Phantom of the Opera stage show
Way back in 2005 when I began writing Chanson de l’Ange, my take on a Phantom of the Opera sequel…as I recall, following the release of of the 2004 film version starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum, there were exactly 3 Phantom novels available on the market at that time: the original book by Gaston Leroux, PHANTOM by Susan Kay and The Phantom of Manhattan by Fredrick Forsythe. That is it! So those of us who were looking for published Phantom of the Opera novels to slake our bottomless thirst for more POTO, could only find sequels and ‘other’ versions of the story on-line in the form of fan fictions…(to read entire article, please click the MORE button beneath the Share/Save bar)
In the months following the explosion of fans who were drawn to the story through Mr Butler’s fine portrayal of the Phantom, and Joel Schumacher’s beautiful visual style…an amazing phenomenon began to shake Phandom, as first time and ‘would be authors’ who had been gobsmacked by that film, took pen (or laptop) in hand, and began writing their own adaptations of either the original Leroux novel; the ALW stage play version; or the 2004 film version. Although the film was hated by many Leroux and ALW Webber stage show fans, the 2004 film gave birth to a wide range of Phantom of the Opera artistic expression: everything from fan videos to illustrative art, graphic art, fanfictions and finally…published fan fictions. Some fans, after first discovering POTO through the 2004 movie, began to look into the Phantom’s roots, and thereby also discovered the original novel, becoming fans of Leroux’s classic while the 2004 film became less of a focus in their phandom. Other fans of the 2004 film were so moved by the story itself, that they made the trek to regional and international theaters, where they saw the stage show for the first time, and left the theater concluding that the stage show was much better than the film. And then we have other Phantom fans whose love for the 2004 film continues to this day, and that version is their preferred version amongst all the others.
When it comes to our Phantom favorites and our personal preferences, there is no right or wrong. Fortunately, there are enough adaptations on film, stage and in print to please all sorts of Phantom tastes, but one thing is for certain, there is MUCH more to choose from now, than there was in 2004. Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has given us his own sequel, and although Love Never Dies opened to very mixed reviews, I have no doubt that it too will inspire new sequels to the sequel; as aspiring writers put their own spin on the plot and characterizations brought forth in the new musical. I think it’s very exciting that young people who have never seen the original show live, will now walk away from Love Never Dies with their hearts broken and their artistic vision heightened. Instead of Michael Crawford’s or Gerard Butler’s portrayal as a muse, it will now be Ramin Karimloo whose mannerisms and vocal performance inform a new generation of Phantom creations!
As a writer of my own Phantom novel, I am stunned by how many new versions of the story have been published/self published/On Demand published since I first began writing Chanson de l’Ange in January of 2005. Literally dozens of POTO books are now available through on-line retail outlets, and a select few have even made their way onto the bookshelves in actual bookstores. I feel a little hesitant to add mine to the growing list of POTO publications, and I wonder, can my book find a market among such a wide selection of authors? After all, the Phantom community is my target audience, and it is a relatively small market. Not only is it smaller than say, Vampire fictions/novels, but it is perhaps a more selective market? Meaning that many POTO fans would never even dream of purchasing my book because it was inspired in part by the 2004 film, which as I mentioned before, a number of POTO FANS dislike immensely.
So…what’s a writer to do? I doubt my book will ever make it into the bookstores. Its primary marketing will be on-line, and therefore, only those looking directly for Phantom of the Opera novels will discover it. Is there any chance that my book will find its niche, or will it be lost among so many other versions, with even more coming out every few months? Well of course, dear reader, I do not know the answer to those questions. Only time will tell, but meanwhile, I am taking the plunge! Book One; The Bleeding Rose is now in production, and in a few months when the book is made available for purchase, we will find out! I didn’t write this book in hopes of getting rich and becoming some sort of in demand author. Had I wanted that, I would have tried for ‘real’ publication through an agent and trade house publisher. I wrote Chanson de l’Ange because the Phantom’s story moved me deeply, and I simply had to express my artistic vision. Sometimes the art itself is more rewarding than money or praise.
I hope to provide Chanson as another alternative to what’s already out there, and I am hopeful that my take on the story will not only find its own audience, but that it will inspire other artists to create their own artistic tributes to the wonderful and timeless tale that is Phantom of the Opera!
