New 'Phantom' to preem in Plymouth

LONDON -- Cameron Mackintosh's new output of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom in the Opera," formerly introduced in Variety, will premiere within the Theater Royal Plymouth in March 2012 incorporated in yearly-extended U.K. tour. This production, overseen by Mackintosh and Matthew Bourne, features a new creative team, which has reconceived the staging aside from the first costume designs with the late Maria Bjornson. Helmed by Laurence Connor, it features choreography by Scott Ambler, sets by Paul Brown and lighting by Paule Constable ("War Equine"). John Owen-Manley and Earl Contractor will share the title role and Katie Hall may have Christine. Previewing in Plymouth from Feb. 27 before a March 13 press evening, the show will tour to Manchester, Bristol, Dublin, Leeds, Edinburgh, Milton Keynes, Cardiff and Southampton, ending on Feb. 16, 2013. The first production, helmed by Hal Prince, is showing london, where it recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, NY, Budapest, Las vegas and Kyoto. "Phantom" makes greater than 3.2 billion ($5.1 billion) worldwide, greater than any film or stage play ever, and contains been seen in 145 urban centers in 27 nations and carried out to greater than 130 million people. Contact David Benedict at benedictdavid@mac.com