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Tonight, for the start of our third annual classic or sleep story series,

which will air every Wednesday this October,

we'll read the opening, too, The Phantom of the Opera,

written by Gaston LaRue, published in 1909.

Be sure to catch our other Snewsie and a bit creepy sleep stories every Wednesday this October.

This story is partly inspired by historical events at the Paris Opera during the 19th century

and partly by an apocryphal tale concerning the use of a former ballet pupil skeleton inspired by a German opera.

Let's get cozy.

Close your eyes.

Relax your body into the softness of your bed.

Now, take a few deep breaths.

Chapter 1.

Is it the coast?

It was the evening on which Monsieur Debian and Monsieur Poligni, the managers of the opera,

were giving a last gala performance to mark their retirement.

Suddenly, the dressing room of La Cerelle, one of the principal dancers, was invaded by half a dozen young ladies of the ballet,

...