt the production dragged with its overwhelmingly dark staging.

But then I saw the revitalized production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical at Eccles Theater. (Insert record scratch.)

The updated, brilliant design by Maria Björnson, plus the gorgeous choreography and costumes in the new version, left me stunned. It was opulent, magical, and mesmerizing. Leaving the theater, I couldn’t stop raving about the impressive quality of the show, and fellow attendees agreed.

Phantom is a Utah fan favorite, with most shows already sold out for the nearly three-week production. The show holds the record for the longest-running musical in Broadway history. 

For those who have lived in a cave for the last 35+ years, the story revolves around Christine Daaé, portrayed impeccably by the talented Jordan Lee Gilbert, who is tutored by her guide and guardian, The Phantom. Her songs “Think of Me” and “Angel of Music” are vibrant as she takes her place on the stage. 

Isaiah Bailey plays the title character with equal parts devotion, arrogance, vengeance and chilling danger. His showstopping, “The Music of the Night,” soars with hope and love for the beautiful Christine. 

When the handsome Raoul, Viconte de Chagny (Daniel Lopez), shows up at the Paris Opera House, Christine falls for him, and they make a plan to escape The Phantom’s clutches. The performance of “All I Ask of You,” staged on the opera house’s roof, is opulent and gorgeous, with set design, costumes and music creating a haunting scene. It also fans The Phantom’s anger. 

Christine’s professional rival, the vain, tempestuous and talented Carlotta, is played by Midori Marsh with her glass-shattering soprano and scene-stealing presence. Carlotta’s counterpoint, the leading tenor at the opera, is Ubaldo Piangi, played by Christopher Bozeka, who adds comedic relief as the characters begin to realize the danger they’re dealing with in The Phantom.

Choreographer and musical staging director Gillian Lynne has tightened up several scenes, including the letter-reading “Notes/Twisted Every Way” performance. Its overlaid lyrics, melodies and messages are a complex part of the show that was carried off well. 

Theater owners Monsieur Firmin (William Thomas Evans) and Monsieur André (Carrington Vilmont) provide a light-hearted and fun element to the in-between scenes, carrying the story forward. 

From the moment the curtain rose, I was impressed with the intricate sets, luxuriant fabrics, and keen attention to detail. The opera house scenes were lush and bright, and The Phantom’s home was lit up with candles, allowing light in even the darkest moments. And speaking of light, the scene-stealing chandelier was fantastic. Chef’s kiss. 

As The Phantom brings Christine to his lair, the boat scene enchanted and mesmerized, while the final boat scene with Christine and Raoul was heartbreaking. And when the curtain rose on “Masquerade/Why So Silent?” at the beginning of the second act, you could hear the audience gasp at the opulent staircase, colorful costumes and brilliant staging. 

Costume design by Hunter Kaczorowski adds a brush of elegance to the production. Christine’s stylish costumes and Carlotta’s over-the-top couture are created with extravagant fabrics that flow with grace. 

Each element of the musical seemed almost interactive, especially with the sound system used to send The Phantom’s voice throughout the theater. The audience was on its feet before the curtain even closed. 

Based on the 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux, Cameron Mackintosh’s The Phantom of the Opera is directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn, with book, orchestrations and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart. 

The show is presented by Zions Bank and Broadway at the Eccles. It will be performed at The George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater through Sunday, April 26. Limited tickets are still available at saltlakecountyarts.org.