1. The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston LeRoux
The original novel upon which The Phantom of the Opera is based is an interesting piece of literature. Originally published as a serial in 1909-1910, the tale is expectedly disjointed – an amalgam of the genres of horror, romance and mystery. The biggest difference between the book and the show, besides the overall romantic tone taken on in the musical adaptation, is the absence in the show of a character referred to in the book as “the Persian”. The character is a fascinating one, in some ways as fascinating as the Phantom of the Opera himself.
A worthwhile read.
2. Phantom by Susan Kay
For fans of the novel and the musical alike, Phantom is a must read. A prequel to both, it charts the history of the man who became the Phantom from his birth to the end of his life. Using the approach of telling his life story through a chain of voices – his mother, his own, a father figure from whom he learns architecture in Italy, the Persian and Christine – the novel manages to keep Erik (the Phantom) enigmatic even as it unpacks his enigma.
If only Andrew Lloyd Webber had chosen to turn this book into a musical instead of Love Never Dies – it could have been wonderful.
3. Maskerade by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett’s Maskerade is a book for fans of both The Phantom of the Opera and musical theatre in general. The plot deals with two witches, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, who set off for the big city (Ankh-Morpork) to recruit a new member for their coven, namely Agnes Nitt. Trouble is, Anges has her eyes set on a life in the Opera House and her friend, Christine, is getting all the lead roles thanks to the Opera House Ghost while Agnes has to sing from the wings to overpower Christine’s tremulous efforts. The book is a comic romp through the world of The Phantom of the Opera with nods to many other musical theatre classics along the way.
4. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” Companion
Somewhere out there, there are fans of the film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera. This book is for them. For those who want further record than the DVD of Joel Schumacher’s inept direction, Emmy Rossum’s bland Christine and Gerard Butler’s mediocre Phantom. Yes, there are pieces about the history of the story, other adaptations of the book and the theatre production. But there isn’t much you can’t find in better places. You know what would have been more welcome than this? And what still would be? An updated edition of The Complete Phantom of the Opera that reserves only a chapter for documenting this failed attempt at bringing the show to screen.
Musical Cyberspace 