Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best-known musical, The Phantom of the Opera was the most successful entertainment venture of the twentieth century exceeding the popularity of even film blockbusters like Star Wars and Titanic with an estimated $5 billion in grosses. More than 80 million people in 124 cities in 25 countries have seen Phantom of the Opera onstage and on January 9, 2006, the show beat previous record-holder Cats as the longest-running show in Broadway history with 7,485 performances. In January of this year, Phantom celebrated its twentieth anniversary on Broadway.

Impressive at these stats might be, mere popularity isn’t always a compelling enough reason to attend a show and should be considered only one of the deciding factors. The real reason you should go see Phantom, opening tonight at the Paramount , is that it earned its popularity by consistently being entertaining and enthralling. The story of young ingenue Christine’s quest to become a diva, aided by a mysterious secret tutor, and complicated by the the bizarre love triangle that arises when her hidden benefactor seethes with rage at the return of her childhood playmate turned grown-up suitor is thrilling; the spectacular stage sets and rich, elaborate costumes add to the wonder.

The very best part of Phantom, appropriately enough for a musical, are the songs: haunting, stirring, tender and triumphant at various turns, it is just about impossible to listen to this play and not find yourself humming its tunes for weeks afterwards.

Phantom of the Opera continues through October 5.