Phantom of the Opera, The Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical

The author is Andrew Lloyd Webber. For the lyrical part of the work, Richard Stilgoe & Charles Hart were responsible. The script was designed by Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe. The first act of the musical was shown for the first time in 1985 during a festival in Sydney, starring Colm Wilkinson, Sarah Brightman & Clive Carter. The premiere took place in early October 1986 at Her Majesty's Theatre. Directed by Harold Prince & choreographed by Gillian Lynne, the leading roles were played by Michael Crawford (for the first time), Sarah Brightman & Steve Barton. As of May 2016, the production continues to run in the West End. It is the longest-running show in the history of both the West End and Broadway, surpassing the mark of 23,000 performances in total on these main stages and more than 2,000 on other stages worldwide (the second place holder, ‘Les Misérables’, counts only 19,000+ performances on both West End and Broadway stages).

Comprehensive Overview: The Phantom of the Opera.

Genesis and Creative Forces.

Andrew Lloyd Webber conceived The Phantom of the Opera as a grand romantic musical, inspired by Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel. The role of Christine Daaé was crafted for his then-wife, Sarah Brightman. The production was directed by Harold Prince and choreographed by Gillian Lynne, with lyrics by Charles Hart and additional material by Richard Stilgoe.

Premiere and Global Reach.

The musical debuted at London's Her Majesty's Theatre on October 9, 1986, and premiered on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre on January 26, 1988. It has since been performed in over 30 countries, captivating audiences worldwide.

Accolades and Recognition.

The production has garnered numerous awards:

• 1986 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical
• 1988 Tony Award for Best Musical
• 1988 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical
• 1988 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Broadway Musical

Michael Crawford received both the Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of the Phantom.

Critical Reception.

Critics have lauded the musical's technical achievements and emotional depth. The New Yorker described it as a "beloved pop culture phenomenon that shaped Broadway's landscape over the last four decades."

Recent Developments.

In April 2023, the original Broadway production concluded after 13,981 performances, marking it as the longest-running show in Broadway history. A reimagined production titled Masquerade is slated to debut on Broadway in 2025, introducing new staging and design elements.

Legacy and Cultural Impact.

The Phantom of the Opera has left an indelible mark on musical theatre, with its haunting score, elaborate sets, and timeless story of love and obsession. Its influence continues to resonate with audiences around the globe.

Key Production Details.

Aspect	Details
Composer	Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyricist	Charles Hart (additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe)
Director	Harold Prince
Choreographer	Gillian Lynne
Original London Premiere	October 9, 1986
Original Broadway Premiere	January 26, 1988
Broadway Closing Date	April 16, 2023
Total Broadway Performances	13,981

Songs description

Hannibal Dress Rehearsal

The show begins backstage at a chaotic run-through of the fictional opera Hannibal. We meet diva Carlotta, new managers Firmin and André, wealthy patron Raoul (“Vicomte de Chagny”), and chorus girl Christine, orphaned daughter of a celebrated violinist. The number sets up Phantom’s hallmark on-/back-stage cross-cutting.

Think of Me

When a backdrop crashes, Carlotta quits and Christine steps in. Her dreamy aria wins the audience and jogs Raoul’s memory of their childhood friendship—instantly turning Christine’s triumph into emotional complication.

Angel of Music

Backstage, Christine tells Meg Giry she studies with an unseen “Angel of Music,” whom she believes is her father’s spirit. The lilting duet captures her innocence and Meg’s disbelief.

Little Lotte

Raoul visits Christine’s dressing room, recalling her father’s stories and the song “Little Lotte.” He assumes the Angel is mere fancy; Christine insists he is real.

The Mirror

The jealous Phantom interrupts, luring Christine with a soft “Angel of Music” reprise before revealing himself in her mirror and spiriting her away.

The Phantom of the Opera

This powerhouse duet shows their bond: the Phantom claims credit for Christine’s voice; she calls herself his mask. The score mixes majestic grandeur with subterranean menace.

The Music of the Night

In his candle-lit lair, the Phantom crowns Christine his muse and shows her a bridal vision. Overwhelmed, she faints; he tenderly covers her while the seductive melody hints at darker motives.

I Remember / Stranger Than You Dreamt It

Christine wakes to the monkey music-box, lifts the Phantom’s mask, and recoils at his disfigurement. His fury softens into longing as he begs for love.

Notes / Prima Donna

Managers and Raoul puzzle over vanished sopranos. The Phantom’s letters demand Christine star in his new work. To placate Carlotta, they promise she stays lead—an epistolary farce amid mounting dread.

Why Have You Brought Me Here?

After the Phantom ruins Carlotta’s performance, Christine flees to the roof with Raoul, confessing his obsession. Raoul still thinks she dreamed it.

All I Ask of You

Raoul counters the Phantom’s nocturnal seduction with a daylight pledge of love and protection. Their soaring duet seals the romance.

All I Ask of You (Reprise)

The spying Phantom twists their love song into a vengeful oath, setting up Act Two.

Masquerade / Why So Silent?

Six months on, a lavish ball celebrates Christine and Raoul’s engagement—until the Phantom crashes in, demands his new opera be staged, and orders Christine to star.

Notes / Twisted Every Way

Christine feels trapped as Raoul urges her to use the opera to ensnare the Phantom—anxious plotting replaces Act One’s satire.

Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again

At her father’s grave, Christine sings a luminous lament, seeking strength to let go of past ghosts and face the Phantom.

Wandering Child

The Phantom reappears in the cemetery, nearly hypnotising Christine until Raoul intervenes.

Don Juan Triumphant / The Point of No Return

During the Phantom’s opera, he replaces the tenor to duet with Christine: “no use resisting.” He reprises “All I Ask of You” to propose, but she unmasks him, exposing Piangi’s corpse and halting the show.

Down Once More / Track Down This Murderer

The Phantom kidnaps Christine; Raoul pursues. In the lair, Christine’s compassion—“the true distortion lies in your soul” —moves the Phantom to free the lovers. They leave with a final echo of “All I Ask of You,” while he vanishes amid his own “Music of the Night.”