Staging/Lighting ideas

A projection of Phantom of the Opera's symbol—the white mask—washed the façade of the New York Public Library, marking the entrance to the post-performance celebration. Illuminating the library's exterior with the iconic image required special permission from the library.

In a smart move that avoided the complications that come with laying carpet over stairs—especially on a snowy night in New York—the event's producers projected a strip of red light over the library's front steps, effectively creating a virtual red carpet that led to the entrance. Hundreds of LED candles sat on either side of the illuminated pathway.

More projections were found inside, with the image of the Phantom mask illuminating drapes placed at the ends of Astor Hall's long hallways. Low lighting in red and blue hues added to the eerie, almost ethereal look.

To make the event feel like an extension of The Phantom of the Opera, the organizers brought in 18 costumed mannequins, pieces used in the theatrical production's masquerade scene.

Producers spread the elaborately dressed mannequins throughout the space, placing them in corners, beside tables, and in the balcony. The figures cast shadows on the walls and, from a distance, looked like party guests.

The organizers secured permission from the library to replace the lights in the venue's standing candelabra with flickering ones. Staffers in footmen costumes from the musical stood still amidst the crowd.

The International Culinary Center donated an elaborate and detailed sugar sculpture made by its students and chefs. A small piece on the side was cake, an edible piece that was cut into during the event.

As a subtle way to decorate the ceiling of Astor Hall, Bentley Meeker projected imagery of the night sky, with slow-moving clouds.

The event took over several spaces inside the New York Public Library, including rooms on the ground floor. The producers used many of the areas as dining halls, setting up catering stations and tables for guests to sit at with their plated dishes.

Sculptural floral arrangements from McNabb Roick decorated the tops of candelabra, giving the tabletops a romantic feel.