On September 1, Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, will publish “Our Strange Duet,” a young adult reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous musical “The Phantom of the Opera” by “New York Times” bestselling author Erin A. Craig. Delacorte Press also holds the worldwide rights to the novel. A UK paperback edition is scheduled for release on September 3 by Penguin Random House Children’s UK, alongside a special hardcover edition available exclusively at theaters and on andrewlloydwebber.com. Penguin Random House’s U.S. audiobook publisher, Listening Library, will release the audiobook alongside the novel, featuring an all-star cast of Broadway and Hollywood talent.
In “Our Strange Duet,” listeners follow Christine Daaé as she guides them through an immersive audio experience enhanced by dramatic sound design. Featuring a full cast, dramatized scenes, and a special selection of official musical elements from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” the production draws listeners into the gothic drama of the world-famous Opéra Populaire. Produced by Audie Award winners Julie Wilson and Kirby Crosbie, the audiobook stars Beatrice Penny-Touré (“The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Misérables”) as Christine Daaé, Jordan Donica (“The Phantom of the Opera,” “The Gilded Age”) as the Phantom/Erik, and Jordan Fisher (“Hamilton,” “Dear Evan Hansen”) as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny.
They are joined by Sierra Boggess as Carlotta Giudicelli (“The Phantom of the Opera”), Tony Award winner Katrina Lenk (“The Band’s Visit”) as Madame Giry, Tony Award winner Norm Lewis (“The Phantom of the Opera”) as Ubaldo Piangi, Stephanie Styles (“Kiss Me, Kate”) as Meg Giry, Tony Award winner Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Modern Family”) as Monsieur Firmin, and Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey”) as Monsieur André.
‘A magical experience’
Beatrice Penny-Touré made her professional and West End debut in the ensemble of “The Phantom of the Opera” before taking on the role of Christine Daaé – a role she will reprise this fall in the show's highly anticipated 40th anniversary production in London. Other credits include Cosette in the 40th Anniversary Tour and Arena World Tour of “Les Misérables.”
“It’s been a magical experience recording this audiobook, and it’s something I’ve never done before. And it is very special that it is a story that is so close to my heart, and very relevant in my life right now. It feels very full circle because I spent a lot of time as a child creating fantasy stories and recording them on this little tape recorder that my parents got me for Christmas. And I think if 9-year-old me saw me doing this now as a job, she would be very impressed,” said Beatrice Penny-Touré.
‘A role I’ve always wanted to play’
The role of the Phantom/Erik is voiced by Tony Award nominee Jordan Donica, who currently stars as Dr. William Kirkland in HBO Max’s “The Gilded Age” and recently appeared as Sir Lancelot in the Lincoln Center Theater production of “Camelot.” Donica made his Broadway debut as Raoul in “The Phantom of the Opera” and will return to the show this fall to play the Phantom in the 40th anniversary production in London’s West End. “The Phantom is a role that I’ve always wanted to play. It’s the role that made me want to pursue the arts as a career. And so, to get the honor of playing this role and diving into his psyche – you’ll know when you read the book … It only helps to inform all of the other versions of this show that I will be a part of and have been a part of,” said Jordan Donica.
“Dancing with the Stars” winner Jordan Fisher voices Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny. Fisher’s Broadway credits include “Hamilton,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Moulin Rouge,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” and “Hadestown.” “We’re getting to tell the story in a way that’s never been done before, never been heard before,” said Jordan Fisher.
‘Recording this audiobook has been really incredible’
Sierra Boggess plays Carlotta Giudicelli. One of the most beloved actresses to portray Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” and one of Broadway’s leading ladies, Boggess starred in the 25th anniversary production at London’s Royal Albert Hall and also appeared in “Love Never Dies.” This fall, she returns to the production as the Prima Donna, Carlotta, in the London staging marking the show’s 40th anniversary. “Recording this audiobook has been really incredible because I’m getting to know these characters even deeper than I realized I needed to. I’ve been associated with the show so many times as Christine, but stepping in as Carlotta and getting to see her journey and go deeper than even what we see on the stage has been really enlightening, and it’s also really fun,” Boggess said in the studio.
Stephanie Styles, known for “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Loot,” takes on the role of Meg Giry. Her connection to “The Phantom of the Opera” goes back to her parents. “It would not be hyperbolic to say that I may only exist because of ‘Phantom of the Opera.’ My mom and dad’s first date was to see the original cast on Broadway,” Styles said.
