Ron Wild, who was called in to redesign the make up for the opening of Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular in 2006 adds, “The mask is only removed for a relatively short time so it really has to have some impact.” It is the anticipation of the unknown which heightens this pivotal moment. Why is this? Tanya Noor, make up artist at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London believes this was largely due to the direction of Maria Bjornson, the original Production Designer who was justifiably protective of the copyright. Conversely, what is hidden behind the mask has traditionally been a closely guarded secret, and images showing the extent and detail of the Phantom‘s disfigurement have very rarely been seen. The Phantom mask is arguably the most iconic musical theatre image of all time, instantly recognisable as the symbol of The Phantom of the Opera all over the world. In the first of our two-part glimpse at what goes on in the Phantom’s makeup chair, we’re taking a peek into the dressing rooms of London’s Phantom Ramin Karimloo and Las Vegas’s Anthony Crivello, as well as looking into the cosmetics bags of their makeup artists…

Phantom of the opera mask anime