Phantom is an edited version of Phantom of the Opera so the Venetian can run two shows a night. We weren't offended by the Vegas shortened version and the production was excellent as were the performances.

The problem is the theatre which is too big in all directions and lacks atmosphere and intimacy. To fit in the dramatic chandelier special effects, the vaulted ceiling goes up forever. 30 seconds of chandelier effects affects the rest of the show. Atmosphere and applause seem to evaporate.

The performers have to work extra hard to create the Phantom atmosphere in such a large space. They did very well on our night but you can imagine they can't do it every night as shown by some reviews.

The show will be more enjoyable if you go on a busy night but don't try and take photographs or the lady bouncers will have you. I wouldn't mess with them.

Went to the phantom on 3/24/09. we sat in row q seats 29/30 right in the center. great view, great show. it was very entertaining.good luck:):)

My wife and I are both "Phantom fans" having seen at least five different productions. This production at the Venetian was without question very disappointing. In short both the Phantom Lead and Christine were mediocre at best and seemingly dialed in their performances. We had no connection to either of these performers. We thought that maybe it was our own problem on that nite, however even the rest of the audience gave very token applause throughout the play and even for the curtain call.

Of course the staging itself and the costumes were indeed spectacular and that is why I give it two stars.

Save your $$ (we coughed up $330 for 2nd row) and spend it on something else.

Let me begin by saying I have just gotten back from a 7 day vacation stay in Vegas and every night I hit a different show with my wife.
Phantom by far exceeded my expectations. The theatre was stunning. The opening of the performance with the chandeliers was breathtaking. The actors are a group of people that not only have a lot of chemistry with one another, but each of them is an extremely talented person with great ranges and each deserves their individual attention on stage.
To a surprise this was also the only show during the week that we saw that got a full audience standing ovation. This says a lot in itself considering we saw the best shows on the strip not to mention 4 CDS shows.
This is top notch, don’t be fooled, make sure you go!

*Mike voted the show #3 out of 6 shows
*The Wife Voted show #1 out of 6 shows