For anyone who is not familiar with The Phantom of the Opera, which happens to be the world’s most popular musical, it’s a tale about a disfigured musical genius known only as the Phantom, who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talent and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, the Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide.

On the other hand, if you’re familiar with The Phantom of the Opera, there might be a few things you didn’t know about, and which might surprise you. So, ahead of its debut in the UAE, running between 16 October and 9 November 2019, here are some 10 things you need to know before setting foot in the iconic Dubai opera to watch the musical.

1. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Play is based on the book by Gaston Leroux.

The Phantom of the Opera musical is partly based on the French novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra by Gaston Leroux. The gothic novel is inspired by historical events at the Paris Opera House during the nineteenth century.

2. Theatrical icons and present-day stars have starred as the protagonists

The debut of the first-ever Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End on October 9, 1986, and it starred Michael Crawford as the Phantom and Sarah Brightman as Christine.

The Dubai production will see the lead role of The Phantom performed by Jonathan Roxmouth, one of the musical theatre’s most exciting talents, alongside female protagonist Christine Daaé, portrayed by rising star Claire Lyon.

3. Over 40 million copies of the original cast recording have been sold worldwide!

The original cast recording, with more than 40 million copies sold worldwide is the bestselling cast recording of all time and the production has won over 70 major theatre awards, including seven Tony Awards on Broadway and four Olivier Awards in London’s West End. Some of the thrilling music tracks include “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Think of Me”, and “Music of the Night”.

4. There are some impressive Phantom facts

The world-renowned musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber is comprised of 130 members of cast, crew, and orchestra. Each performance has 230 costumes designed by the late Maria Björnson, 14 dressers, 120 automated cues, 22 scene changes, 281 candles and uses 250 kg of dry ice and 10 fog and smoke machines.

5. The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most successful musicals of all time

Since the show’s debut in 1986, The Phantom of the Opera has been seen by 140 million people across 40 countries and 166 cities around the world, with an estimated gross of six billion dollars. The box office revenues are higher than any film or stage play in history, including “Titanic”, “ET”, “Star Wars” and “Avatar”.

6. The Phantom of the Opera was first adapted into a silent film

Since the novel was published in late March 1910, it’s been adapted multiple times, most notably the 1925 film depiction, and, of course, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1986 musical.

7. The Phantom of the Opera is presented by Broadway Entertainment Group and Dubai Opera

Broadway Entertainment Group is the world’s first theatrical distribution company to consolidate an international circuit through its network and bring quality entertainment into the markets of Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, North America, South and Central Asia.

8. The chandelier weighs a massive one ton!

In the musical, the dazzling replica of the Paris Opera House chandelier is made up of 6,000 beads, consisting of 35 beads to each string. It is three metres wide and weighs a massive one ton! During the musical, the controlled fall of the chandelier makes it look like it’s crashing into the stage!

9. There are a total of 164 wigs used throughout the production of ONE show

For each run of The Phantom of the Opera show, there are a total of 164 wigs made fully from human hair. The wigs are rolled and put into the oven (yes, you read that correctly) for 24 hours. The treatment for each wig lasts for only one show! The hairpieces have a heavy renaissance feel, with the use of feathers and huge amounts of hairspray to maintain their colour and shine.