Phantom Sequel Opens in Three Cities Simultaneously???

Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed an audacious plan for the launch of his new musical, a sequel to The Phantom of the Opera believed to be titled Phantom: Love Never Dies (See The Goss, 15 Sep 2008). The composer recently announced that he wants to open the show in three cities simultaneously – with London, New York and Shanghai mooted as the possible locations.

The plan, if it comes off, would be a theatrical first, meaning that three separate companies would rehearse simultaneously, presumably having to coordinate when it came to any book or musical edits, which can often be drastic with new productions. It would also mean the casting of three Phantoms – with names including Ramin Karimloo, Rhydian, Hugh Jackman and Gerard Butler, who played the role in the 2004 film adaptation, already in the frame.

A statement on Lloyd Webber's website reads: "I am delighted to confirm that, following a successful sing-through of the complete score of Love Never Dies ... I have decided to greenlight the production. Of course you never can tell how things will turn out, but we are exploring the idea of opening the show in the UK, America and the Far East in the autumn of 2009. This is a very exciting idea but obviously we have to see that it is logistically possible."

Set ten years after the conclusion of the original story, Love Never Dies tells how the Phantom has escaped to New York with Madame and Meg Giry and found success in Coney Island as a magician and entertainer. When he builds a new opera house, he persuades his old ingenue Christine Daae, now a huge star, to sing for him once more...

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