Phantom reimagined as YA
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is being reimagined as a YA novel from Penguin Random House for the musical’s 40th anniversary — the announcement surfaced March 29 and was posted on social channels. The news drew modest early attention on X (the Stage’s post showed 4 likes), signaling a tie‑in approach to reach younger readers. (x.com)
The YA tie‑in has a title: Our Strange Duet, written by Erin A. Craig, who is described by publishers as a #1 New York Times bestselling author. (penguinrandomhouse.com)) Delacorte Press will publish the U.S. hardcover of Our Strange Duet on Sept. 1, 2026, while Penguin Random House Children’s is handling the U.K. edition (a theatre‑only hardback is listed for Sept. 3 in some retailer listings). (penguinrandomhouse.com)) Penguin Random House Audio is producing an “immersive” audiobook for the project that the publisher says will feature a full cast and be enhanced with music from the Phantom score. (kirkusreviews.com)) The publishing slate is part of a wider, multi‑format global partnership between Penguin Random House and LW Entertainment that will also include a visual anthology and tie‑in children’s titles. (thephantomoftheopera.com)) Retail listings and PR materials show two other entries: a Phantom of the Opera Little Golden Book by Christy Webster due Sept. 1, 2026, with two more Phantom Little Golden Books slated for 2027, and a visual anthology whose listed release dates vary between publishers (Penguin Random House lists Sept. 22, 2026; trade coverage reports Oct. 27, 2026). (penguinrandomhouse.com)) Publishers are already taking preorders and marketing a deluxe hardcover package for Our Strange Duet—Delacorte’s listing shows a 400‑page edition priced at $24.99 with sprayed edges, custom endpapers, a foil‑stamped case and ribbon. (penguinrandomhouse.com))
