"The Phantom of the Opera" has been my favorite musical since the 2004 movie version came out. Since then, I have explored everything relating to it - from the original book it was based on to the numerous reincarnations of it - you can bet I know about it. Here are some interesting facts about "The Phantom of the Opera."

1. It is a book written by Gaston Leroux.

It was first published in installments in the French paper Le Gaulois from September 23, 1909, to January 8, 1910, and published as a novel in March 1910. Leroux was inspired by the Paris Opera House, specifically when the opera's chandelier fell into the audience during a performance. I have read this book numerous times and love it more each time I open it up. Check out the synopsis on Goodreads.

2. It was adapted into a movie in 1925.

Lon Chaney, the "Man of a Thousand Faces," brought the character of The Phantom (known in the book as Erik) to life and stayed true to Leroux's description of his face. Although it is in black and white, and a silent film, it is one of the truest adaptations of the book.

3. It was adapted into a mini television series.

This adaptation premiered in 1990 and starred Charles Dance ("Game of Thrones") and Teri Polo ("The Fosters"). This particular adaptation is one of my favorites and is based on the lesser known musical "Phantom" by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit. It is a more sympathetic retelling of the story and is a bit more comedic.

4. It was adapted into a hit musical in 1986.

Andrew Llyod Webber adapted Leroux's story into an international sensation. Since its premiere on October 9, 1986, at the Her Majesty's Theatre in London, England, the show has continued to play in that theater and abroad. It sparked numerous touring companies, as well as an all-new "Spectacular Production." There was also a filmed version of the show in honor of its 25th Anniversary that you can buy on Amazon.

5. The stage musical inspired a movie version.

In 2004, Andrew Llyod Webber's stage musical was adapted into a movie. This was the first time I was introduced to "The Phantom of the Opera." The film starred Gerard Butler ("300"), Emmy Rossum ("Shameless"), and Patrick Wilson ("The Conjuring"). The film features all the songs from the stage version and is visually astounding!

6. Andrew Llyod Webber created a sequel.

"Love Never Dies" is loosely based on the book "The Phantom of Manhattan" by Frederick Forsyth. The original production opened in 2010 at the Adelphi Theatre in London, England. Another production opened in Australia in 2011, with new lyrics and staging. It was subsequently filmed and can be bought on Amazon. I, personally, am not a fan of the sequel in terms of its storyline. However, the music is beautiful and that is always a saving grace in my opinion. The production is set to tour in American during the 2017-2018 season.

7. Speaking of sequels...

"The Phantom of the Opera," has inspired numerous sequels in the form of books. One of the most well-known is "Phantom" by Susan Kay. It is a retelling, focusing on The Phantom/Erik and his life before the Paris Opera House, as well as the events that take place in Leroux's novel.

8. Other forms of inspiration...

The music in Andrew Llyod Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" is very popular and can be found on many soundtracks. Performers such as Barbra Streisand and Josh Groban have covered them. There are also many instrumental tributes to Llyod Webber's score, including "Phantasia (Based on 'The Phantom of the Opera')." There have also been other movie and stage productions based on the Leroux novel that have been overshadowed by the more popular reincarnations of the story.

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Please make sure to check out the links in the article! They'll take you to trailers, synopsises, and purchase options of everything "Phantom of the Opera!"