Fun Facts to Know About Phantom of the Opera

I love going to the theater. As many of you already know, the high school musical this spring is . This will be an entertaining, not-to-be missed event. I am planning to go and hope to see you there. Here are five things to know about this musical in addition to twice-weekly column, profiling the cast and crew.

Who Wrote Phantom of the Opera?

Gaston Leroux, French author, journalist, and theater lover, published his novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra in 1911.  Sales were fair, but the book didn’t gain notoriety until it was featured as a serialized, illustrated story in several French, English, and American newspapers. A researcher from Universal Studios read the serial which led first to a movie (1925) and eventually the play (1986)!

The Paris Opera House

Leroux set the story in the Paris Opera House, which still exists today. There really is a lake underneath it, too.

Who Adapted the Story Into A Musical?

Andrew Lloyd Webber! The musical opened October 9, 1986, has been viewed by over 80 million people around the world and is the most financially successful musical ever.

Would You Like to Buy Tickets?

Cost per person: Adult - $15; Student and Senior - $12. Call 203-315-7998 ext. 2500 or come to Branford High School , between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to purchase tickets. For more information, go to www.thechoirlobby.com.

Debbie’s Dose of Daily Food for Thought

Thornton Wilder once said, “Many plays – certainly mine – are like blank checks. The actors and directors put their own signatures on them.” So, let’s all head to the high school one day between March 22 and March 27 to see how our BHS students, have interpreted Phantom of the Opera!