Ramin Karimloo News

Simon Bailey, currently on tour as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, has had a secret project on the go this year, and it's finally come to fruition with the release of his debut album Looking Up.

While many MIZ-heads may have assumed the film adaptation of their beloved musical would never actually come to fruition, here it really is, all too soon available for all to see - lo, more than twenty years after it was first announced byway of an official promo ad in a tour souvenir going as far back as the late-1980s. I was lucky enough to catch an advance screening during the dawning days of December and many small moments, full musical sequences and my first impressions themselves have filled me with a certain kind of inexpressible enrapturing ecstasy heretofore inexperienced, coming as a direct result, no doubt, of the sheer force of power the film exacts in its relentless, barreling, blazingly bravado-bedecked style - a style, I can firmly say, is completely unique in movie history. LES MISERABLES is a lot of things, but, first and foremost, it is that which it is unlike that makes it most remarkable of all; that is: it is unlike any movie musical ever made. And, it is a masterpiece.

In this week's edition of 'Around BWW: Regional Highlights of the Week', we take you around the country - and beyond - with the most-read theater stories for the week of December 17! Scroll below to see what made news in your area!

The highly-anticipated film version of LES MISERABLES is now in theaters! To celebrate the release, BroadwayWorld brings you an in-depth look at the characters and the actors who portray them. Today, it's all about the musical's protagonist - Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman)!

On August 4th, 2013, acclaimed Composer and Lyricist Scott Alan will return to London for his biggest concert yet at the IndigO2 Theatre Arena at the O2.

Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, December 16, 2012 - Sunday, December 16, 2012.

New BroadwayWorld.com Poll - How should EVITA have handled the departure of its leads?

Now according to the New York Times, a slew of stars were being considered to fill the leading roles. Antonio Banderas, Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias, Ramin Karimloo and Raul Esparza were all being considered to play Che, though they were not able to 'reach any deals.' Additionally, Lea Michele and Sierra Boggess were 'discussed for the title role of Eva Peron.'

Ramin Karimloo is known for his portrayal of Phantom in the 25th Anniversary of Phantom of the Opera and Enjolras in the 25th Anniversary of Les Miserables. But, Ramin is also known for his own music and a sound that he refers to as 'Broadgrass.' Ramin came to Texas to share with high school students in Austin, Dallas and Texarkana his vast musical knowledge and experience. He also performed at 3 high schools his 'Broadgrass' style of music. As I sat down to chat with Ramin, he shared with me his experiences in Texas and more.

It's Friday and time for another regional news recap! Today, we take you around the country - and beyond - with the most-read theater stories for the week of December 10! Scroll below to see what made news in your area!

The longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince and produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Company, Inc., will once again make theater history when it becomes the first Broadway show ever to celebrate its 25th Anniversary on Saturday, January 26, 2013. Producers today announced an online sweepstakes to give PHANTOM 'Phans' the chance to be part of the historic night's invitation-only performance. While many of the evening's details are being kept under wraps, the special night will begin with an early 6:30 PM performance at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street), the musical's home for its entire run.

Simon Bailey is a well established British performer, currently starring as Raoul in the UK touring production of Phantom of the Opera. He has many theatrical credits to his name including Les Miserables and We Will Rock You and is also a member of the brilliantly successful vocal group Teatro. In addition to this, he has somehow been able to find the time in his busy schedule to record this beautifully intimate album Looking Up.

SimG Records, the independent label devoted to new musical theatre writers and artists, is to release Looking Up, the debut solo album from leading man Simon Bailey, next Monday 17th December.

Ramin Karimloo performed in Texas for the first time yesterday. He is here with some of his band mates to do a three city mini tour.

'Scott Alan Live: Special Edition,' is now available digitally, including iTunes (US and UK), Amazon and CDbaby. The album, recorded live at Birdland on April 30th, will also be released as a physical copy in mid-January 2013.

The Screen Actors Guild Foundation & BWW Announce New Partnership on Conversations Q&A Series and Expansion of 'Backstage with Richard Ridge'

The longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, directed by Harold Prince and produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Company, Inc., will proudly welcome Broadway and West End star Sierra Boggess to the New York cast in January 2013 for a limited engagement as leading lady Christine Daae. Ms. Boggess, whose long history with the musical began when she originated the role in the revised Las Vegas production in 2006, has been specifically chosen by the creative team to join the cast in time for the production becoming the first Broadway show ever to celebrate 25 Years.

The longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, directed by Harold Prince and produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Company, Inc., will once again make theater history when it becomes the first Broadway show ever to celebrate its 25th Anniversary on Saturday, January 26, 2013. The unprecedented milestone will be marked by a Special Gala Performance that night. While many of the evening's details are being kept under wraps, the special night will begin with an early 6:30 PM performance at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street), the musical's home for its entire run. Details for the historic performance and celebration will be announced in the coming weeks.

In this week's edition of Around BWW: Regional Highlights of the Week', we bring you the most-read stories for the week of October 8! From reviews to interviews, videos and photos, catch up on all the latest regional happenings around the Broadway World!