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Andrew Lloyd Webber just announced 3 new books celebrating Phantom of the Opera’s 40th anniversary this year. The publishing program features everything from a young adult novel to children’s books. All titles arrive in fall 2026.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Dates: September 1, 2026 for two titles, October 27, 2026 for the visual anthology
- Publisher Partner: Penguin Random House and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LW Entertainment launching landmark publishing program
- Young Adult Novel: “Our Strange Duet” by New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig focuses on Christine Daaé
- Global Impact: The musical has been seen by over 160 million people worldwide across 58 territories
A Young Adult Reimagining Puts Christine Center Stage
“Our Strange Duet” arrives September 1st with a fresh perspective on Phantom‘s most iconic character. Erin A. Craig, author of bestselling “House of Salt and Sorrows,” reimagines the musical through Christine Daaé’s emotional journey. The novel deepens her agency and explores her love triangle with the Phantom and Raoul.
Craig is a lifelong Phantom devotee who previously worked as a stage manager at Opera Memphis. She brings intimate knowledge of theatre to her gothic story. The special hardcover edition releases exclusively in theatres and through Andrew Lloyd Webber’s official merchandise store.
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Andrew Lloyd Webber celebrates Phantom of the Opera’s 40th anniversary with 3 new books
An immersive audio companion featuring a full voice cast and music from the score is also in production. Penguin Random House Audio is bringing this theatrical experience to listeners worldwide alongside the print edition.
Little Golden Books Introduce Phantom to Young Readers
The first Little Golden Book titled “Phantom of the Opera: A Little Golden Book” by Christy Webster debuts September 1st. This accessible retelling introduces children to Webber’s classic musical with age-appropriate storytelling. Two additional Little Golden Books in the series will follow in 2027.
The iconic gold spine design makes this perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Each book brings Phantom’s timeless emotions to new generations of readers. The series expands the franchise across diverse publishing categories from children’s literature to adult fiction.
Publishing Program Timeline and Details
| Title | Release Date | Publisher |
| Our Strange Duet (YA Novel) | September 1, 2026 | Delacorte Press |
| Phantom Little Golden Book | September 1, 2026 | Golden Books |
| Behind-the-Mask Visual Anthology | October 27, 2026 | Crown/Ten Speed Press |
“As a lifelong fan of the Phantom of the Opera, it’s felt like a wild fever dream to be chosen for this project. Working alongside Andrew and his team as we bring Christine’s story to the forefront has been the greatest creative collaboration of my life.”
— Erin A. Craig, Young Adult Author
The Visual Anthology Reveals Phantom’s Behind-the-Scenes Magic
“Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera: A Behind-the-Mask Look at the Global Phenomenon” launches October 27 as a lavish coffee table book. The visual anthology features archival sketches, photography, and exclusive interviews with cast and crew spanning 40 years. It includes commentary from original producer Cameron Mackintosh and legendary performers like Michael Crawford, Sierra Boggess, and Rachel Zegler.
The book offers insights into how Gaston Leroux’s novel transformed into theatre’s most revolutionary musical. It showcases costume designs, set evolution, and production photos from global productions. The audio version from Penguin Random House Audio brings this comprehensive history to listeners everywhere.
Why This Publishing Program Matters Now
Phantom of the Opera celebrates four decades as a cultural phenomenon seen by over 160 million people worldwide across 58 territories and 23 languages. The publishing program expands beyond theatre into books, audiobooks, and merchandise. It engages loyal fans while introducing fresh audiences to Webber’s iconic score. LW Entertainment continues developing Phantom projects globally including stage productions and new tours.
Pre-orders begin now across all major book retailers. Special hardcover editions of “Our Strange Duet” will be available exclusively in theatres and through Andrew Lloyd Webber’s official online store. This landmark partnership with Penguin Random House marks a significant expansion in how audiences experience the world’s most beloved musical.
Sources
- People.com – Exclusive announcement of three new books and cover reveals with author Erin A. Craig
- Broadway News – Publishing program details including release dates and contributor interviews
- The Phantom of the Opera Official Website – Comprehensive announcement from LW Entertainment and Penguin Random House partnership
