Kings Island Theater a treasure trove of Phantom Theater artifacts 

This year as part of Kings Island’s 50th anniversary season, the Mason, Ohio amusement and water park has brought back a popular former attraction, but in a different way.

Phantom Theater Encore, a live stage show that can be seen six days a week in the Kings Island Theater, pays tribute to the retired Phantom Theater as memorable characters from the attraction sing, dance and decompose before your eyes.

Now, you’ve seen Broadway plays become movies and vice-versa, but never before has a ride been made into a live theater production. The show is sure to rekindle memories for Phantom Theater fans as they watch memorable characters from the attraction like Maestro, Houdelini, Hilda Bovine and The Great Garbanzo back on the stage again to reprise what they didn’t survive.

For those unfamiliar with Phantom Theater, a little history: Designed and created by Rick Bastrup, Phantom Theater operated at Kings Island from 1992 to 2002 and had an acknowledged reputation as one of the best dark rides in the amusement and theme park industry. The omnimover-style attraction transported guests throughout the theater, showing 38 ghost-like animations and 17 different scenes during a ride experience that lasted longer than a ride on The Beast!

As you include Phantom Theater Encore among the rides, shows and attractions you want to see and experience during your visit to Kings Island, be sure to arrive at the Kings Island Theater at least 15 minutes before the show begins so you can check out the treasure trove of Phantom Theater artifacts on display in the theater lobby that take you through the history and design of the ride, including concept art, scrims and a model of the attraction. It’s all very detailed and sets the stage for the show.