The Phantom returns to Spokane

The last time “The Phantom of the Opera” came to Spokane, it set a record here by selling 82,500 tickets.

It won’t quite reach that level on the second visit of the national tour, which begins Wednesday, only because it’s a three-week run this time instead of a four-week run.

But make no mistake: “The Phantom” is big. Really, really big.

This Andrew Lloyd Webber mega-musical is a huge logistical undertaking. Crews will soon be swarming over the INB Performing Arts Center, turning the place into a replica of the grand Paris Opera House, where the story takes place.

They’ll hang a half-mile of drapery. They’ll cover the existing stage arch with a massive false proscenium, complete with golden sculptures. They’ll suspend a half-ton chandelier directly over the front rows (the ceiling was reinforced in 2000 to accommodate the weight) and then they’ll rig the chandelier so it sways alarmingly on cue.

Meanwhile, a 36-member acting troupe will arrive to recreate the lush, Gothic, romantic vision of both Lloyd Webber and Gaston Leroux, who wrote the novel. Richard Todd Adams will play the Phantom and Trista Moldovan will play Christine.

Expect a large influx of tourists into Spokane as well. In 2000, nearly half of the attendees came from 100 miles away or farther.

By the way, “The Lion King” roared into Spokane for six weeks in 2005 and easily broke the “Phantom’s” record.

That certainly doesn’t make this “Phantom” small potatoes. This run is still four times longer than most Broadway tour visits. And if it sells out, which is a distinct possibility, about 63,000 people will have heard “The Music of the Night” before it’s all over.