If there’s one thing you can count on with the title character in “The Phantom of the Opera,” it’s that this spooky subterranean composer will never die.
In 2023, the Broadway production closed after a record-setting 35 years, but it returned in September in the immersive off Broadway adaptation “Masquerade.” And now, the North American touring production is planning its return to San Diego next fall after an eight-year absence.
Isaiah Bailey as the Phantom in the North American tour of “The Phantom of the Opera,” which will play September 2-13, 2026, at the San Diego Civic Theatre. (Matthew Murphy)
Broadway San Diego on Wednesday morning announced it will present the lavish production in a two-week engagement Sept. 2 through 13 at the San Diego Civic Theatre. Tickets are now on sale to current and renewed season ticket holders, as well as to groups of 10 or more. Remaining single tickets will go on sale at a later date.
“Phantom” was always been a huge draw for San Diego audiences. Next year’s tour visit will be the sixth time the musical has played for extended runs at the Civic. The first visit in 1995 played for seven weeks at the Civic Theatre. It played for a month in 1999, three weeks in 2008 and two weeks in 2015 and 2018, which was its last visit to San Diego.
The current North American touring production originated in London in 2021. It features the original 1986 production design by Maria Björnson. The tour is directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn, based on Harold Prince’s original direction. And Chrissie Cartwright has re-created and adapted Gillian Lynne’s original musical staging and choreography.
The musical is based on the 1909 French novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux. It’s the story of Erik, a disfigured and ghostlike musical genius who secretly lives beneath and within the walls of the Paris Opera House. He falls in love with young soprano Christine and turns her into his musical protégé. But when the Phantom realize she’s in love with another man, Raoul, he vows revenge and murder. The musical is famous for its beloved score, haunting special effects and extravagant production design and costumes.
Daniel Lopez as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny and Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine Daaé in in the North American tour of “The Phantom of the Opera,” which will play September 2-13, 2026, at the San Diego Civic Theatre. (Matthew Murphy)
“Phantom” debuted in London in 1986, then moved to Broadway two years later, where it won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. It holds the record as the longest-running show in Broadway history. There have been three U.S. national tours of “Phantom.” Together, they played for more than 36 years and more than 14,500 performances for about 31 million people, making it the most successful and longest-running touring show in U.S. history.
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