Phantom Of The Opera
Columbus

The Phantom of the Opera: A Legendary Musical Comes to Columbus

The Phantom of the Opera opened in London's West End in 1986 and on Broadway in 1988, and in the nearly four decades since it has become the most commercially successful entertainment property in history. With a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart with contributions from Richard Stilgoe, and a book by Stilgoe and Lloyd Webber based on Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, the musical tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known as the Phantom who lurks beneath the Paris Opera House and becomes obsessed with Christine Daaé, a young soprano. What follows is a tale of obsession, beauty, and heartbreak set against one of the most visually spectacular stagings ever conceived for the theater.

The current North American tour, produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group with NETworks Presentations, launched in November 2025 at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore and has been touring major cities ever since. This production restores Maria Björnson's iconic original design — the same aesthetic that stunned London critics when the West End production was refreshed in 2021 — and pairs it with direction by Seth Sklar-Heyn, who bases his staging on Harold Prince's legendary original direction. Choreography by Gillian Lynne has been recreated and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright, ensuring that every movement on stage honors the production's rich heritage while feeling alive and immediate.

The show's signature moments — the crashing chandelier, the underground gondola ride across a candlelit lake, the Phantom's mask and the reveal beneath it — remain among the most thrilling sequences in all of musical theater. Combined with iconic numbers like "The Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "Think of Me," and "The Phantom of the Opera," the production delivers an emotional and visual experience that has kept audiences coming back for generations.

In Columbus, the tour arrives at the Ohio Theatre for 16 performances from May 12 through May 23, 2027, as part of the Broadway in Columbus season presented by CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts). The Ohio Theatre, a magnificent 1928 movie palace restored to its original Spanish-Baroque grandeur, is one of the most beautiful performance venues in the Midwest and provides a fitting home for a show built on opulence and drama. With its ornate ceiling, gilded plasterwork, and superb acoustics, the Ohio Theatre enhances the Phantom experience in a way few touring venues can match.

Broadway in Columbus's 2026-27 season is one of the strongest in the series' history, but The Phantom of the Opera stands as the crown jewel. As the longest-running show in Broadway history — with over 13,000 performances on Broadway before its 2023 closing — the musical carries a legacy that precedes it into every city. For Columbus audiences who saw previous tours at the Ohio Theatre or who are experiencing the show for the first time, this Cameron Mackintosh production represents the definitive touring Phantom for a new era.

How to Buy Phantom of the Opera Columbus Tickets

Where can I buy Phantom of the Opera tickets in Columbus?

Official tickets are available through Broadway in Columbus and Ticketmaster. Season subscription packages that include Phantom along with other 2026-27 shows may also be available through CAPA. For verified resale tickets at every price point, BigStub offers a buyer guarantee, no hidden fees, and over 20 years of trusted service in the ticket industry.

When is The Phantom of the Opera playing in Columbus?

The Phantom of the Opera plays 16 performances at the Ohio Theatre from Monday, May 12 through Sunday, May 23, 2027. Performances typically include evening shows Tuesday through Saturday and matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Check the listings below for exact performance times and availability.

Where is the Ohio Theatre?

The Ohio Theatre is located at 39 East State Street in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. The venue is easily accessible from I-70 and I-71, with several parking garages within a short walk. The theater is also served by COTA public transit routes and is within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants.

What should I expect from this Phantom production?

This Cameron Mackintosh touring production features Maria Björnson's original iconic design, including the famous crashing chandelier, the Phantom's underground lair, and the lavish Paris Opera House sets. Direction by Seth Sklar-Heyn is based on Harold Prince's celebrated original staging. The production runs approximately two hours and 30 minutes with one intermission and is recommended for audiences ages 10 and up.

Are resale Phantom of the Opera Columbus tickets authentic?

When purchased through a reputable platform, absolutely. BigStub holds the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry, with all sellers vetted and every purchase backed by a buyer guarantee. Resale tickets are especially valuable for hit touring shows like Phantom, where official inventory for popular dates can sell out quickly.

What other shows are in the Broadway in Columbus 2026-27 season?

The 2026-27 Broadway in Columbus season includes several major productions alongside The Phantom of the Opera, including Wicked and The Great Gatsby. Season packages are available through CAPA and offer savings over individual ticket purchases. Check the Broadway in Columbus website for the complete season lineup.

Phantom of the Opera Columbus — Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Phantom of the Opera about?

The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known as the Phantom who lives beneath the Paris Opera House. He becomes obsessed with Christine Daaé, a young soprano, and uses his power and brilliance to advance her career while terrorizing the opera company. The musical explores themes of obsession, beauty, compassion, and unrequited love through Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic score.

When is The Phantom of the Opera in Columbus?

The Phantom of the Opera plays at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus from May 12 through May 23, 2027, with 16 scheduled performances including evening shows and matinees.

Where is The Phantom of the Opera playing in Columbus?

The production is at the Ohio Theatre, located at 39 East State Street in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. The Ohio Theatre is a beautifully restored 1928 Spanish-Baroque movie palace operated by CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts).

Who produces this touring production of Phantom?

This North American tour is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group with NETworks Presentations. It features Maria Björnson's original design, direction by Seth Sklar-Heyn based on Harold Prince's original staging, and choreography by Gillian Lynne recreated by Chrissie Cartwright.

How long is The Phantom of the Opera?

The Phantom of the Opera runs approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.

Is The Phantom of the Opera appropriate for children?

The production is generally recommended for ages 10 and up. The show contains some dramatic and intense moments, including the Phantom's unmasking and the chandelier crash, which may be startling for very young children. There is no explicit content, but the themes of obsession and manipulation are more suited to older children and adults.

What are the most famous songs in Phantom of the Opera?

The Phantom of the Opera features several iconic musical numbers including 'The Phantom of the Opera,' 'The Music of the Night,' 'All I Ask of You,' 'Think of Me,' 'Angel of Music,' 'Masquerade,' and 'The Point of No Return.' Andrew Lloyd Webber's score is one of the most recognizable in musical theater history.

What is the Ohio Theatre like as a venue?

The Ohio Theatre is a 2,779-seat performance hall built in 1928 and restored to its original Spanish-Baroque grandeur. It features ornate gilded plasterwork, a stunning ceiling, and excellent acoustics. The theater is operated by CAPA and hosts the Broadway in Columbus series as well as concerts, films, and other live events.

Is parking available near the Ohio Theatre?

Yes. Several parking garages are located within a short walk of the Ohio Theatre in Downtown Columbus, including the State Street Garage and the Lazarus Building Garage. Street parking and surface lots are also available. The venue is accessible by COTA public transit and rideshare services.

What is Broadway in Columbus?

Broadway in Columbus is a touring Broadway series presented by CAPA at the Ohio Theatre. It brings major national touring productions to Columbus each season, with the 2026-27 lineup including The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, The Great Gatsby, and other hit shows.

How long has Phantom of the Opera been running?

The Phantom of the Opera opened in London's West End in 1986 and on Broadway in 1988. The Broadway production ran for over 13,000 performances before closing in April 2023, making it the longest-running show in Broadway history. The show continues to tour North America and plays in London's West End.

Can I buy individual performance tickets or only season packages?

Both options are typically available. CAPA offers season subscription packages for the full Broadway in Columbus lineup, and individual show tickets are sold separately through Broadway in Columbus and Ticketmaster. Resale tickets for individual performances are also available on BigStub.