The original production of The Phantom of the Opera opened in London in 1986 and has been running continuously since then. It is one of the world's longest-running musicals. The musical has also been adapted into a number of films, including a 1925 silent film, a 1943 film, a 1962 film, a 1989 film, and a 2004 film.
Some of the most famous performers who have played the role of the Phantom of the Opera include Michael Crawford, Colm Wilkinson, Sarah Brightman, Patti LuPone, Anthony Crivello, and Ramin Karimloo.