Phantom of the Opera
San Diego

San Diego's Rich History with Phantom

The September 2026 engagement marks the sixth time The Phantom of the Opera has played an extended run at the San Diego Civic Theatre, cementing the city's love affair with Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece. The show first haunted San Diego in 1995 with an impressive seven-week run, returning for a month in 1999, three weeks in 2008, and two-week engagements in both 2015 and 2018. Each visit has drawn sold-out crowds eager to experience the gothic romance, soaring music, and spectacular stagecraft that define this legendary production.

The eight-year gap since Phantom's last San Diego appearance has only intensified anticipation. A new generation of theatergoers will experience the show for the first time, while longtime fans eagerly await the revitalized production's fresh take on beloved moments. As the tour premiere city, San Diego audiences will be among the first anywhere to witness this new staging in North America—a distinction that makes this engagement truly special.

The Story of The Phantom of the Opera

Set in the Paris Opera House in the 1880s, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius who haunts the underground passages beneath the grand theater. The Phantom becomes obsessed with Christine Daaé, a talented young soprano in the opera chorus, secretly tutoring her and helping her rise to stardom. When Christine's childhood sweetheart Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny, reappears and the two fall in love, the Phantom's jealousy triggers a series of dramatic events that culminate in one of musical theater's most powerful finales.

Based on Gaston Leroux's 1910 gothic novel, the musical explores themes of beauty, acceptance, obsession, and the transformative power of love. Lloyd Webber's romantic, haunting score—featuring “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Masquerade,” and the iconic title song—has become part of the cultural fabric, recognized even by those who have never seen the show.

The Creative Team Behind the Legend

Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the music, with lyrics by Charles Hart and additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Lloyd Webber and Stilgoe also wrote the book. The original 1986 London production was directed by Harold Prince, with set and costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting by Andrew Bridge, and choreography by Gillian Lynne. This creative team crafted what many consider the most beautiful and spectacular production in theatrical history.

The show won seven Tony Awards in 1988 including Best Musical, and seven Drama Desk Awards. Lloyd Webber himself has achieved EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) and is one of the most commercially successful composers in musical theater history. His other acclaimed works include Cats, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Sunset Boulevard.

About the San Diego Civic Theatre

The San Diego Civic Theatre is the crown jewel of San Diego Theatres, a stunning 2,967-seat venue located in the heart of downtown. The theater has hosted countless Broadway touring productions and serves as the home for Broadway San Diego's prestigious season. Its excellent acoustics, comfortable seating, and sophisticated technical capabilities make it the perfect venue for large-scale productions like Phantom.

Located near the Gaslamp Quarter and waterfront, the Civic Theatre provides easy access to pre-show dining, post-show entertainment, and nearby parking. For visitors from outside San Diego, downtown hotels are within walking distance, making it easy to turn your theater experience into a memorable getaway in one of California's most beautiful cities.

How to Get Phantom of the Opera San Diego Tickets

Step 1: Browse available performances above. The San Diego engagement runs September 2-13, 2026, with 16 performances including matinees and evening shows.

Step 2: Select your preferred seating. The Civic Theatre offers orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony levels at various price points.

Step 3: Complete your secure checkout. All prices shown include fees—no surprises.

Step 4: Receive your tickets and prepare for an unforgettable evening at Broadway San Diego's tour premiere event.

Tips for Your Phantom Experience

• Arrive early – Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain to park, find your seats, and soak in the atmosphere before the chandelier rises.
• Know the runtime – The show runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes with one intermission after Act I's famous chandelier crash.
• Age recommendation – Phantom is recommended for ages 8 and up due to intense dramatic moments, theatrical fog, haze, and pyrotechnic effects.
• Explore downtown – Combine your theater visit with dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter or a stroll along the waterfront.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phantom in San Diego

When is Phantom of the Opera playing in San Diego?

The Phantom of the Opera plays at the San Diego Civic Theatre from September 2-13, 2026. This two-week engagement features 16 performances and marks the North American Tour Premiere of Cameron Mackintosh's revitalized production. San Diego is the first city in the country to host this new touring production.

