BROADWAY AT THE ECCLES

New ‘Phantom’ Has Utah Connections

Jul 12, 2018, 6:45 PM | Updated: Mar 19, 2019, 2:36 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – It’s become one of the most iconic plays in Broadway history and for the first time since 1996, The Phantom of The Opera has come in Salt Lake City – and this time the Phantom has a Utah connection.

When you think Broadway shows, there’s a good chance “The Phantom of the Opera” comes to mind. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony award winning musical has come to the Eccles Theater, with their first performance on Wednesday, July 11.

Quentin Oliver Lee said that’s fine with him. He was cast in the iconic role as the Phantom.

“It’s definitely a huge mantle to hold,” said Lee. “It’s really exciting and I like to compare it to being shot out of a cannon or going to the Super Bowl every time I go on stage.”

Lee was no stranger to Utah.

“I met my wife in New York but she’s from Orem,” Lee said. “She went to Timpanogos High School.”

He has so much family here, the convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has come to think of Utah like a second home. However, it’s not just friends and family members in the audience that excites Lee.

“This is actually my very first leading role in a professional Broadway company,” he said.

At 6 feet 7 inches, Lee has become the tallest Phantom ever in production history.

Behind the scenes at the Eccles Theater, they were prepping for Thursday night’s show. KSL was there as the famous chandelier got some finishing touch and pyrotechnics were double-checked.

“Every bit of scenery is being tested,” said stage manager Mitch Hodges. “Once we start the show we know everything checks out and everything is safe.”

Hodges said if you’ve seen the show in the past, you may be in for some surprises.

“The new show is very much like a cinematic experience for you,” Hodges said. “It’s been redesigned, reimagined so you can be with the characters through every bit of their emotional journey.”

Quentin Oliver Lee, who plays the “Phantom,” and KSL reporter Ashley Kewish.

Hodges said there are small enhancements to make the audience feel even more involved. He said the Eccles Theater provides the perfect setting.

“It’s just so nice to be in such a beautiful and accommodating space,” Hodges said. “It’s like this theater was built for us. You can’t beat it.”

There was a little bit of unexpected drama at Wednesday night’s show. The fire alarm went off mid performance and the entire theater, along with the cast were evacuated.

Firefighters checked everything out and found it was just a false alarm. The show went on about 20 minutes later.

The Phantom of the Opera plays at the Eccles Theater until July 22. Tickets can be purchased at broadway-at-the-eccles.com.

KSL 5 TV Live

Top Stories

Broadway at the Eccles

FILE: Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City (Laura Seitz/Deseret News)...
Madison Swenson

Broadway at the Eccles adds two more shows to 2023-2024 season

Two more shows have been added to Broadway at the Eccles' 2023-2024 season in Salt Lake City.
1 day ago
Company - HAMILTON National Tour (Joan Marcus)...
Carole Mikita

Broadway at the Eccles announces 2023-2024 season

From the wives of King Henry VIII to Michael Jackson, the 2023-2024 Broadway season at the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theatre in downtown Salt Lake City brings a varied experience to audiences.
14 days ago
FILE - Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the award-winning Broadway musical "Hamilton" receives a stan...
Eliza Pace

Hamilton to return to SLC

In 2024, Utahns can be in the room where it happens as Hamilton, the smash-hit Broadway musical, returns to Salt Lake City. 
23 days ago
Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...
Katija Stjepovic

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ returns to Salt Lake for the first time since the pandemic

"Dear Evan Hansen" returns to Salt Lake City after closing suddenly for the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
27 days ago
(Courtesy Broadway at the Eccles.)...
Carole Mikita, KSL TV

‘Hamilton,’ ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Among Shows Coming To Broadway At the Eccles

Some familiar favorites join new-to-Utah offerings at the Eccles Theater. Watch KSL TV on Thursday for a behind-the-scenes look at all of the productions.
3 years ago
...
Carole Mikita, KSL TV

‘School Of Rock’ Broadway Tour Features One Of Utah’s Own

"School of Rock, The Musical" is so popular because of the amazingly talented musicians -- who are children. And one of them in the touring company is a young man from Draper.
4 years ago

Sponsored Articles

Stack of old laptops with dark background...
PC Laptops

Old Laptop Upgrades You Need to Try Before Throwing it Away

Get the most out of your investment. Try these old laptop upgrades before throwing it out to keep it running fast and efficient.
Happy diverse college or university students are having fun on their graduation day...
BYU MBA at the Marriott School of Business

How to Choose What MBA Program is Right for You: Take this Quiz Before You Apply!

Wondering what MBA program is right for you? Take this quiz before you apply to see if it will help you meet your goals.
Close up of an offset printing machine during production...
Les Olson IT

Top 7 Reasons to Add a Production Printer to Your Business

Learn about the different digital production printers and how they can help your company save time and money.
vintage photo of lighting showroom featuring chandeliers, lamps, wall lights and mirrors...
Lighting Design

History of Lighting Design | Over 25 Years of Providing Utah With the Latest Trends and Styles

Read about the history of Lighting Design, a family-owned and operated business that paved the way for the lighting industry in Utah.
Fiber Optical cables connected to an optic ports and Network cables connected to ethernet ports...
Brian Huston, CE and Anthony Perkins, BICSI

Why Every Business Needs a Structured Cabling System

A structured cabling system benefits businesses by giving you faster processing speeds and making your network more efficient and reliable.
notebook with password notes highlighted...
PC Laptops

How to Create Strong Passwords You Can Actually Remember

Learn how you can create strong passwords that are actually easy to remember! In a short time you can create new ones in seconds.
New ‘Phantom’ Has Utah Connections