For fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, The Phantom of the Opera, the current tour at the Fox Theatre is a reason to celebrate. Though not the same as the original production, the current staging is once again based on the one that ran for a record 13,981 performances on Broadway.

The show’s St. Louis premiere was on September 28, 1993. This national tour was based on the original Broadway production and returned to the Fox regularly until 2008.

A new production visited St. Louis in March 2015. Although it broke box office records at the Fox, this national tour disappointed me. Maria Bjoernson’s costumes were retained, but the sets and staging were simplified, presumably to reduce the cost of touring. I wrote at the time about my dissatisfaction with the descent to Phantom’s lair, the crossing of the subterranean lake, the directors’ office, the rooftop scene, the absence the staircase in the “Masquerade” number, and the final bit of magic.

Fortunately, the 2026 tour returns in most respects to show’s roots in the original production, which was directed by Harold Prince, choreographed by Gillian Lynne, and designed by Bjoernson. The new staging originated in 2021 at His Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End.

The current tour is directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn and features choreography adapted by Chrissie Cartwright, set design adapted by Matt Kinley, associate costume design by Jill Parker, lighting by Andrew Bridge, video design by George Reeve, sound by Mick Potter, and wig and hair design by Stefan Musch.

The new staging makes touring more economical but still provides a Phantom experience that does not disappoint. The orchestra, for example, is smaller than before but nonetheless produces a thrilling sound under musical director Isaac Hayward.

The great solos and ensembles work their familiar magic. The touring cast is excellent, with consistently beautiful singing and persuasive acting by Isaiah Bailey as the Phantom; Jordan Lee Gilbert as his protégé, Christine Daaé; Daniel Lopez as her admirer, Raoul; Midori Marsh as the prima donna, Carlotta; William Thomas Evans and Carrington Vilmont as the opera’s impresarios; Lisa Vroman as Madame Giry; Christopher Bozeka as the opera’s star tenor; and Melo Ludwig as Meg Giry.

The Phantom of the Opera continues through March 1 at the Fox Theatre, 527 North Grand Boulevard.

—Gerry Kowarsky

Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
From the left, Isaiah Bailey as The Phantom and Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera North American Tour.