The Phantom Of The Opera's Broadway Secrets

By Leora Kanner, Broadway Magazine

As the song in Andrew Lloyd Weber's show goes, "the phantom of the opera is here…inside your mind." But wouldn't you like to know what things occur in the physical present that allow this magical and haunting show to penetrate our minds so easily? Kris Koop talks to Broadway.tv in an exclusive backstage tour and gives some insight into a few of the many details that occur backstage for each performance of this hit Broadway show along with some historical facts about the longest running show on Broadway.

"The Phantom of the Opera" is played nightly for audiences at the Majestic Theater, a stunning theater built in 1925 but renovated in 1987 specifically to house this production of "The Phantom Of The Opera." The pivotal prop in the show, the large chandelier, is based on the actual chandelier in the grand ballroom at the Paris Opera House. Koop explains that this "smaller" version is built to invoke opulence, but still avoid being a structural risk for the building. The glass beads on the chandelier are actually replaced continuously because they lose shine. But in good an act of charity, these beads are sold as tree ornaments to provide funds for Equity Fights Aids, Koop tells Broadway.tv.

Ever wonder how hectic it might be backstage during an actual performance of phantom? Well, during the ballroom scene many women have to change on an open stairwell because they is not enough room backstage.  In fact, this space has been dubbed "naked lady landing" because innocent passerbys often walk in on the changing actresses.    Another interesting fact about the show is that 400 lbs of dry ice are used in every single performance. This ice is carried manually by stagehands every night from outside.  Koop describes standing underneath the stage when this dry ice is being used to create a fog as "spooky but wonderful."

Koop gushes about the show, as she explains why she finds the show to be so successful.  "It is such a great combo of factors," she explains. It has a diverse score, opulent sets and costumes that "create a magical feel" and a love triangle that forces one to sympathize with all three protagonists. But if none of this intrigues you, Koop thinks the show should still be appealing: "if you don't like opera," she says, "we blow up a lot of stuff too." Check out the entire video feature right here on Broadway.tv.