Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LW Entertainment, in conjunction with book publisher Penguin Random House, has announced new details of its publishing program to celebrate “The Phantom of the Opera”’s 40th anniversary. As previously announced, Penguin Random House will publish a young-adult novel adaptation of “Phantom,” entitled “Our Strange Duet,” in addition to a visual anthology and a series of Little Golden Books.
The novel “Our Strange Duet” is to be penned by young adult fantasy writer Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of “House of Salt and Sorrows” and “The Thirteenth Child.” “Our Strange Duet” follows “Phantom” protagonist Christine Daaé, emphasizing her emotional journey and deepening the story of the musical. Craig, a lifelong fan of “Phantom,” said in a statement, “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to explore the ‘strange affair of the “Phantom of the Opera,” a mystery never fully explained’ through the eyes of Broadway’s most beloved gothic heroine.”
“Our Strange Duet” will be released by Random House’s Delacorte Press imprint on Sept. 1, with a simultaneous U.K. edition by Penguin Random House Children’s U.K. on Sept. 3. A special hardcover edition will be available only in theaters and from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s official online merchandise store. An immersive companion audiobook recording is in production at Penguin Random House Audio, including a full voice cast and music from the “Phantom” score.
The partnership will continue with a series of three Little Golden Books for children. The first book, “Phantom of the Opera Little Golden Book” by Christy Webster, featuring an age-appropriate retelling of the musical for young readers, will be on sale beginning Sept. 1.
Finally, Oct. 27 will see the release of “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera’: A Behind-the-Mask Look at the Global Phenomenon.” Published by Crown/Ten Speed Press in the U.S. and Ebury Press in the U.K., this anthology will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and evolution of the musical through archival sketches and photography of various productions. It will also feature interviews with cast, crew and other participants in “Phantom”’s history, including original producer Cameron Mackintosh and performers Sierra Boggess, Rachel Zegler and Michael Crawford.
“We’re thrilled to publish the ultimate celebration of the past, present and future of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ a truly revolutionary musical that has meant so much to so many over the past 40 years. Featuring the creative team who transformed Gaston Leroux’s novel into an inspired theatrical experience, the actors who brought Andrew Lloyd Webber’s characters to life, and every glittering detail in between, this coffee table book is a beautiful look at musical theater history and a testament to the power of art,” said vice president/editorial director of special projects of the Crown Publishing Group Matt Inman.
