Las Vegas Weekly

June 25, 2009 · 9:51 AM

Photo Gallery: Happy Anniversary to Phantom at The Venetian

By Robin Leach

The cast of Phantom -- Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian celebrates its third anniversary.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

It was a memorable performance at The Venetian for the cast and crew of Phantom -- Las Vegas Spectacular. Last night, they celebrated the 3rd anniversary of the Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber blockbuster, and sales at the box office are still going strong. During the curtain call, and before it was lowered, a cake was presented to the cast as the audience gave one more standing ovation.

You know my fascination with fun facts: Over the course of three years of shows, The Phantom has spent 1,353 hours in the makeup chair, equaling just over 56 days, and delicate ingenue Christine Daae has changed costumes 14,883 times. Mr. Ubaldo Piangi has belted out 2,706 high C’s, the ultimate note for any tenor.

The crew has executed 18,942 elaborate set changes, creating 13 locations onstage each night. In the powerful story, Christine shares two passionate kisses each performance with The Phantom and three with the charming Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny. That’s 6,765 smooches since opening night.

To celebrate the three-year milestone, there’s a specially priced ticket offer for the next 30 days. Buy one ticket and get the second for just $30. You’ve got until July 15 to complete your purchase for any shows through Sept. 7. Use code ANNIV30 when you place your order for great golden circle and orchestra seating locations.

There are so many fans and repeat visitors that a cult has grown up around Phantom, so much so that from Sept. 16-20, there will be the first-ever Phantom Fans Week with a kick-off Masquerade Ball in St. Mark’s Square at The Venetian. Director Hal Prince will give a keynote speech to the fans, and Anthony Crivello, who plays The Phantom, will take part in a Q&A session.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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