Now titled Love Never Dies – The Phantom Returns, the story continues ten years after the conclusion of The Phantom of the Opera. It follows soprano Christine Daaé to New York's Coney Island, where she is invited to perform for the mysterious Mr. Y. After Christine, her now-husband Raoul and their young son Gustav arrive in New York City, familiar characters begin to emerge, including one with whom Christine shares a dark secret.
Booking inquiries for the production are currently being taken from national touring agency Broadway Booking Office. "Everyone at Really Useful Group is excited about the prospects of Love Never Dies coming to America, but there is no set tour at present," a spokesperson for Lloyd Webber told Playbill.com.
Following a 2010 London premiere, which was not critically embraced, Lloyd Webber enlisted director Phillips and a new Australian creative team to stage a fresh take on Love Never Dies that premiered in Melbourne in 2011. The production was filmed live and is now available on DVD.
The extensively reworked production has choreography by Graeme Murphy, lighting design by Nick Schlieper and sound design by Mick Potter. Their work will be reflected in the upcoming tour. Love Never Dies has a score by Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tony nominee Glenn Slater (Sister Act, The Little Mermaid, Leap of Faith). 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.
Here's how it's billed: "The year is 1907. It is 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House and The Phantom has escaped to a new life in New York where he lives amongst the screaming joy rides and freak-shows of Coney Island. In this new electrically-charged world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar. All that is missing is his love – Christine Daaé. Now one of the world’s finest sopranos, Christine is struggling in an ailing marriage to Raoul. So, it is with excitement that she accepts an invitation to travel to New York and perform at a renowned opera house. In a final bid to win back her love, The Phantom lures Christine, her husband, and their young son Gustave from Manhattan to the glittering and glorious world of Coney Island, who have no idea what is in store for them."
The Australian version has played several international engagements, including Japan and Germany. A separate production was also staged in Denmark.
