Las Vegas Weekly

June 24, 2010 · 10:08 AM

Phantom celebrates four years with record masked stunt

By Robin Leach

Andrew Ragone (Raoul), Anthony Crivello (The Phantom) and Kristi Holden (Christine Daae) celebrate Phantom -- Las Vegas Spectacular's third anniversary at The Venetian.

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

As Phantom -- the Las Vegas Spectacular celebrates its fourth anniversary tonight, the musical also will make history. The audience will play a very significant role, as the largest number of masked Phantoms is photographed for one record-breaking moment.

It takes place at The Phantom Theater in The Venetian immediately after tonight’s performance. The audience will be given a Phantom mask, and under the guidance of Tony Award winner Anthony Crivello -- The Phantom himself -- will set a record with more than 1,800 Phantoms -- the largest gathering ever -- as “Angels of Music.”

“We wanted the audience invited into the show for this very special moment,” said Scott Zeiger, co-CEO of Base Entertainment, which produces the show. “We’ve had four delightful years in Las Vegas thanks to legions of fans. We felt that bringing the audience in on the glamour, excitement and intrigue of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece was the best way to show appreciation. It’s sure to be a fun and memorable night.”

The event will be captured on video and in photographs shot with the cast onstage, including Kristi Holden (Christine) and Andrew Ragone (Raoul), and every masked audience member.

“I can’t wait to see the video of this record-breaking moment,” Lord Andrew said from London. “Congratulations to everyone involved in Phantom -- Las Vegas and to the show’s many loyal fans and supporters.”

Director Hal Prince added: “It’s a hell of an idea. It’s a real testament to the show’s fan base and a celebration of the success we’ve had at The Venetian. I just wish I would be there to see it myself.”

The video and photos will be posted on Facebook, on Phantom’s Web site and right here at VegasDeLuxe.com tomorrow, along with my first-hand report.

Meantime, Phantom’s military match continues through July 4. One Phantom ticket will be donated to Nellis and Creech Air Force Base for every full-priced ticket purchased through July 4 for performances through Sept. 5. The code VALOR must be entered at the time of purchase.

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.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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