Andrew Lloyd Webber Talks Longevity Of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA On Broadway & Beyond

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Istanbul welcomes the man behind the music!

The Istanbul production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber hit THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA welcomed the famed composer of the show himself, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, last week and photos of his visit to the show at the Zorlu Center PSM and backstage session with the cast are available to view along with his comments on the new production and the global success of PHANTOM in general.

Lloyd Webber shares, "It is my first time in Istanbul. I have always wanted to come. My great love other than music is architecture. I have always wanted to come and see the buildings here as well as to see the show. So when I had the opportunity, this was too good to miss."

Furthermore, Lloyd Webber offers, "People ask me all the time. And had I known the answer I would have written another 'Phantom of the Opera,' But I think it has to do with the fact that, people always have something about them that they physically want to change. And after all it is a very good love story that everyone can relate to."

Additionally, Lloyd Webber says of the current state of Broadway, "The trouble in Broadway is that there are too few theaters for musicals. We have the same problem in London. There is a great demand for musical shows. The best performing play on Broadway this year is a three-hour musical about the founding fathers of the U.S., called 'Hamilton.' It is a much smaller musical but it is very successful. People want live entertainment more than anything else. They spend so much time at home or in their offices in front of computers that live theater is an antidote for them. People want to get out, which is why restaurants are also very successful."

Check out the original article on the matter here.

The official description of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is as follows: "Far beneath the majesty and splendor of the Paris Opera House, hides the Phantom in a shadowy existence. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for his beautiful protégée Christine Daaé is so strong that even her heart cannot resist. The musical opened at Her Majesty's Theatre on 9 October 1986 with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman in the leading roles, and there have been dozens of productions worldwide since then. Now in its 26th record-breaking year, The Phantom of the Opera continues to captivate audiences at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End, after more than 10,000 performances. Andrew Lloyd Webber's mesmerizing score along with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects, magically combine to bring this tragic love story to life each night."

More information on THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is available at the official site here.

View the new PHANTOM images below.

Photo Credits: Facebook