All About Masquerade NYC: The Immersive Phantom of the Opera Show

This weekend I had the privilege of seeing Masquerade, a creative and totally unique immersive theater experience in New York City. Attendees become part of the show and experience of Phantom Of the Opera, being taken through the world of the Opera House, its singers and staff. I think very few people have experienced theater in this manner. It was an unforgettable evening that I think anyone who loves Broadway and live performance should try to see. I saw it with my boyfriend and one of my best friends and it was an unforgettable night.

The show runs every 15 minutes from 7 – 8:30 and depending what time you purchase will determine the cast you see (see below for cast details). Saturdays and Sundays also offer matinees from 1-2:30 pm. Each performance is done before an audience of 50-60 people, so it is incredibly intimate. 

Below are questions that I was asked about Masquerade. I hope it helps you as you plan to attend or if you are simply curious about the experience. 

EXPERIENCE QUESTIONS

Are you in a theater?

The experience is in a transformed empty building. You move through multiple rooms and levels. (John explained it like a haunted house, but make it Broadway-caliber theater.) Sometimes you are seated, sometimes you stand, and there are multiple stairs as well. My understanding from the website is that there are accessibility options for people who need it, but I didn’t witness that in our experience. 

How long is the show?

2 hours

Are tickets hard to get and how much do they cost? 

It sold out in minutes during its first run. There are still some limited tickets for the remainder of the current run, but I wouldn’t wait to buy tickets. The show is currently running through March 2026. (I really hope they extend it even further, as it is truly spectacular.) Prices for tickets are $221-$251 depending on the show time.

Any hints on what to expect?

Part of what makes the experience so magical is going into it blind. It is a bit like being an extra in a movie. 

One thing that I will tell you is the cast interacts with you throughout the performance. Also, at different points in the show audience members receive letters that are read during the performance, which is a fun and unique keepsake if you get one. I noticed that during our show people that were in the front or that had something that made them stand out tended to be the ones who were given a letter. I’ve read in forums that interacting with the cast can help too, but don’t be obnoxious about it.

Do you need to have seen the original show to see this? 

No, absolutely not. I always think that if you can be familiar with a musical’s music before seeing the show, it can help enrich the experience, but not necessary.

Are you given a program?

You are not. You can pick up a single sheet playbill at the coatcheck at the beginning or end of the show (I would do it at the end.) 

What actors and actresses are in each show time?

I found this list on Reddit.

7:00 PM – Kyle Scatliffe / Eryn LeCroy / Nicholas Edwards

7:15 PM – Telly Leung / Haile Ferrier / Francisco Javier Gonzàlez

7:30 PM – Hugh Panaro / Francesca Mehrotra / Paul A. Schaefer

7:45 PM – Nik Walker / Kaley Ann Voorhees / Nicholas Edwards

8:00 PM – Clay Singer / Riley Noland / Francisco Javier Gonzàlez

8:15 PM – Jeff Kready / Anna Zavelson / Paul A. Schaefer

I wish I had known these details before buying the tickets to my show, because I probably wouldn’t have bought the 7:15 tickets. Our Christine (an understudy) was flawless and excellent. However, our Phantom was certainly talented, but his vocal and acting style was not as strong as I think a few of other options.

I decided to book tickets to see it again in late January and booked the 8 pm show with Clay Singer. I can’t wait! Hugh and Nik are also supposed to be excellent!

MASQUERADE ATTIRE QUESTIONS 

What should I wear?

The guidelines say cocktail or formal attire, but most women at the three shows we were around (7-7:45 pm) were in long formal dresses. Most men were in black suits or tuxes. Colors allowed are black, white and silver. 

I was gifted a gorgeous Mac Duggal beaded silver dress with a tulle skirt. It was perfect. Because of how much you move around, be sure to select a dress that doesn’t drag or is too big. My skirt was the perfect amount of fluffy, though I did have to be pick up my skirt on the stairs.

What kind of shoes should I wear?

There is a lot of walking during the show and a lot of stairs. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. (I loved these embellished flats that I bought on Amazon. They were so pretty and comfortable.) Stilettos are not allowed, but after experiencing the show, I would not wear any type of heel, including a black heel. Some women even wear sneakers with their formal dresses. 

Do I have to bring a mask?

You do not have to bring a mask, though most people do. If you choose to bring your own mask, be sure that it does not obstruct your vision in any way or obstruct the vision of other people. Some people were wearing very beautiful masks however they had a lot of feathers and accessories that made it harder to see around them. Masks that are contained to your face are best. If you don’t bring a mask, Masquerade will provide one to you. I definitely recommend getting one – they make a fun keepsake, as they have the phantom logo woven into them. 

Can you bring a purse?

Purses and bags are not allowed, but they do have a coat check as soon as you walk into the performance area. I did not bring a purse, but had John put my phone and lipstick in his suit pocket. That said because it’s only 60 people per performance and you leave a slightly different times, the coat check was not busy or burdensome in anyway. 

Masquerade is truly fantastic and I hope you have the opportunity to attend!