Broadway engagement of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Phantom’ sequel postponed

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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