Will sequel equal original 'Phantom of the Opera' for Andrew Lloyd Webber?
Twenty-one 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. 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 packing them in. The show it edged out for this honor?
"Cats," which was also penned by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The titled tunesmith is finally ready to premiere the long-promised sequel to the world's most lucrative musical. Entitled "Love Never Dies," the new show tells the tale of the Phantom a decade on, with the action shifted from glamorous Paris to garish Coney Island. The book and lyrics are by Glenn Slater who worked on new material for the stage version of "The Little Mermaid."
"Love Never Dies" was to have premiered simultaneously on Broadway and in the West End sometime this year. Instead, the London production will open next March while the New York run begins next November. Iranian-born Ramin Karimloo -- who is currently playing the title role in the original West End show -- will star as the Phantom while American Sierra Boggess -- who debuted as Christine in the Las Vegas version of "Phantom" in 2006 -- returns to that role for the London run.
As the New York cast has not been announced, it is possible that both of these performers could originate their roles on both sides of the Atlantic. Michael Crawford, the original Phantom, won the Olivier in 1986 and then the Tony in 1988 as best actor in a musical. However, the original Christine -- Sarah Brightman who was then Mrs. Lloyd Webber -- was snubbed by both theater kudos.
Photo credit: Really Useful Group
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Phantom Needs NO Sequel!
Raoul becomes a drunken wife beater, Meg becomes a topless dancer who murders her best friend Christine, Christine sleeps around before her wedding night and bares Phantom's child, and Phantom moves from the majestic Paris Opera House in France to New York's Coney Island theme park. Webber's ludicrous sequel to Phantom - LOVE NEVER DIES - destroys the original story and characters created by Gaston Leroux.
Theatre critics disliked the show giving it less than 3 stars, while many audience members are calling it 'Paint Never Dries'. Phantom Needs NO Sequel! LOVE SHOULD DIE!
www.LoveShouldDie.com
Posted by: Love Should Die | September 11, 2010 at 07:47 AM
Andrew missed his chance to have the Phantom live forever when he cast the movie. Remember The King and I? Of course you do and everytime you see it on TV you watch because of Yul Brynner. Do you watch the movie Phantom? NO! There is NO Michael Crawford. Andrew made the career mistake of his life because he knew it would be "Michael Crawford IS THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" and not "Andrew lloyd webber's Phantom." What a mistake Andrew and a 31 year old Phantom kills the whole story. You will fail, again.
Posted by: Lorraine | October 23, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Why has Andrew decided to do something like this, especially after all the years that Phantom has been out! I know for a fact that it will draw in money, after all, we know we are not going to like it, but there is still going to be a high majority that will go to see it. The way the musical and the book ended was enough though! I think the thing I hate the most, is that the Phantom is going after Christine again! I mean seriously, the Phantom let her go, and you mean to tell me that he has just suddenly changed his mind? I really don't think so at all. I think I would have enjoyed the whole idea of this more if this was either something completely unrelated to the original Phantom, or if they used a different girl as the Phantom's love interest.
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me!!
This new musical sounds like Andrew is running out of new ideas and just wants to build more on something that was actually successful.
Take a hint from your fans Webber, stop this foolishness!
Posted by: Bri | October 19, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Did you know that Lloyd Webber's sequel will premiere in the 100th anniversary year of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA? Gaston Leroux's original novel was first serialised in 1909 and first published in book format in 1910. To find out more and to receive all the latest news concerning everything PHANTOM, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/fantomedelopera
Posted by: Fantôme de l'Opéra | October 08, 2009 at 07:20 PM
Give me a BREAK! Enough with the sequels already! Doesn't anyone in the wide world have an original idea anymore? Just because something was halfway good the first time around doesn't mean that its a good idea to rape the last living dollar out of it with horrid sequels. Leave the original alone! Stop turning art into franchises!
Posted by: Reason | October 08, 2009 at 03:13 PM
The original is one of my guilty pleasures, but the sequel sounds like a train wreak. I can't believe Glenn Slater was hired for anything after the monstrosity that is "The Little Mermaid" musical.
Posted by: Ann | October 08, 2009 at 01:34 PM