'Phantom,' with Warlow, to Return to Australia

The Phantom of the Opera, Broadway's longest-running musical, will return to Australia next year.  Anthony Warlow will reclaim the role that he played when the musical first premiered in Melbourne.

"We are proud to announce that The Phantom of the Opera will open in Melbourne at The Princess Theatre late July next year and are confident it will continue its incredible worldwide success", said Tim McFarlane of The Really Useful Company.  "Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece has been seen by more than 80 million people and the box office gross world-wide stands at nearly USD$3.2billion. Audiences have taken it to their hearts and the production is still a truly magnificent spectacle," he said.

"To have Anthony back in Melbourne reclaiming the role he made his own will be one of theatre's magic events", said John Frost, "Anthony has been honoured by this country and elected Living National Treasure and it is fitting that he introduces a new audience to this wonderful love story," he said.

The Phantom of the Opera has won over 50 major theatre awards including seven Tony Awards and this year the New York production became the longest running show ever on Broadway.  It has played more than 65,000 performances in 20 countries in 110 cities around the world to over 80 million people and this year it will celebrate its 20th birthday in the West End.  The Phantom last played in Australia between 1990 and 1998, selling over 1,510,100 tickets in Melbourne.

The show is "the story of the mysterious 'Angel of Music' who lives beneath the Paris Opera House.  Hideously disfigured, he exercises a reign of terror over the Opera House's occupants.  The Phantom falls in love with the young singer Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star for the opera.

With spectacular sets and more than 230 costumes by international designer the late Maria Bjornson, The Phantom of the Opera contains some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most famous music, including 'The Phantom of the Opera' and 'Music of the Night.'"

Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical is based upon the novel Le Fantome De L'Opera by Gaston Leroux.  Original London production by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Theatre Company Limited.

Casting will soon commence in Melbourne and Sydney.  Tickets will go on sale early next year.

Registrations for advance online bookings may be made by visiting www.thephantomoftheopera.com.au