* The Phantom of the Opera (1986): This Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is based on the 1910 novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux. It tells the story of a masked figure who terrorizes the Paris Opera House and falls in love with a young soprano. The musical was a critical and commercial success, winning seven Tony Awards and running on Broadway for over 10,000 performances.
* Les Misérables (1985): This musical is based on the 1862 novel of the same name by Victor Hugo. It tells the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict who struggles to redeem himself and start a new life. The musical was also a critical and commercial success, winning eight Tony Awards and running on Broadway for over 6,000 performances.