Phantom of the Opera Mask

The Phantom of the Opera is one of the best known musicals of all time. Based on a novel of the same name by French author Gaston Leroux, it is the longest-running Broadway show of all time.

The so-called phantom, the character Erik, is said to have a face deformed, that he must cover with the phantom mask; in the original novel he was called the "ghost of the theater".

While there are numerous interpretations of what the Phantom's mask should look like, the most common is a half-face design that covers the right side of the face, except for the mouth, as in the image at right.

This is now a popular masquerade mask, as it is instantly recognizable while still hiding the face appropriately; many people also wear it to the theater when seeing the play.

Phantom masks have been made from a variety of materials, including plastic, paper mache, leather, and fabric; paper mache is heavy and fabric makes you sweat, so while those are the less expensive options, it's worth investing in a leather or fabric mask if it will be worn frequently.

In Gaston Leroux's novel, Erik is a construction worker who ends up working on the Paris opera house. Unknown to the owners, he ends up adding a number of secret passages, trapdoors, and even a small living area. 

In the book, the mask covered Erik's eyes, which had previously been burned; the musical changed this to a mask and scarring over half of his face. 

When the phantom's mask is on, Erik is alluring and extroverted, but when it is removed, others find him to be pitiful. The mask has become a very large aspect of his personality. 

Want to see a professional performance of the Phantom? You can find them at:

The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, which built a custom $40 million theatre for the production
Her Majesty's Theratre in London, where it has been playing since 1986
The Majestic Theatre in New York, where it is the longest-running musical in Broadway history
The Madach Theatre in Budapest
..and many other locations, on tour.

For more information, check out the official Phantom website.