Rooftop Rehearsals for a New “Phantom of the Opera” Spin Stir Neighborhood Buzz

Residents on West 57th Street have been treated to unexpected views of rehearsals for “Masquerade”, an immersive new take on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic “The Phantom of the Opera.”

This production, which resembles the acclaimed “Sleep No More,” is taking shape inside a building formerly occupied by Lee’s Art Supply. While details remain closely guarded, snippets of performance practice have been visible from rooftops, with iconic characters like the Phantom, Christine, and Raoul appearing during rehearsals. Some neighbors have gone as far as singing along or even donning Phantom’s mask and cape for a closer look from their windows.

The Phantom of the Opera finds a new home at 218/220 West 57th Street in Manhattan, NY. — The show is setting up on a building on West 57th Street, which has been covered with old newspapers referencing an “opera ghost.”

Inside the building, rehearsals are ongoing, with performers practicing their scenes on the rooftop amid the city skyline. Observers have noted the characters singing and interacting as if in the actual show, creating an impromptu outdoor spectacle that has captivated local residents.

"Phantom of the Opera" sign. — The storefront has been decorated with vintage-style newspapers referencing an “opera ghost,” hinting at the mystery behind the new production.

The team behind “Masquerade” is mindful of their surroundings, enforcing a 10 p.m. rooftop loudness curfew to respect local neighbors. The buzz surrounding the show is heightened by its rapid ticket sales, with the first six weeks selling out in just three hours. Opening night is scheduled for later this month.

“The Phantom of the Opera”, which debuted in London in 1986 and later on Broadway in 1988, closed in April 2023 after a record 13,981 performances, marking it as the longest-running Broadway musical.