The novel, published in 1909, is Gaston Leroux’s original telling of the story before the release of its cinematic and theatrical adaptations. (Eve Blakeley-Hunt, CMRU.ca)
This year marks the 38th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, “The Phantom of the Opera,” which debuted on October 9, 1986. The play has left its mark on the world of theatre, from its haunting melodies to its captivating storyline. This anniversary is the perfect reminder for fans to revisit the story or for those new to it to check it out.
The story behind the music
Based on Gaston Leroux’s 1909 novel, “The Phantom of the Opera” tells the story of a mysterious figure who haunts the Paris Opera House and falls in love with Christine Daée, a talented soprano. The musical features many famous songs like “All I Ask of You” and “The Music of the Night,” which have been loved over the decades by fans of the classic tale.
Iconic performances
The original West End production has become an essential part of London’s theatre scene, while the Broadway adaptation introduced the musical to North American audiences. Having recently celebrated its 15,000th performance in the West End, “The Phantom of the Opera” is one of the longest-running shows in history along with “The Mousetrap,” “Les Misérables” and a handful of other iconic plays.
Film adaptations
The influence of the story has extended beyond the stage, having inspired the production of multiple film adaptations over the years. The first movie version was released in 1925, based on Leroux’s novel. More modern renditions written around Webber’s version are those of Joel Schumacher in 2004, as well as Nick Morris and Laurence Connor in 2011.
A lasting legacy
As the world of theatre celebrates 38 years of Webber’s massive hit, the legacy of “The Phantom of the Opera” continues to live on. The production is now booked for shows until March 29, 2025 at His Majesty’s Theatre in London since premiering there in 1986.
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