Every night at the Palais Garnier, hundreds of guests wait for opera star La Carlotta to take the stage. But when her voice fails her, La Carlotta is replaced with unknown understudy Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose vibrant singing fills the opera house and wins her numerous admirers, including an old childhood friend who soon professes his love. But unknown to Christine is another man, who lurks out of sight, who can move about the building undetected, who will do anything to make sure Christine will keep singing just for him… (Originally published 1909–1910.)