Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber must be a fearless betting man. Defying the rule that theatrical sequels never work, his continuation of 'The Phantom of the Opera' with 'Love Never Dies' has become one of the most eagerly awaited theatrical events. With the eve of its world premiere approaching, two cast albums are set for global release on March 9.
For some reason, unlike in motion pictures, sequels have proved the kiss of death on the stage. Continuations of such blockbuster hits as "Bye Bye Birdie," "The Miracle Worker" and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" proved total failures as "Bring Back Birdie," "Monday After the Miracle" and "The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public." If any show could have broken that curse it was 1989's "Annie 2: Miss Hannigan's Revenge."
The Tony Award-winning original "Annie" was a massive crowdpleaser, so public and media interest was extremely high for a continuation. Instead, it became a notorious, multimillion dollar flop that made headlines. And while it was reconfigured into the vastly improved "Annie Warbucks" in 1993, it never found a life on Broadway.
That is what makes the prospect of a sequel to the award-winning blockbuster "The Phantom of the Opera" such an intriguing one.
Decca Broadway has announced its plans to release two versions of its original cast recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Love Never Dies," the eagerly awaited continuation of "Phantom." The two-disc recordings will be offered in a regular version with a deluxe edition featuring a bonus DVD with interviews and filmed footage on the show's creative life and inspiration.
According to the Decca notes, "Love Never Dies" continues the story of 'The Phantom,' who has moved from his lair in the Paris Opera House to haunt the fairgrounds of Coney Island, far across the Atlantic. Set ten years after the mysterious disappearance of The Phantom from Paris, this show is a rollercoaster ride of obsession and intrigue...in which music and memory can play cruel tricks...and The Phantom' sets out to prove that, indeed, love never dies."
For years, composer Lloyd Webber has been keen to continue the story of "Phantom," which remains a leading attraction on tour and in Las Vegas. The Broadway production is the longest-running show in its history, with the originating West End production in London nearing a quarter century on stage. Based on the classic Gaston Leroux novel, "Phantom" has been reportedly seen by over 100 million people in over 25 different countries in 15 translations. The original production also turned its stars, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman into international sensations, with the original cast album selling 40 million copies worldwide.
With such a legacy in place, the pressure is on "Phantom" vets Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess (pictured with Lloyd Webber above), who take on the challenge of continuing the on-stage lives of The Phantom and his eternal love, Christine. The March 9 release of the "Love Never Dies" recording is also the date of the show's London opening night at the Adelphi Theatre before coming to Broadway on November 11.
Can the new music of the night break the theatrical sequel curse? Lloyd Webber has wisely engaged the full power of the Internet to introduce the lush new melodies to his eager fans. Still, it may take more than a falling chandelier to engage today's audiences. Will "Love Never Dies" turn into a "Phantom"-sized hit? Just sit back and let the curtain rise.
Southern California "Phantom of the Opera" fans should check out the Love Never Dies website and its YouTube channel for further updates and videos.
The "Phantom" tour returns to Los Angeles on September 23 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.
Keep reading the Personalities page on Examiner.com for the latest celebrity and industry news.
Watch Sierra Boggess and Andrew Lloyd Webber's performance of "Love Never Dies" on Britain's "South Bank Show."
Comments