Can 'Phantom of the Opera' sequel be Tony Awards equal?
Twenty years ago, "The Phantom of the Opera" opened on Broadway to mixed reviews, but still went on to win seven Tony Awards, including best musical. The various productions of the show have grossed more than $3 billion to date.
And in the ultimate slap in the face to critics, the tuner became the longest-running show in the history of the rialto in January 2006 and is still running strong. And the show it edged out for this honor? "Cats," which was also penned by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Now the titled tunesmith tells the Times of London that "the button is pushed on the sequel to the world's most lucrative musical. Entitled 'Phantom: Love Never Dies,' it will receive its premiere at the end of next year and will make theatrical history if, as Lloyd Webber intends, it opens in London, Broadway and an Asian city, possibly Shanghai, at the same time."
While such a simultaneous opening would make for a theater first, it would mean that those who originate their roles in the West End and New York would be eligible for kudos only from that specific run. So, unlike Michael Crawford, the original Phantom, who won the Olivier in 1986 and then the Tony in 1988 as best actor in a musical, the new leading men would have to share any possible spoils. Among those rumored to be in the running for this plum role are Tony award winner and upcoming Oscarcast host Hugh Jackman ("The Boy From Oz") as well Gerard Butler, star of the ill-fated 2004 film version.
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