Minneapolis, MN
‘Phantom’ cast shines in a lush Minneapolis staging – Eden Prairie Local News
During the Nov. 30 matinee, the moment the opening notes swept through the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, a familiar thrill returned — the kind only “The Phantom of the Opera” can evoke.
Closing its Minneapolis run on Dec. 7, this 2025 North American tour honors the show’s iconic romance and gothic grandeur while infusing it with fresh, lively momentum.
A visual world that breathes and moves
One of the great triumphs of this production is how visually immersive it is. The creative team leans into the original brilliance of Maria Björnson, whose sets and costumes have defined “Phantom” for decades. Scenic adaptation by Matt Kinley preserves her ornate world — grand staircases, sculpted opera boxes, candlelit stone passages — while giving it a fresh touring polish.
Lighting designers Andrew Bridge and Warren Letton build an atmosphere that feels almost like another character. Shadows ripple across velvet curtains, warm golds soften the most intimate scenes, and dramatic flashes of brightness ignite moments of tension. The lighting doesn’t just illuminate; it breathes with the music.
And the drapes — they deserve their own round of applause. Dramatic, expressive, and beautifully timed, they move like storytellers, revealing and framing scenes with a grace that heightens the drama.
Choreography that feels alive
Though legendary choreographer Gillian Lynne is no longer with us, her unmistakable style lives on. Recreated and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright, the choreography remains elegant, sweeping, and filled with that operatic physicality that makes “Phantom” timeless.
The ensemble moves with intention and unity, yet each performer brings individuality that makes the opera house feel lived-in. Large dance sequences shimmer with color and precision, filling the stage with old-world glamour.
A cast that brings heart to the classic
Isaiah Bailey brings a Phantom who is powerful and wounded in equal measure. His voice fills the theater with authority, but it’s the vulnerability beneath it that anchors his performance.
Jordan Lee Gilbert offers a luminous, heartfelt Christine whose innocence and strength deepen as the story unfolds. Her voice is warm, clear, and emotionally rich.
Daniel Lopez portrays Raoul with tenderness and sincerity, making his devotion feel earned.
The supporting cast shines as well: Midori Marsh is wonderfully comedic and vocally superb as Carlotta; William Thomas Evans and Carrington Vilmont bring charm and wit to the opera managers; and Melo Ludwig gives Meg Giry a quiet grace that enriches every scene she enters.
Stage magic that still feels … magical
What stands out most is the show’s ability to draw the audience into a shared emotional experience. Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, this production embraces intentional storytelling — through lighting, movement, pacing, and energy — that makes each moment feel meaningful.
Throughout the performance, the audience responded with genuine emotion: gentle laughter during lighter moments, audible gasps during surprises, and complete stillness during the most intense scenes. That collective engagement is the unmistakable sign of a powerful production.
The Orpheum: A perfect home for ‘Phantom’
The Orpheum Theatre elevates “Phantom” in ways few venues can. Its gilded architecture, dramatic arches, and historic beauty mirror the show’s elegance and mood. The space almost feels tailor-made for this story.
The acoustics were especially striking — each musical swell felt rich and resonant, allowing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score to fill the room without overwhelming the cast. Conductor Isaac Hayward led the orchestra with warmth and precision, creating a soundscape that wrapped gently around the audience.
The takeaway
Overall, “The Phantom of the Opera’s” return to Minneapolis was a triumphant spectacle. This production manages to feel fresh and revitalized while honoring everything that made “Phantom” a legend in the first place — the breathtaking visuals, the soaring music, and the poignant story at its core.
I was swept up from the overture, when the chandelier rose above the audience, to the spine-tingling final scenes in the Phantom’s lair. The combination of a talented cast, meticulous direction, and world-class stagecraft made the afternoon “unforgettable.”
If you have the chance to see “The Phantom of the Opera” at the Orpheum — or the next time it comes through — do not miss it. It’s a rare treat to experience a Broadway touring production of this caliber in our historic theater.
As the Phantom might say, “the music of the night” was indeed alive in Minneapolis — and judging by the roaring applause and wide-eyed faces in the crowd, we were all more than happy to surrender to it.
Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Do you have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at [email protected].
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Minneapolis, MN
Man on Conditional Release Now Charged in Minneapolis Murder — MNCRIME.com
A man is now charged with murder after prosecutors say a robbery inside a Minneapolis apartment building ended in a fatal shooting.
Prosecutors say the man was on conditional release after being charged with first-degree armed carjacking for an incident in Minneapolis last September.
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The killing happened Feb. 24 inside the Abbott Apartments lounge area on the 100 block of East 18th Street, where police found an adult man dead from gunshot wounds after reports of a shooting.
