Love Never Dies first opened in London in March 2010 under the direction of Tony winner Jack O'Brien, and featuring choreography by Tony winner Jerry Mitchell. Critics weren't enchanted with the production, which underwent rewrites a few months into its London run. It closed Aug. 27, 2011, at the Adelphi Theatre. A Broadway production, announced for the Neil Simon Theatre, was indefinitely postponed.
Following the London premiere, Lloyd Webber gave his blessing for a new Australian creative team, led by Priscilla Queen of the Desert director Simon Philips, to deliver a new vision for Love Never Dies. It began in Melbourne May 21, 2011, and has now transferred to Sydney for a run through March.
Lloyd Webber and Australian critics were pleased with the new staging, which was subsequently filmed for international DVD release this spring.
In a previous interview with the New York Times, Lloyd Webber stated that he was unsure about pursuing a New York production of Love Never Dies. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning composer may now have a change of heart.
The Post now reports that Lloyd Webber has invited Broadway executives to screenings of the Australian film of Love Never Dies, with the aim of stirring interest in a future U.S. production. No definite plans are set, but the Coney Island-set musical could begin as a national tour with an ultimate Broadway bow, as early as next season. Love Never Dies has a score by Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tony nominee Glenn Slater (Sister Act, The Little Mermaid). The book is by Lloyd Webber, Ben Elton and Slater. Phantom lyricist Charles Hart is also credited with additional lyrics for the latest incarnation of the sequel.
Click here to read Playbill's coverage of the Australian production.
Set ten years after the conclusion of The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies follows soprano Christine Daae to New York's Coney Island, where she is invited to perform for the mysterious Mr. Y. Characters from her past begin to emerge, including one with whom she shares a dark secret.
Here's a look at the trailer for the Australian production of Love Never Dies:
