A voice calls from the shadows of the opera house to innocent chorus girl, Maddie McWilliams. Only ballet mistress Mrs. Puff knows that the voice is that of the Squid, a creepy musical genius who haunts the catacombs of the theatre. When temperamental diva Karen storms out, the theatre managers thrust Maddie into the spotlight. Her mesmerizing performance captivates both the audience and the Squid. But he is not the only powerful octopus to be awed by the young soprano, as Maddie finds herself courted by the theatre's wealthy patron, Squilliam Fancyson the Third. Though she is enthralled by the Squid, Maddie is drawn to the dashing Squilliam, enraging the Squid and setting the stage for a dramatic crescendo.