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, HoustonCopyright 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.


Book 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.

ANNOTATION

This lavishly illustrated book traces the origins of the phantom in truth and legend, including previously unpublished plans of the Paris Opera, showing the secret underground lake and the labyrinthine passages the public never sees. 20 line drawings. 150 full-color and 50 black-and-white photographs.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Phantom of the Opera has been a smash hit worldwide. Now, here is the definitive account of this theatrical masterpiece, tracing the Phantom legend from its origins in historical fact through numerous artistic incarnations to the present day. The book includes the complete libretto and many specially commissioned color photographs of the production.

FROM THE CRITICS

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.

School Library Journal