Immersive theatre completely collapses the boundary between the show and its audience. Instead of sitting down and looking at a stage, you walk through a building that's been wholly transformed into the world of the show, and the actors perform all around you as you go.

In Masquerade's case, that world encompasses Paris's Opera Populaire and its shadowy underbelly, recreated across the multiple floors of the venue. You might go from a rehearsal room to the theatre's wings to a dressing room to the Phantom's lair to a ballroom as you move between rooms and floors.

In Masquerade's case, the actors don't just perform around you, but involve you. The Phantom may take your hand and lead you to the next room, or touch your shoulder as he sings you a line of "Music of the Night." Maybe you'll be asked to play a rehearsal piano, volunteer in a circus act, or read a letter.

Everyone's experience is slightly different — but don't fear the interactivity! You'll be clearly directed where to go and what to do throughout, and most interactions are pretty brief.

Masquerade is described as the Phantom's personal masquerade ball, and he's a strict host. Audience members must wear cocktail or formal attire in black, white, and/or silver only. A mask, of course, is also required, but they're provided at the venue if you don't own one.

Additionally, the dress code prohibits thin heels (like stilettos and kitten heels) since you have to walk over a grate at one point. There's also a lot of stair-climbing throughout Masquerade, so be sure your shoes are easy to walk in.

Some immersive shows are "choose-your-own-adventure" style, where audiences can roam the venue as they wish. Masquerade isn't one of those; the experience is linear, and performers and staff will guide your group through it for the whole 2 hours.

At some points, groups will be split up to experience certain scenes simultaneously, but you'll ultimately come back together. So don't panic if you're separated from your friends!

Every performance of Masquerade is technically six shows in one. When you buy your ticket, you'll choose one of six entry times, which are staggered by 15 minutes. That means other groups, called "pulses," will be in the venue at the same time, experiencing the show in succession. (That's why it's not free-roam.)

Remarkably, the flow is so seamless that you'd never know other performances are happening at the same time.

Depending on which entry time you pick, you'll see a different pair of actors as the Phantom and Christine. That makes Masquerade ripe for repeat trips — pick a different entry time, and you'll see a different duo.

The pairings perform in the same order each night. They include:

• Kyle Scatliffe and Eryn LeCroy (1/7 p.m.)
• Telly Leung and Haile Ferrier (1:15/7:15 p.m.)
• Hugh Panaro and Francesca Mehrotra (1:30/7:30 p.m.)
• Nik Walker and Kaley Ann Voorhees (1:45/7:45 p.m.)
• Clay Singer and Riley Noland (2/8 p.m.)
• Jeff Kready and Anna Zavelson (2:15/8:15 p.m.)

Similarly, three different actors alternate as Raoul (performing for two pulses each), and two actresses alternate as Madame Giry and Carlotta throughout the show. And, in one scene, Meg Giry is played by one of the other Christines!

Unlike The Phantom of the Opera, Masquerade largely unfolds from the point of view of the Phantom, a facially deformed outcast. Newly invented scenes show the Phantom's time in the freak show circuit as a child, how he eventually came to the opera house, and how he acquired his iconic mask.

Plus, we see certain events from the musical through his eyes as never before — like the disasters he wreaks on the opera house as obsessive passion for Christine consumes him.

Though Masquerade takes liberties with the flow of the original Phantom of the Opera, "phans" will still experience all the major moments they know and love.

You'll see the crashing chandelier, the monkey music box, and the ghostly gondola floating through the Phantom's lair. You'll hear "The Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "The Phantom of the Opera," and all the other hits from Andrew Lloyd Webber's score. And keep an eye out for other Phantom Easter eggs, like a nod to Christine's violinist father and a poster displaying the Phantom's real name.

Masquerade truly makes use of the entire venue: Weather permitting, two thrilling scenes unfold on the roof. (Fans can probably guess at least one.) Be sure to dress accordingly; you'll be out there for a good 15 minutes.

Bonus: If you're passing by the venue while the rooftop scene is going on, you might be able to hear the singing from the sidewalk if you time it right.

The Masquerade experience isn't over when the show ends. Afterward, you'll exit into a candlelit bar area where you can buy drinks and merch, hang out with your friends, and snap photos. Sometimes, cast members even join the post-show fun! This is a masquerade ball, after all, and you're an esteemed guest. Take your fill, and let the spectacle astound you.

Get Masquerade tickets now.