You've seen performances, or heard about them. Some random musical, rock opera, play, or actual opera that knocks people off of their feet (figuratively of course). Something about the professional theatre industry is just so compelling! People who are incredibly talented at singing, dancing, and acting? It's hard not to turn green with jealousy while also just being overwhelmed and amazed. The Phantom of the Opera was all of this for me. I saw it as an impressionable sophomore in high school. The rest, they say, was history. Here are a couple reasons why Phantom is one of the most inspiring performances to see, ever. Really.

1. The soundtrack gets stuck in your head for days. Or weeks.

Okay, it's not jazz music. But that's definitely a face I've seen on theater-goers after exiting The Majestic Theater in New York. The music will not stop. At least not for a couple days. It's the best type of annoyance there is. Why, you ask? Because the music is just so beautiful. Maybe it'll lend you some inspiration.

Which leads me to number two...

2. It could just spark a sudden interest in music.

I was always interested in music before I saw this production my sophomore year. You know, casual jamming out on my iPod before classes started or on the bus home from school. Music isn't some foreign entity that this production suddenly showed me one day in December. However, I never envisioned myself as a singer until after I saw this show. I obsessively listened to the soundtrack, there was not a moment in the day when I didn't listen to it. Before bed, on the way to school, even while working out!

I didn't look nearly this cool while biking, but I digress. I started singing, and became a vocalist because of Phantom's influence, which brings me so much joy. So many of my friends have been inspired by this musical, or similar ones.

3. It's a nice balance of humor and the feels.

Oh man, the dreaded feels. There are some pretty funny parts to this musical, and to most musicals. What really sold me for this musical in particular is that there are some hilarious, simple, and sweet moments interspersed with the truly sad moments. It's not a happy show, folks, I'll just let you know that right now. Even so, what's incredible is that these feelings aren't fleeting. Nobody just shrugs it off without a care after they leave the theater. Who wants to be sad days after a show, you may ask? Nobody really, on paper. But this show is worth the tears, I promise.

4. It actually has some really interesting character development.

This one is for the literary geeks out there like myself. I'm always excited about dissecting a fictional character and discussing how he or she grows and changes during a work: a novel, a poem, a movie, what have you. The Phantom is really compelling in this production, because he has a very tragic life and you see him come to understand what love is at the very end of the show.

I'm not overreacting. The show literally ends right after the audience sees this change. It's both amazing and infuriating, because nobody really loves a cliffhanger. This show definitely ends on a cliffhanger. Also, isn't this just one of the most majestic pictures you've ever seen?

5. It serves as an immediate bond source for other Phanatics.

PSA: A phanatic is what some Phantom fans call themselves.

I've bonded with an incredible number of people over this show, and Broadway in general. I give Phantom the credit it deserves for truly introducing me to Broadway. Since seeing it, I've seen over five other productions: both musicals and plays. Once you get really into Broadway, you'll notice the same circle of awesomely talented actors and actresses playing many different roles. You'll come to love these actors and actresses, and respect them while also being absurdly jealous of their many talents. If you meet someone else who loves a show or actor as much as you, this is near guaranteed to happen:

Speaking of actor/actress-induced freakouts, this next reason should be a pretty good selling point:

6. The Phantom in the 25th Anniversary Performance at Royal Albert Hall? Ramin Karimloo.

Alright, let me give some background first. This show has been on West End for basically 30 years (this year is its anniversary!) and on Broadway for 28 years. It's an extremelysuccessful production. Every few years, the anniversary is celebrated with quite a bit of pomp and circumstance.

The actor who played the Phantom in the 25th Anniversary performance of the show is named Ramin Karimloo. He recently finished performing as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables on Broadway. He is a demigod of singing and acting. He's also extremely attractive and down to earth to boot. If you don't believe me, here he is as Jean Valjean:

Wowza. And finally:

7. This show has some incredible scenery and props.

If you hate music, but love visuals, this show will not disappoint. Sure, you might be shaking your head. Why on earth would you go to a musical performance if you hate music? The props are definitely worth it. One of the most compelling parts of the show, in my opinion, is the overture. A magnificent chandelier is lifted from the stage, above the audience, to sit above it for the duration of the show. Until a little bit later, but I won't be spoiling that.

Just for reference, this isn't the actual chandelier used in the performance. This is the inspiration chandelier that exists in the Palais Garnier in Paris.

This show, along with so many other professional productions, is simply incredible. It has changed my life, and that of so many friends of mine whom I've hounded about watching it. It might not change your life, but it will definitely be a roller-coaster of emotions for you. And you'll probably be annoyed at the end, but that's okay. It's an unfortunate side effect of many great stories.