The Phantom of the Opera

An award winning musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The story, based on the French novel by Gaston Leroux, is of a hideously disfigured genius who lives under and Opera house in Paris in the late 19th century. It's a love story between this man- the Phantom (or Erik, in the novel), Christine, and her friend -and soon fiance-, the wealthy and attractive Raoul. The soundtrack to the Phantom is unlike most other Broadway-style musicals. The songs, including the Overture, Angel of Music, The Mirror, The Phantom of the Opera, Prima Donna, All I Ask of You, Masquerade, The Point of No Return, and Down Once More/ Track Down This Murderer, have more of a classical, opera-like feel to them, making good use of an orchestra and having intense vocal scenes. It is currently (in the year 2012) the longest running musical on Broadway and still achieves high ratings from critics. It is by far my favorite musical, and greatly surpasses the movie on all levels in my own personal opinion.