Court documents state the victim and a friend went to the building to meet 20-year-old Abdirahman Khayre Khayre. A witness stated Khayre left the room several times and appeared to be stalling before three armed men entered and demanded property. The men were described as carrying two Glock-style handguns with extended magazines and an AR-style rifle. During the robbery, the suspects demanded a Louis Vuitton bag belonging to the victim. When the victim resisted, a struggle broke out. The witness stated that two guns were taken from him during the robbery.
The witness told investigators Khayre was handed one of the stolen guns and then pointed it at him, causing him to flee into the lobby. Moments later, multiple gunshots were heard. The witness returned and found the victim shot. Surveillance footage from other areas of the building reportedly corroborated key parts of the account, and the witness later identified Khayre in a photo lineup, according to the complaint.
PREVIOUSLY: Man Shot and Killed Inside Minneapolis Apartment Building
Authorities say Khayre was on conditional release at the time of the killing in a separate Hennepin County case involving a September 2025 armed carjacking.
READ MORE > Minneapolis coverage
In that earlier case, prosecutors alleged Khayre and others confronted a woman in a garage near 19th Street and Nicollet Avenue, pointed handguns at her and forced her to give up the keys to a Dodge Challenger before fleeing in the stolen vehicle. Officers later located the vehicle and arrested multiple suspects, including Khayre, who was identified as the driver.
Court records show Khayre posted a $75,000 non-cash bond and was released under conditions requiring him to remain law-abiding, have no possession of firearms or ammunition, avoid alcohol and controlled substances and complete treatment.
Khayre is now charged with second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony and first-degree aggravated robbery. He made an initial court appearance Friday, where a judge set bail at $1 million. If convicted of second-degree felony murder, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
The homicide investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim. Anyone with information is asked to contact Minneapolis police by emailing policetips@minneapolismn.gov or calling 612-673-5845. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online. Information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a financial reward.
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Minneapolis, MN
Man killed over Louie Vuitton bag, suspect was on bond for suspected carjacking, charges say
Minneapolis police are investigating a homicide on Feb. 24, 2026. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A man is dead after a witness said he refused to give up a Louis Vuitton bag while being robbed by multiple men at gunpoint.
Abdirahman Khayre Khayre, 20, is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree robbery for the incident that happened on the evening of Feb. 24 in Minneapolis.
READ MORE: Man fatally shot in south Minneapolis apartment building
Fatal Minneapolis shooting after robbery
The set-up:
Minneapolis police responded around 10:42 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Abbott Apartments, located on the 100 block of East 18th Street in the Stevens Square neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Officers then found a dead man in the lobby who had been shot multiple times.
A witness to the shooting said he and the victim arrived at the apartments to “hang out” with Khayre, according to the criminal complaint.
The witness said he became suspicious when Khayre he left the room multiple times and “appeared to be stalling.”
The robbery:
The complaint states the witness reported three men then came into the room and yelled “Give me everything.” The men were armed with Glock handguns that had extended magazines as well as an AR-style rifle.
They then stole two guns from the witness, and one of them was handed to Khayre.
When the men demanded a Louis Vuitton bag from the victim, he refused, leading to a fight between them all.
The shooting:
The witness said when he walked toward them, Khayre pointed the witness’ stolen gun at him and racked it.
The witness then got out of the room, ran toward the lobby and heard multiple gunshots. He then saw two of the men flee out the back of the building, but didn’t see what direction they went in.
The victim was then found dead.
The aftermath:
Khayre was then identified by the witness in a photo lineup, according to the criminal complaint.
Police say video footage corroborated much of what the witness reported.
Khayre was on conditional release for a suspected carjacking at the time of the shooting, according to the complaint.
The Source: This story uses information gathered from a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County and previous FOX 9 reporting.
Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota’s Iranian community: Mixed emotions on US-Israel strike
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The local Iranian community in Minnesota is expressing mixed emotions following the recent joint U.S.-Israel strike on Iran.
Local reactions to the strike
What we know:
The strike resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to President Donald Trump and Iranian state media. Many Iranians in Minnesota feel this could lead to freedom for their country.
Nazanin Naferipoor shared that her sister in Iran was initially happy about the strike, believing it might bring about freedom. However, communication has been cut off since the strike began, leaving many worried about their loved ones.
The other side:
Hamid Kashani from the Minnesota Committee in Support of a Democratic Iran expressed mixed feelings about the strike. While he hopes for change, he is concerned about the potential loss of innocent lives.
Fazy Kowsari emphasized that the attack targeted the government, not the religion, and criticized the political motivations behind the strike.
Upcoming rally at Nicollet Mall
Why you should care:
A rally is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at Nicollet Mall and 11th Street. Organizers view the U.S. strike as a rescue operation for Iranians held hostage by the regime, rather than an act of war.
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