Based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, Le Fantôme de L’Opéra, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ tells the story of a mysterious masked figure who lurks beneath the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over those who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with a young soprano, Christine Daae, and devotes himself to nurturing her extraordinary talents, employing all the devious methods at his command. 

Said to be the most breathtaking love story on stage, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is famous for being the longest running musical on Broadway until its closure in 2023. The tragic romance is also the winner of over 70 major theatre awards. Laced with Gothic elements, the plot twists and turns wildly, as the mysterious masked figure steps out of the shadows to fall madly in love with Christine. He devotes himself to nurturing her extraordinary talents, often employing devious methods to propel her career. This seems like a potent, if morally dubious recipe for success, until Christine’s childhood friend Raoul – a patron of the arts – comes visiting. All bets are off when jealousy takes hold of the Phantom’s heart, steering him prophetically to embrace the fearsome dark entity the world supposes him to be.    

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s acclaimed musical premiered at London’s West End in 1986, and had its Broadway debut at the Majestic Theatre in 1988, with the legendary pairing of Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Since then, it has enthralled over 160 million people across 193 cities in 21 languages worldwide. With a soaring score featuring timeless hits such as ‘Music of the Night’, ‘All I Ask of You’, ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’, ‘Masquerade’ and the title overture, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is a goose bumps-guaranteed experience that plays on the most intimate emotions of the audience. Visually, it is known for spectacular sets designed to manifest that old-world grandeur, transporting the audience to a faraway time and place.  

As majestic as the tale it brings to life, The Grand Theatre lends itself beautifully to the India debut of the musical – marking a historic moment in the country’s romance with bucket-list international experiences.