Jordan Lee Gilbert in The Phantom of the Opera 2026. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

When the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) welcomes The Phantom of the Opera back to the Buell Theatre this season, audiences will experience more than the return of a beloved musical. They will witness the continuation of a theatrical legacy shaped and protected by producer Cameron Mackintosh, whose influence on the show spans nearly four decades.

Cameron Mackintosh. Photo courtesy: cameronmackintosh.com

Mackintosh’s connection to The Phantom of the Opera is both personal and enduring. In fact, his relationship with the show began in an unexpectedly quiet moment. “One cold February morning in 1984 while I was soaking myself in a long hot bath, Andrew Lloyd Webber telephoned me for a gossip,” Mackintosh said. “He dropped into the conversation the idea of making a musical out of The Phantom of the Opera. Even in my prune-like condition, I recognized Andrew had come up with another great idea.”

In those earliest days of development, Mackintosh and Webber screened the 1925 Lon Chaney silent film and the later Claude Rains adaptation. Though enjoyable, neither version captured what they imagined the musical could be. Their breakthrough arrived only after rediscovering Gaston Leroux’s long-out-of-print novel when they recognized that its emotional depth — particularly the romantic tension — would become the cornerstone of their adaptation.

“To my surprise, Andrew’s initial idea for the score was to use famous classical works and write only the incidental music himself. Thanks to the encouragement of the first director we met with to discuss the project, Jim Sharman (original director of Jesus Christ Superstar and The Rocky Horror Show), Andrew later decided to write an entirely original score.” — Cameron Mackintosh

By the time director Harold Prince and choreographer Gillian Lynne assembled the original cast in 1986, that creative spark had ignited into an extraordinary new work. “After several weeks of exhilarating mayhem, Phantom opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre on October 9, 1986,” said Mackintosh. “It immediately became one of London’s greatest musical hits. Eighteen months later, our trio of original stars — Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman and Steve Barton — opened to rapturous applause on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre” where it played for an historic 35-year run.

Now, decades later, Mackintosh ushers the musical into its next era with a revitalized North American tour. “At long last, The Phantom is back and will soon, once again, haunt theatres across North America….” he said, capturing the anticipation of returning this iconic musical to touring audiences.

A Production Reborn

The fifth national tour — known as the Box Five Tour — is the first time since 2010 that a U.S. touring production has been based on the original staging and design. This production features Maria Björnson’s legendary original design and honors the vision of director Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne, adapted by Chrissie Cartwright.

Mackintosh emphasized that these original elements remain essential to the show. “The beating heart of Phantom has always been the love triangle entwining The Phantom, Christine, and Raoul….” he noted, highlighting that even as the production evolves, its humanity remains constant.

He also expressed enthusiasm for the company leading this new chapter. “I am thrilled to announce that we have found three exciting and contemporary new stars to rekindle the flames of our ‘phantastic’ love story,” Mackintosh said, “ensuring your fantasies unwind as they unleash the power of the music of the night once again this autumn.”

A Monumental Return to North America

Since its 1986 West End premiere and its 1988 Broadway opening, The Phantom of the Opera has reached more than 160 million people in 205 cities and 21 languages. It remains one of the most successful musicals in history. The musical’s U.S. tours alone have spanned more than 14,500 performances and have become the longest running touring theatrical production in American history.

This tour arrives as both a revival and a celebration of the musical’s legacy — an opportunity for devoted fans and first-time audiences to experience the original production in a form that honors its artistic roots while embracing theatrical innovation.

A Return Worth Experiencing

As the chandelier once again rises above Denver audiences, Mackintosh’s words echo throughout the production: “At long last, The Phantom is back… ensuring your fantasies unwind as they unleash the power of the music of the night once again.”

More Colorado theatre coverage on the DCPA NewsCenter