Broadway engagement of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Phantom' sequel postponed

Scratch one of Broadway's biggest shows off the 2010 calendar.

"Love Never Dies," the much-anticipated sequel to "The Phantom of the Opera," was scheduled to open on Broadway in November. But on Tuesday, organizers said the musical is being postponed until spring 2011.

A statement issued by producers said the postponement is due to the health of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. In the fall, Lloyd Webber was diagnosed with prostate cancer and has since undergone treatment. 

"Although the cancer has been eradicated, there have been post-operative problems," said organizers in the statement.

"These have been aggravated by recent air travel and Lloyd Webber's doctors have requested that he does not take any further long-haul flights for the time being and until the problem has been investigated. This prevents him attending auditions and being part of the pre-production process in New York on the original schedule."

Lloyd Webber said in a release that he is "extremely frustrated" that he is not able to travel to New York and that he will occupy his time with a production of "The Wizard of Oz" in London.

"Love Never Dies" opened in London at the Adelphi Theater in March. Critics were sharply divided in their reactions to the blockbuster musical, which is directed by Tony-winner Jack O'Brien and stars Ramin Karimloo as the Phantom and Sierra Boggess as Christine.

The musical was expected to open at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York.

-- David Ng

Photos: Top, Andrew Lloyd Webber in March. Credit: Kerstin Joensson / Associated Press. Bottom,  Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo in "Love Never Dies." Credit: Catherine Ashmore / EPA.

Comments

[Ellen Rebellen]

Although I don't doubt Andrew Lloyd Webber's condition is a part of this decision, I don't think we would have seen a Broadway transfer this November anyhow. The musical that premiered in West End in March has big book issues, and got rather nasty reviews. The production team has a lot to work on unless they want to be butchered by the New York critics, which seems to have a sharper pen than their London colleagues.

True, there are hints of lovely music, and the cast work their asses off. But they have so little to work with. And when audience members laugh where they ought to cry, something is definitely wrong. I hope the creative team use the time well and do a proper re-writing of the story and lyrics instead of polishing the existent material.

[Love Should Die]

Wishing ALW a speedy recovery, but we doubt this is the real cause of the postponement of the Broadway production falling critical and popular condemnation of this horrendous show.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA needs NO sequel, least of all one as ridiculous as this.

[John Segal]

I hope he recovers soon. What a talent!

[Barbara Kastner]

I really am upset. I had tickets for the show in London and got sick on my cruise the week before and had to miss it! (May 31). I intend to go to New York to see this show...everyone from my group LOVED this play!
Please let me know when tickets will go on sale for the New York opening!
Thanks so much, B.Kastner