According to the search results, there are two different interpretations of the question "what happened to the phantom of the opera." Here are the answers to both interpretations:

1. What happened to the Broadway production of "The Phantom of the Opera"? The Broadway production of "The Phantom of the Opera" ended its 35-year run on April 17, 2023, with a final performance at the Majestic Theatre in New York City. The show received thunderous standing ovations, champagne toasts, and gold and silver confetti bursting from its famous chandelier. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber dedicated the final performance to his late son Nick. The shows producer, Cameron Mackintosh, has said that "Phantom" will likely return to Broadway at some point in the future.

2. What happened to the characters in "The Phantom of the Opera" story? In the story of "The Phantom of the Opera," the Phantom is a disfigured genius who haunts the Paris Opera House and falls in love with a young soprano named Christine. The story ends with Christine and Raoul secretly becoming engaged, while the Phantom disappears. In some adaptations of the story, the Phantom is presumed dead, but in fact, he still lives somewhere in the Opera House. Raoul hits upon a scheme to ensnare the Phantom using his own opera as bait, and Christine agrees to sing the principal role. In the final scene of the opera, Christine becomes aware that the Phantom has taken the place of Piangi in the role of Don Juan, and as her duet finishes, she tears off the Phantoms mask, revealing his disfigured face. The story ends with the Phantom disappearing once again.