Another constant for over 40 years was Al Hirschfeld, whose highly distinctive line drawing caricatures of Broadway accompanied the New York Times reviews of new openings. No one elevated the simple line drawing embodiment of Broadway to an art form in its own right quite as he did.
Andrew Lloyd Webber is ready for battle over the June reopening but what about the nation’s health?
In a front page scoop in today’s Daily Telegraph, the paper lines up three heavy-hitting bylines — chief reporter Robert Mendick, political editor Ben Riley-Smith and theatre critic Dominic Cavendish — to reveal an exclusive with Andrew Lloyd Webber. The headline reads: ‘You’ll have to arrest us to stop reopening’.
As restrictions lift, Mark Shenton offers a comprehensive update on opening nights in London & across the UK
This weekly column keeps track of the shows that are coming back, or are newly being announced, as theatres start reopening from tonight (17 May) in London and at other theatres in the UK.
As Phantom & Six announce reopening dates, plans speed up for Broadway’s return
It turns out New York is moving even faster, with the state (and its neighbours, New Jersey and Connecticut), according to the New York Times on Monday, “lifting almost all their pandemic restrictions, paving the way for a return to fuller offices and restaurants, a more vibrant nightlife and a richer array of cultural and religious gatherings for the first time in a year”.
NEWS: Casting announced for the returning West End production of The Phantom of The Opera
Casting has been announced for the return of The Phantom of The Opera to its West End home, Her Majesty’s Theatre, on 27 July 2021. Lucy St Louis will play Christine Daaé and Rhys Whitfield will play Raoul. They join the previously announced double Olivier Award nominee Killian Donnelly as The Phantom.
Beneath contempt: Mark Shenton reacts to the empty promises made over the return of Phantom to the West End
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The post April 27: The rotten stench of contempt for people, from the government to its people and from producers to their orchestras and audiences first appeared on Shenton Stage.
Putting profits before people? Where is the original Phantom of the Opera we were promised?
When The Phantom of the Opera was unloaded from the Her Majesty’s Theatre last year, it produced the forlorn sight of the original Phantom chandelier resting on the pavement outside the theatre instead of poised over the proscenium from which it famously comes crashing down over the heads of those seated in the stalls.
Remember all the many creatives who have brought us theatre online, not just the big-hitters
There’s no question that, apart from his undoubted brilliance as a composer of instantly memorable melodies, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s greatest gift is as (self) publicist. He’s just wonderful at getting people to speak about him and his shows; and thereby promote them.
NEWS: Andrew Lloyd Webber prepares to open his West End musicals in summer 2021
Andrew Lloyd Webber has begun rehearsing his brand new musical Cinderella, stating he hopes the move will give other producers “confidence to follow suit by getting major musicals back open”.
‘Felt like a true celebration’: MUSICALS: THE GREATEST SHOW – BBC One ★★★★★
Dazzling from start to finish, the high quality of the performances, music and of course the venue featured in Musicals: The Greatest Show reminded us why exactly we are missing the theatre.
The Show People Podcast: A 4th anniversary special with Peter Polycarpou
This episode of was recorded in January 2020 – before Covid-19 changed everything. Host Andrew Keates shares an explanation about where The Show People Podcast has been for most of 2020 and celebrates the podcast’s fourth anniversary.
NEWS: Really Useful Groups says the West End production of Phantom will return
Co-producers the Really Useful Group have confirmed to The Stage that the original production of The Phantom of the Opera will be back.
NEWS: Cameron Mackintosh tells Evening Standard West End Phantom is being ‘shut down’
In a candid self-penned article in the Evening Standard, producer Cameron Mackintosh has revealed that he and Andrew Lloyd Webber have been forced to “sadly permanently shut down” the iconic West End production of The Phantom of the Opera as a consequence of the Coronavirus crisis.
NEWS: Royal Ballet School, ArtsEd, LAMDA & the Royal Academy of Dance receive Lynne and Land Foundation grants
Today, on the second anniversary of the death of choreographer Dame Gillian Lynne, The Lynne and Land Foundation has announced grants to the Royal Ballet School, ArtsEd, LAMDA and the Royal Academy of Dance.
NEWS: Cameron Mackintosh announces West End closures until 2021, starts redundancy consultations
Cameron Mackintosh has delayed the return of his West End productions of Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, Hamilton and The Phantom of the Opera until as early as practical in 2021.
NEWS: The Phantom of the Opera cancels its 14-month UK & Ireland tour
As theatre lockdown continues in the face of the coronavirus crisis, Cameron Mackintosh has cancelled his 14-month UK and Ireland tour of The Phantom of the Opera, starring Killian Donnelly in the title role.
It’s a lockdown lifeline for audiences, but is online theatre any good?
Online theatre is a great way to see shows, especially in these hard times, and especially for those who cannot afford or are able to watch them live because they live further away from London.
You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone: As theatre has gone out of my life, I’ve missed it more & more
When I want to scream, I go to see live sport. I can shout, scream and roar in support of my teams and vent any emotions that way. When I want to laugh, or smile (or cry), I have always turned to theatre
Why The Phantom of the Opera still has our hearts: History, mishaps & memories of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic
“Close your eyes and let the music set you free” – The Phantom of the Opera Last week I was reminded of my first theatre memory. I was eight and my parents took me to see The Phantom of the Opera for a Saturday matinee. I don’t remember the performance itself, but what I do recall is sitting in the dress …
‘A musical that celebrates the power & beauty of music’: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – Royal Albert Hall (Online review)
As part of The Show Must Go On’s series streaming Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals online, this glorious celebration of The Phantom of the Opera highlights how it is a musical that celebrates the power and beauty of music.