New Phantom of the Opera YA Novel Inspired by the Musical

Erin A. Craig will publish a young adult reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera this fall. The novel, Our Strange Duet, arrives from Delacorte Press on September 1 in the United States.

Publication details and partnership

The book is part of a Penguin Random House and LW Entertainment partnership. The collaboration marks 40 years of the West End production.

Delacorte Press is releasing the novel as an imprint of Random House Children’s Books. Wendy Loggia, vice president and publisher at Delacorte, is editing the project.

Editions, rights and release dates

World rights were secured through agent Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic. A U.K. paperback edition from Penguin Random House Children’s UK follows on September 3.

A special hardback will be sold exclusively in theatres and via AndrewLloydWebber.com. An immersive companion audiobook is also in production by Penguin Random House Audio.

About the novel and creative intent

The story centers on Christine Daaé and her emotional journey within the gothic romance. The book deepens Christine’s ambition and her love triangle with Raoul and the Angel of Music.

This New Phantom of the Opera YA novel, inspired by the musical, aims to bring the classic tale to a younger readership. The adaptation was developed with input from those close to the West End production.

About the author

Erin A. Craig is a New York Times bestselling author. Her previous novels include House of Salt and Sorrows and The Thirteenth Child.

Craig has long been a Phantom fan and has stage experience as an Opera Memphis stage manager. LW Entertainment and Andrew Lloyd Webber specifically selected her for this project.

Companion releases and extras

Two additional books will accompany the YA novel. A Little Golden Books children’s adaptation by Christy Webster debuts on September 1.

On October 27, a visual anthology titled Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera: A Behind-the-Mask Look at the Global Phenomenon will be released. It includes archival sketches, photography, and interviews.

• The anthology features contributions from Cameron Mackintosh.
• It includes interviews with performers such as Sierra Boggess, Michael Crawford, and Rachel Zegler.

The anthology also previews what’s next for the franchise as it continues to evolve.

Audio and dramatization

The planned audiobook will use light dramatization and a full cast. It will be enhanced with music drawn from the Phantom musical suite.

Context and legacy

The property has enjoyed decades of global success. The stage show turned into a 2004 feature film and a 2011 Royal Albert Hall concert film.

The musical recently returned to U.S. tour schedules and inspired an immersive New York City production called Masquerade. On Broadway, the show ran for 35 years from January 26, 1988 to April 16, 2023.

For further updates and coverage of this release, visit Filmogaz.com.