Who is in the cast of the Phantom tour?

The North American touring production stars Isaiah Bailey as the Phantom, Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine Daaé, and Daniel Lopez as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny. The production is directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn based on Harold Prince's original direction, with Maria Björnson's original costume and set designs.

How long is The Phantom of the Opera?

The show runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including one 20-minute intermission. The intermission occurs after Act I, which concludes with the famous chandelier crash sequence. This running time allows the full dramatic arc of the story to unfold with all the spectacular musical numbers intact.

Is The Phantom of the Opera appropriate for children?

The production is recommended for ages 8 and older. While the story is a classic romance, it contains intense dramatic moments, theatrical fog and haze effects, pyrotechnics, and themes of obsession that may be frightening for very young children. Most children 8 and up who enjoy theater find the spectacle thrilling and the story engaging.

What are the most famous songs in Phantom?

The score features numerous beloved songs including the haunting title song “The Phantom of the Opera,” the romantic ballad “All I Ask of You,” the seductive “The Music of the Night,” the spectacular ensemble number “Masquerade,” and the emotional “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.” The show is sung-through with minimal spoken dialogue.

Does the show have the famous chandelier?

Yes, the production features the iconic chandelier that has become synonymous with Phantom of the Opera. The approximately one-ton chandelier appears throughout the show and features in the famous crash sequence at the end of Act I—one of the most thrilling moments in musical theater history.

Where is the San Diego Civic Theatre located?

The San Diego Civic Theatre is located at 1100 Third Avenue in downtown San Diego, within the San Diego Theatres complex. The venue is near the Gaslamp Quarter and waterfront, with multiple parking options available nearby. Public transportation access includes nearby trolley stops.

When will single tickets go on sale?

Season ticket holders and subscribers currently have access to tickets through Broadway San Diego. Group sales for parties of 10 or more are also available now. Single ticket on-sale dates for the general public will be announced by Broadway San Diego at broadwaysd.com.

Why is San Diego hosting the tour premiere?

San Diego was selected to launch the North American tour as part of Broadway San Diego's 26-27 season. The city has a strong history with Phantom, having hosted five previous engagements, and the Civic Theatre's technical capabilities and audience enthusiasm made it an ideal choice for the tour's North American debut.

When did Phantom last play San Diego?

The Phantom of the Opera last played San Diego in 2018, making the September 2026 engagement the first visit in eight years. Previous San Diego engagements include runs in 1995 (seven weeks), 1999 (one month), 2008 (three weeks), 2015 (two weeks), and 2018 (two weeks).

What makes the current production different?

The current touring production premiered in London in 2021 with technical enhancements honoring the 1986 original. Updated elements include enhanced lighting, refined sound engineering, and improved special effects while maintaining all the core elements that have made Phantom legendary, including Maria Björnson's award-winning designs and the complete original score.

Are tickets purchased through BigStub authentic?

Yes, all tickets sold through BigStub are guaranteed authentic. Our marketplace connects buyers with verified sellers, and every transaction includes comprehensive buyer protection. We have served theater enthusiasts for over 20 years with industry-leading reliability and customer satisfaction ratings on Trustpilot.

What should I wear to the theater?

The San Diego Civic Theatre welcomes a range of attire from business casual to dressy. Many theatergoers enjoy dressing up for special occasions like Phantom's premiere engagement, but comfortable attire that allows you to enjoy the 2+ hour performance is most important. There is no formal dress code.

Is there parking at the Civic Theatre?

Multiple parking options are available near the San Diego Civic Theatre, including parking garages in the downtown area. The venue's location provides easy access from major freeways. Arriving early is recommended on performance nights to secure convenient parking and allow time to reach your seats.

Can I buy group tickets?

Yes, group sales for parties of 10 or more are currently available through Broadway San Diego. Group tickets often provide discounted rates and priority seating selection. Visit broadwaysd.com or contact their group sales department directly to arrange group purchases for the San Diego premiere engagement.