Product Description

This is the lavishly illustrated, definitive account of The Phantom of the Opera, tracing the Phantom legend from its origins in historical fact through Gaston Leroux's heartrending classic novel and other artistic incarnations to the present day and Andrew Lloyd Webber's incredibly successful musical.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #98837 in Books
• Published on: 1991-07-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

From School Library Journal
YA A lavishly illustrated book that surveys the background and theatrical treatments of the Phantom story. Perry has included a discussion of the Paris Opera building, the 1911 novel by Gas ton Leroux, the films, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's current stage hit (which comprises two-thirds of the book). The entire libretto, but none of the score, is included. The composer, cast, and production staff appear in text and pictures. There are some fascinat ing behind-the-scenes tidbits about makeup, costuming, and stagecraft techniques. Reasons for certain pre- production decisions are discussed by Lloyd Webber, Hal Prince, and others in positions of artistic direction. Many color photographs show the production itself. This book will be enjoyed by teenagers who love the theater from ei ther side of the proscenium. Rita G. Keeler, St. John's School, Houston
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Based on Gaston Leroux's potboiler of the same name, Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical The Phantom of the Opera is a solid hit in London and a box-office success in New York. Perry's volume, which serves essentially as a souvenir of the stage production, includes the musical's libretto, a fascinating account of the show's genesis, and spectacular color photographs and drawings. Introductory material covers the Paris Opera House, Leroux, the original novel, and its various film versions. The book's plum is the show's libretto, which, even devoid of its evocative score, is the finest adaptation to date of Leroux's original idea. A memento of a highly creative musical; for theater buffs. Eric W. Johnson, Univ. of Bridgeport Lib., Ct.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

My favorite birthday present
As a hardcore Phantom fan, I am always looking for more information on the play. I came across this amazing book in the public library in my town and was amazed at the detail. There was so much that I didn't already know, and I knew a lot. I wanted to keep on renewing the book and never give it back but a good friend of mine, who is also very adamant about Phantom, went searching for this book that I wouldn't shut up about and bought me a copy. I love it. It includes info on the opera house, Gaston Leroux(the author of the novel on which Andrew Lloyd Webber's play is based), the story behind the novel, Lon Chaney's film, other versions of the film and other plays, Andrew Lloyd Webber's version, and the Libretto. This is the most complete and well written book on the play I've come across. George Perry reveals the intricacies of the production from make-up to costumes to set to everything. I consider this a valuable part of my Phantom collection and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes this play or theater in general. It rocks!

A must for Phans
Amazing, interesting and informative are just a few of the words that discribe this excellent book!
It starts out with a history of the Paris Opera House, along with beautiful pictures. It discribes how life was in the 1880's, and what people would regularly do at the Opera. It also is about Gaston Leroux, who wrote the Phantom novel.
Part Two is about the Lon Chaney Phantom film and other film versions of the story.
And last but not least it how the Andrew Lloyd Webber version came to light, with rare backstage photos and conversations with the production crew and cast.
In short, a definite MUST for all Phans, makes an excellent gift.

The Best Book I Have Ever Read
Believe it or not, the first time I read this book was when I was 8 years old, and it has been my favorite book ever since. I've have read many great books that were hard to put down, but this was the only one I actually couldn't put down! Most people are only familiar with the play and the movie; I have seen Phantom of the Opera on broadway twice, but I still prefer the book. The book goes into so much more detail and reveals so many parts of the story that both the play and the movie leave out. If you are planing on seeing the play, I highly recommend that you read this first. If you already have seen it, or are never go to see it, I still highly recommend that you read this; it's great!