PHOTO FLASH: Artist Janet VanD Recreates London's Her Majesty's Theatre With LEGOS

The name LEGO is an abbreviation of the two Danish words "leg godt", meaning "play well". And kids have been playing well with the creations of company founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen and his heirs for over 80 years.

The LEGO plastic brick that is known throughout the world was first manufactured in 1958, and children's imaginations have run wild with their interlocking pieces ever since.

The first generations that grew up with LEGOS are all grown up now, and many of them use their beloved childhood toy to create astounding works of art.

One such example is the work of Irish LEGO artist Janet VanD, who recently posted on her website, janetvand.deviantart.com, a spectacular recreation of the interior and exterior of Her Majesty's Theatre, home of the original West End production of The Phantom of the Opera since its 1986 opening.

"There is a unique challenge when choosing LEGO bricks as media," the artist explains. "One must work within the limitations of a finite number of pieces, shapes and colors, yet with enough creativity the possibilities are limitless."

"LEGO is of such high quality that the bricks are practically indestructible yet my models are ephemeral. Each model once build and exhibited for a reasonable length of time, is broken down so I can reuse the (very expensive) parts in new models."

Far beneath the majesty and splendor of the Paris Opera House, hides the Phantom in a shadowy existence. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for his beautiful protégée Christine Daaé is so strong that even her heart cannot resist.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA opened at Her Majesty's Theatre on 9 October 1986 with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman in the leading roles, and there have been dozens of productions worldwide since then. Andrew Lloyd Webber's mesmerizing score along with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects, magically combine to bring this tragic love story to life each night.

Last year the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera surpassed 11,000 performances -- an unprecedented feat achieved by no other Broadway show - and is still running strong at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street), the musical's home for all 27 record-breaking years.