Charles Hart News

Walnut Street Theatre began its landmark 203rd season with Andrew Lloyd Webber's ASPECTS OF LOVE. Directed by award-winning Director Bruce Lumpkin, this all-new production filled with passion, love and loss closes October 23rd on the WST Mainstage.

I just broke one of my self-imposed rules: Never watch a movie alone again in the United States, more so in New York City. But, who could possibly let go of the opportunity to join the audience (although virtually) at Royal Albert Hall during Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber's 25th anniversary presentation of their longest-running musical together, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA?

It was March 12, 1994 when a young, 15 year-old Rob Diamond saw THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway for the first time, and came home on 'cloud nine', my life forever changed. I still remember vividly falling asleep that night listening to and discovering Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, Steve Barton and more on the show's original cast recording. I did this listening to a cassette tape that my parents had (which I had of course never before listened to), on my Walkman.

In honor of this Sunday's once-in-a-lifetime worldwide live movie theater showing of the 25th anniversary celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA by Fathom - the same company who recently brought us LES MISERABLES, Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY, and Shakespeare's Globe Series, among others - today we are going to take a look at many of the various aspects of the world's most successful entertainment as it swings like a wonton chandelier into cinemas worldwide direct from the Royal Albert Hall for the next two weeks. By going back and revisiting the hallowed origins of the haunting operatic musical - Hal Prince, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman included - as well as a look at the various iterations of the show since its inception - such as the 2004 film version, PHANTOM VEGAS and the musical sequel, LOVE NEVER DIES - perhaps we, too, can bring back the music and memories and magical moments of so many years ago - 25 to be exact - with this special spotlight of illumination on all aspects of what makes PHANTOM a sensation, now and forever.

Paul A. Schaefer, Kyle Barisich and Elizabeth Welch, members of the Broadway cast of 'Phantom of the Opera,' will be the opening act at The Louis Armstrong Center for Music & Medicine's 2011 What A Wonderful World Award to be held at Beth Israel Medical Center on Monday, September 19, 2011. Honorees include music legend and actor Levon Helm, Dr. Marvin McMillen, and classical guitarist and Beth Israel patient and volunteer Andrew Schulman.

Walnut Street Theatre opens its landmark 203rd season with Andrew Lloyd Webber's ASPECTS OF LOVE.

Walnut Street Theatre opens its landmark 203rd season with Andrew Lloyd Webber's ASPECTS OF LOVE. Directed by award-winning Director Bruce Lumpkin, this all-new production filled with passion, love and loss begins previews on September 6th, opens on September 14th and runs through October 23rd on the WST Mainstage.

Principal cast changes have been announced for the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the longest-running show in Broadway history. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Group, Inc. and directed by Harold Prince, the musical phenomenon is in its unprecedented 24th year in New York, playing at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street). Three principal performers, all new to PHANTOM, will be joining the company over the course of the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The final evening in SimG Productions' 'Summer With.....' Cabaret season at The Battersea Barge on Sunday August 28th will feature Essex-born actor/singer/songwriter, Jack Shalloo 'and Friends'.

The final evening in SimG Productions' 'Summer With.....' Cabaret season at The Battersea Barge on Sunday August 28th will feature Essex-born actor/singer/songwriter, Jack Shalloo 'and Friends'.

Walnut Street Theatre opens its landmark 203rd season with Andrew Lloyd Webber's ASPECTS OF LOVE. Directed by award-winning Director Bruce Lumpkin, this all-new production filled with passion, love and loss begins previews on September 6th, opens on September 14th and runs through October 23rd on the WST Mainstage.

Walnut Street Theatre opens its landmark 203rd season with Andrew Lloyd Webber's ASPECTS OF LOVE.

Always wanted to catch THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway? On Monday, July 4, 2011, PHANTOM will be the only show running on Broadway with one performance at 8pm. While most Broadway shows are 'dark' on Mondays (serving as the company's day off), MAMMA MIA!, ROCK OF AGES, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, CHICAGO and GHETTO KLOWN do regularly perform on Mondays along with PHANTOM, however are celebrating an altered schedule this week to accommodate the holiday.

Always wanted to catch THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway? On Monday, July 4, 2011, PHANTOM will be the only show running on Broadway with one performance at 8pm. While most Broadway shows are 'dark' on Mondays (serving as the company's day off), MAMMA MIA!, ROCK OF AGES, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, CHICAGO and GHETTO KLOWN do regularly perform on Mondays along with PHANTOM, however are celebrating an altered schedule for next week to accommodate the holiday.

It's summer's most festive day. When you're not at a BBQ, on a sandy beach or watching the annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks over the Hudson or the accompanying performances from Beyonce and Brad Paisley, consider checking out these events to satisfy your inner theaterlover!

Principal cast changes have been announced for the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the longest-running show in Broadway history.

Principal cast changes have been announced for the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the longest-running show in Broadway history.