Phantom Pursuits: My Unforgettable 1994 Adventure to Chicago to see the 2nd National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera

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Every so often, life hands you an adventure so memorable that years later, you find yourself replaying it like a favorite song. For me, it involves many trips I've made in my life but this particular trip was January 1994, a few weeks shy of my 18th birthday, when I packed up my backpack, hopped on a Greyhound bus and braved Chicago’s frigid winds to see the 2nd National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera. It was my first time experiencing the show outside of Broadway and what I thought would be an “okay” production turned out to be a theatrical experience that stole my heart.

In the spring of 1993, I had just returned home from New York and found myself itching for an escape. With no school commitments tying me down and a supportive (if occasionally bemused) dad who trusted me to take care of myself, I set my sights on going to many places, including Chicago. Armed with a Discovery Pass for unlimited Greyhound rides, my adventure officially began.

The 20-hour bus ride was an experience unto itself. My trusty backpack carried the essentials: snacks, CDs, a Penny Press word search puzzle book and a copy of Whitley Strieber’s Communion, a chilling alien abduction read that definitely had me jumping at shadows in the darkness on the bus. I spent hours listening to The Phantom of the Opera (Canadian and London cast recordings), Starlight Express and an orchestral CD of symphony versions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music while munching on Slim Jims, Hostess Zingers, Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies, Doritos and sipping Coca-Cola and Evian water, too excited to sleep but trying not to be bored. Somewhere in the midst of this rolling feast, a red-haired guy in a seat diagonal to mine kept turning around and throwing me smiles. But I wasn’t about to risk a bus hookup and miss my favorite show—not today, Satan.

When I stepped off the bus, Chicago greeted me with icy winds that could rival the chills of a haunted mansion. Even my trusty denim jacket and knitted hat couldn’t hold up against the city’s relentless cold. I was exhausted but too thrilled about seeing Phantom to let it dampen my spirits.

Finding a place to stay was another hurdle that I didn't think much about until I got there. As an under-18 traveler, hotels were off the table despite my stash of cash. My idea was actually to hustle a little and sleep over at the houses of random tricks but the cold air of Chicago changed my mind quickly. Thankfully, my Damron Guide (an indispensable resource for gay men navigating the pre-internet era) led me to a welcoming hostel where I fibbed about my age and crashed for a few nights, they didn't think twice about asking for ID when I pulled out a wad of cash to pay for my time there. The curtains on the bunk beds were a game-changer, offering a semblance of privacy that I had never seen in a hostel before, at least the ones I stayed in in new work. The sheets were comfortably thick which made the thin blanket situation more bearable.

Four performances at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University were the reason behind my trip. Prior to the first show, I ventured a few blocks down from the theatre and saw the fountain featured in the opening intro to the TV show Married With Children which I wish was actually running at the time but the cold weather didn't allow it. I wish I'd actually walked down to the banks of Lake Michigan but I didn't, perhaps one day I'll make the trip up there so I can at least mark it off my bucket list. The theater itself was stunning—massive, with unobstructed views that every Broadway venue should aspire to. The warmth of the audience buzzed in contrast to the bitter cold outside. It was a mix of middle-aged and older folks, with me sticking out like a sore thumb as an excitable teen. One lady next to me even asked where my parents were! Awkward. I did have a great conversation with a man before one of the shows, he'd seen this same production when it opened at the same theatre back in 1990 and he was impressed when I mentioned Mark Jacoby and Karen Culliver, my first Phantom and Christine on Broadway, the very two who starred in this production when it opened.
Let’s talk about the cast, because they delivered performances that left me floored:

Phantom played by Rick Hilsabeck brought a mesmerizing, ethereal quality to the role. His rendition of The Music of the Night had me riveted and I swear his movements on stage felt like he was gliding, feet never touching the floor.

As Raoul, Nat Chandler—hot. That’s it. If Christine didn't ride away with him in the boat at the end, I would. Oh, also, his voice was fabulous.

La Carlotta, Patricia Hurd was everything an opera diva should be—brassy, hilarious and so authentic that you couldn’t help but adore her spiteful character. Her voice was exactly what an operatic soprano should sound like and her facial expressions added to her over the top comedic moments.
And...As for Miss Christine Daaé, I saw three different ladies play the part among the matinee and 3 evening shows that I saw. Sarah Pfisterer, who I saw twice, looked strikingly youthful and I didn’t expect someone so young to command the stage with the extraordinary ability she displayed. Her crystal-clear voice was enchanting and I absolutely adored her performance. Then there was the alternate Christine, Rita Harvey, whose voice exuded such strength and control that it felt entirely plausible she could effortlessly replace Carlotta herself—and the audience would be none the wiser. Miss Harvey was remarkable, delivering each scene with powerful emotions. Kate Suber, however, had the most challenging task. When the announcement was made that she would be stepping in for Miss Pfisterer, the audience’s collective groan echoed through the theater and I’m sure it was audible backstage. My heart went out to her in that moment. Having witnessed a similar reaction during Raissa Katona’s performance on Broadway, I had a gut feeling the audience would be won over by the time Kate reached the second verse of "Think of Me." As it turned out, I was absolutely right. Her poise, talent and captivating rendition had the crowd completely enthralled by the end of her performance, proving beyond a doubt that she was more than deserving of the spotlight.

Even though this touring production didn’t have all the technical bells and whistles of Broadway—like trap doors or a massive chandelier—it held its own, delivering the magic and essence of Phantom in every scene. The chandelier was just a bit smaller and scaled down but had every bit of dramatic effect as it's Broadway counterpart.

Packing up for my return journey was bittersweet. I accidentally left behind my Phantom t-shirt, souvenir program and a Chicago skyline water globe, likely snagged by someone at the hostel. Throughout the 24-hour bus ride home, I felt mad at myself but while I was disappointed, the trip itself was the real treasure. My dad’s reaction when I got home—equal parts disbelief and complete belief was not surprising. I know Phantom wasn't his thing but he knew it was mine and this addiction, while a bit expensive, was better than drugs. I often wished that daddy could have witnessed the show to better understand why I loved it so much.

So there it is—my whirlwind trip to Chicago in pursuit of theatrical bliss. I hope my story inspires you to chase your passions, even when the journey seems daunting (and involves questionable bus snacks). Have you ever gone to great lengths for something you love? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments! If you enjoyed this glimpse into my world and feel like showing a little appreciation, any contributions are welcome. Every bit helps keep the adventures alive and the stories flowing. Thanks for being here—your support means everything!


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