Masquerade: The Most Thrilling Interactive Theatre Experience Unmasked
By Julie Sagoskin
New York’s most exciting interactive experience has officially been unmasked as “Masquerade,” the Off-Broadway retelling of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Taking over all six floors at the former Lee’s Art Shop on West 57th, the space is just as unique as the performance itself. Audiences are whisked away to the Paris Opera House, where multiple performances take place within the building at the same time. The magic of “The Music of the Night” is more real than ever before as you are part of each iconic moment of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved masterpiece, which takes you from the outdoor rooftop to the phantom’s own subterranean lair below the Opera Populaire. This retelling of Phantom also gives fans some extra insight into the mysterious figure’s backstory. And the show is just the beginning – guests can later mingle with cast members at the Lake Bar, where cocktails flow and special performances abound.
Before arriving to the phantom’s sacred space, you will most likely notice his guests arriving for the evening, as visitors are encouraged to wear formal or evening wear – just don’t forget your mask, or one will be provided for you. Whimsicality has been included in every detail, including providing a password sent prior to the performance rather than a physical ticket.
The man responsible for bringing Phantom back from Broadway is Randy Weiner, the creator of the phenomenon “Sleep No More” and co-owner of The Box – but Andrew made sure he knew that he was the real creator of immersive theater, something which Randy doesn’t dispute.
“Phantom has it all – the gothic element, a sense of danger, sensuality, and sexuality, but with his music, it’s really elevated,” said Randy.
Given his history in immersive theatre, Andrew sought Randy out and was excited for him to breathe new life into his music and characters.
He always knew if he was going to “level up” after creating “Sleep No More,” it was going to have to be a special project, and “Masquerade” had it all – in addition to being an enormous challenge. “Andrew was adamant that we adhere to the story and music and work with the space.”
Turning that space into an immersive theatre experience turned out to be a creative – and engineering – feat. This included figuring out how to have groups of 60 people moving around the space, adding music and switching the length of the orchestration, not to mention making economical sense.
“It’s different from Phantom but it still incorporates so much of the world and characters while being very new and modern and has tons of additional material like the carnival scene, and going into his bedroom. People say they can understand Phantom in a whole new way in this version and some are experiencing Phantom for the first time and now want to see the traditional version. Andrew wanted to present something that would take things to the next level.”
Even the costumes and sets have been elevated as fashion house and bespoke jewelry brands all wanted to collaborate with the show. Many of the paintings and antiques are also priceless pieces. “It’s like a living organism. The rooms would speak to us.”
They are also proud of the caliber of their performers, many of whom have starred in Broadway shows, and who wanted to challenge themselves in new ways as a part of this unique theatre experience that includes running up and down the building and performing in front of small groups. “They want to do it as artists and human beings,” said Randy.
One of those performers is Clay Singer, who starred in the first national tour of “The Band’s Visit,” and grew up watching Phantom “non-stop.” Though he originally sent in an audition tape for Raoul, he was quickly asked to try for Phantom instead, even leaving him shocked.
“I was like 19 years old, and thought, there’s no way I can do this,” he said.
Still, five audition rounds later, he was tapped for one of the Phantom roles.
“Sharing this role turned out to be one of the greatest blessings – it’s ‘hey, how are you making this work, what are you doing to make the audience follow, it’s a brotherhood of Phantoms, it’s very special’.”
Throughout his run so far, he has especially enjoyed hearing how Phantom has shaped and changed people’s lives. “You’re just a foot away from the audience’s faces in some moments, it’s such an intimate setting, and in those moments, you can feel their energy and as a performer that’s very thrilling. People tell me how it’s brought them and their parents closer, or how it was their grandmother’s favorite show and now they get to experience it again.”
Clay also thinks back to the surreal moment when his dad, who originally showed him Phantom, got to come and see him singing his most iconic moments. “It’s very special and emotional to see people’s responses. It fuels your experience and the moments become deeper and more emotional in different ways than when you’re on a traditional show separated from the orchestra pit.”
With an intense show run, he shared how he lost 11 pounds due to the “constant running,” while also learning what his voice could handle.