Paisley
Great article, Bonnie. There is something about the Phantom of the Opera that drives writers to continue the story. It is timeless. The message never changes, and new generations year after year are introduced to a work that touches them at the core of their heart. Why? Because they relate in many ways. Sometimes I think it’s an odd sort of therapy that drives us to pen another book to add to the pile. You are quite right, it will probably continue to spin off from the sequel in the future too. So what’s an author to do? Ignore the drive and inspiration within because we’re writing another book about the same subject? Think of your work as a contribution to keeping the story alive. As an author, Bonnie, you’re filling a need. It’s a personal calling that has driven you to pen your story, and you should be very proud. Take the plunge! Join the pool of other books. Enjoy it wholeheartedly, and whether you sell 1 or 1,000,000, you will have left a wonderful legacy behind in the Phantom community for others to enjoy. I wish you great success upon your release!
Oh yeah…I’m diving into the lair lake! I agree that it serves as some sort of therapy, getting into the heads of these characters. In my case, they are all fragile human beings in their own way, trying to figure out how to do life amongst a bizarre set of circumstances. I find it fascinating and artistically challenging to try and make them real, when the whole story itself is fanciful.
“Let your soul take you where you long to be…..!”
Thanks for the comment, Vicki. It will be great fun when both of our POTO books are out!
Great post, Swann! Art in all of it’s forms is easy prey for those who feel the need to critique, often times with no foundation other than their own personal bias. Art is a purely subjective form of expression…and we all have our own unique preferences in how we express ourselves through art and how we appreciate the work of others. As far as writing goes, your post can be considered a ‘work of art’ in that you not only inspire, but also encourage those who are creative to let their spirit soar…those would would otherwise become discouraged and say “Why Bother?” I’m glad you ‘bothered’ to pursue your muse, and are generous enough to share your version of this timeless and passionate story with us…your spell bound audience.
Thank you for your insights on the various versions of our beloved Phantom, but never fear yours will no doubt take its rightful place, if for no other reason than the labor of love and passon your have put into it, and your loyal following who have waited for so long to read your version of this marvelous tale that has so captivated people from the time of the original Leroux novel. ALW brought the story alive on stage with his beautiful music, and it was further made real to a whole new generation with the magnificent motion picture, and Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum’s passonate rendering of their characters, Your novel will reach out to those of us who wish a new re-telling of the life of the Phantom that looks at his life both before and after the AWL musical. Bravo for bringing us this new version, and thank you for all your talent, love and passion that have gone into it. Can’t wait to read Book One. Bless you for your effort.
Thank you, Bonnie Jean E…lovely comments and much encouragement from you over the years! I actually watched the 2004 last night after having not seen it for a while. It left me breathless, as always!
Swannie
Dear Swannie,
I have been waiting for your books to be completed and published since 2007!!! Can’t wait to get my hands on the book one. Thanks for providing us this beautiful version of the Phantom tales… I am grateful.
And, how is your hubby? Best of luck to everything!!!
Love
Lynne
Hi Lynne! I’m so glad that you are still looking forward to reading my book! I was worried that after so much time, people might have lost interest. Thanks for asking about my hubby. He is struggling. This condition is debilitating, and in many ways, his quality of life has been greatly diminished. It makes me very sad to see him change so much. I’m just trying to hold things together for him. Take care, and thanks for your comments.
Swannie
I’ve been with you for a long time Swannie. The reviews I wrote for you novel are about the most indepth and intensive I’ve ever written. Your story about Erik inspired me to give more than the usual short summary type review. It deserves more. Your writing is both provoking and lyrical. It makes the reader feel, and think. I’m glad you’ve kept at it for so long and know that the wait will truly be worth it; for all of us.
Pertie, so good too see you here! Yes, I really appreciated the review you wrote fro Chanson! I can only hope that when the actual books come out, you will still like the story just as much!
Swannie
Hi Bonnie, You’re Blog is right on! I got hooked on Phantom after I watched the 2004 POTO movie, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Two weeks after I saw the film version, I began writing my own novel. At the time there were only a small handful of Phantom novels published, but today the opposite is true. I’ve read many versions since then, and I look forward to reading Chanson de l’Ange.
~Samantha~