The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most popular musicals of all time. It captivates audiences with its haunting music, drama, and mystery. From its inception to its current Broadway run, the show has inspired generations of artists and performers. In this article, we will look at the history of the Phantom of the Opera and explore how it has inspired the creative works of others.
The Phantom of the Opera is of course, not an opera at all. It's most famous adaptation is as a musical by none other than Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, which has toured the world extensively since 1986, and is one of the most successful musicals of all time. Originally a book published in 1909 by French author Gaston Leroux, the story has undertaken many adaptations since including a silent film and a Hollywood blockbuster, but none have received as much commercial success and popularity as the musical.
The story follows Christine, a budding opera singer who is given a job at the Paris Opera House. She begins to hear a voice which describes itself as the Angel of Music. However, the voice is not that of an angel, but of the cruel Erik who is the ghost of the Opera. Erik has been disrupting business in the opera house for many years, including laying claim to one of the boxes overlooking the stage.
In truth, Erik is not a ghost at all, but a man scarred by deformities so horrific he is forced to cover his face with a white mask.
Now under new management (who have little tolerance for ghost stories), the opera performs the classic Faust, the classic ‘sell your soul’ narrative, and when Erik does not get his way with the performance, he sends the grand chandelier plummeting to the stage at the end of the first act.
After the accident, Erik kidnaps Christine and reveals his true identity to her beneath the mask. She sees his deformities for the first time. Christine eventually agrees to marry Erik, and in the conclusion, later returns to bury him.
The most memorable aspects of the musical are certainly the iconic songs, costuming and dramatic stage effects which most effectively translate into wearable items and costumes. You can find a stunning replica of Christine’s wedding dress, gothic inspired opera wear, and mask-themed accessories on rebelsmarket:
Gothic Chandelier Greeting Card
This red and black gothic inspired greeting card will remind any Phantom lover of the dramatic falling chandelier. This red and black colour scheme pays homage to the dramaticism of the opera.
Christine’s Wedding Gown
An elaborate personalised opera dress with a victorian reproduction bodies that laces in back. Made from satin, trims and lace, this amazing dress can be crafted in any colour and is inspired by the character Christine from the Phantom of the Opera.
Opera Velvet Black and Burgundy Corset
This stunning black and burgandy velvet overbust corset will set you apart at the Opera. Wear with a shimmering skirt and a mask for a mysterious allure.
Photography Print Phantom Mask
Something to hang on the wall for big Phantom fans. This textured photograph called "insanity speaks" features an eerie mask worn by a woman.
Leather Oak Leaf Mask
This stunning leather oak leaf mask design pays homage to the Phantom’s mask. Your favourite musical will be unmistakable!
Victorian Monocle for the Opera
A must for opera goers. You need a monacle to see the nauances of the costumes - and to look refined and elitist, of course!
Have you ever seen Phantom of the Opera performed, or read the book? Who was your favourite character?