Before an iconic musical closes, the venue that served as the setting for its original story is opening itself for overnight stays.
As Broadway’s longest-running show, “The Phantom of the Opera” prepares its final curtain fell Later this year in New York City, the Paris space on which the 1910 Gaston Leroux novel is based is inviting guests to stay there for the first time.
For the occasion of one night only, the Palais Garnier Opéra is transforming its Box of Honor into a “majestic bedroom” while guests explore the halls of the iconic building, including the actual underground lake where the fairytale phantom lives. The author’s great-granddaughter — whose tale of a perverted musician haunting the opera house and falling in love with the young soprano, Christine, has entertained Broadway audiences for 35 years — will host the event.
“The classic story of my great-grandfather has inspired so many people over the years,” said Véronique Leroux. “It’s a perfect time to honor him and welcome ‘Fan’ to the famous setting of his best-loved novel.”
Before beginning its record-breaking Broadway run, the Andrew Lloyd Webber-soundtracked musical was first experienced in London in 1986. Since then it has been enjoyed by over 145 million people in 17 languages across 183 cities. It has also won a haul of Tonys and four Olivier Awards.
Applications for overnight accommodations will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at noon Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, March 1, when fans can apply through Airbnb website, The stop itself will take place on Sunday, July 16 and will cost $39.
In addition to being able to have an exclusive spot to themselves for the evening, guests will also enjoy a private ballet initiation from an Opéra de Paris ballet dancer, an exclusive recital from the Paris Opera Academy, as well as dinner in the Foyer de la Dance – Historic rehearsal room backstage.