RS
Rodolfo Samayoa
Mar 23, 2026
I took a small day trip out to New Orleans to see a showing of The Phantom of the Opera on March 12th, a Thursday at 7:30 in section center orchestra, row EE, seat 102. It was overall a fantastic time, and I would happily return to view another show in the future.
Parking is available with purchase of your tickets for $30, and is located at the back of the building. They don't have a ton of spaces, so it would be best to reserve quickly. The other closest garage is just across the street, the Rampart Parking Garage. They have a premium for event parking, and were charging $50 for two hours, but that would depend on how popular the shows running at the theatre are. Both garages are very safe and in lit areas.
There are three entrances into the main hall. Security was quick and seamless, all they asked were to take items out of your pocket and walk through a metal detector. Once past, there is an attendant to scan your tickets, and you're able to enter the building. The entrance hall of the theatre is stunning, and from a time long gone. The box office as well as a concession area and merchandise counter are located here. The atmosphere is incredible, but it can get very crowded on some showings. There were very long lines that took up most of the space people were using to stand or enter the building. Everyone was brushing their shoulder together trying to get around the hall. POTO is one of the most popular shows in all of theatre, so I would imagine on a normal night/day it would be okay. The theatre's concessions are about typical, though they have a premium price as expected.
Once you move through the first set of doors at the back of the entrance hall, you're in another beautiful hall that has another concession counter, though it was closed when I was there, and an usher to show you where your seats are if you need any help. There are two sets of stairs up to the balcony level. The theatre space itself is stunning, and is modeled after a renaissance era courtyard. There's statues, brick facades, faux nature, and a hand painted starry night sky. The theatre is lit very nicely and even during showtimes the pathways are visible. The seats are comfortable with good legroom and armrests. I do wish there was a cup holder though. Our seat was row EE in center orchestra, 101 & 102, and I had a great view of the stage. In POTO I was just able to fully see the chandelier, but it was cutting it close. I don't know if thats helpful to any shows besides POTO, but there's that. The sound was great, a little loud at times, but fine. The ushers periodically walk down the aisles looking for any phones, so be sure to put them away.
Overall my experience was great and though tickets when I went were over $250 for my seat, I think it was worth it. The theatre is stunning, the staff are very friendly and hospitable, and the building is in a good location central to New Orleans. I'll definitely be back.