The dark, romantic sequel, which has also been screened in cinemas and will be available on DVD shortly, will begin airing on PBS stations across the U.S. June 2. Check local listings.
Directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert), Love Never Dies was filmed live in Melbourne last September. The Australian production of Love Never Dies differs from the now-closed London world-premiere staging.
A completely new Australian creative team, including scenic-costume designer Gabriela Tylesova, gave the production a darker, more brooding approach. It also incorporates revisions to the script and score first implemented in London last fall.
Ben Lewis, who appeared in the original Australian casts of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Spamalot, stars as the Phantom, opposite Anna O'Byrne as soprano Christine Daaé. O'Byrne previously played the role in an Australian tour of The Phantom of the Opera.
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.
The DVD of Love Never Dies will be released in the U.S. May 29. Bonus features for the release include a behind-the-scenes featurette about the making of the musical.
Here's a look at the trailer for the Australian production of Love Never Dies: