The Phantom Deserves a Sequel: Let’s bring”Love Never Dies” to Broadway.
As a lifelong devotee of musical theater, few productions have captivated me like “The Phantom of the Opera.” This masterpiece is, hands down, one of the best musicals in history. From the moment I first watched the Phantom’s haunting tale unfold, I knew there had to be more. The original ending just didn’t sit right with me – the Phantom deserved better.
That’s why I’ve been eagerly awaiting the sequel, “Love Never Dies,” ever since. The way the Phantom’s story concluded left me unsatisfied. The connection between him and Christine was so deep, so consuming, that the random appearance of some other man sweeping her away just didn’t ring true. Their duet, “The Point of No Return,” is a song that oozes passion and desire – it’s a musical representation of their love, raw and unrestrained.
The Phantom’s actions, driven by his all-consuming passion and jealousy, were justified in my eyes. He brought out the best in Christine, mentoring her and unleashing her true potential as a singer. That’s what love is all about – accepting someone for who they are and helping them become their truest self. The Phantom deserved a better resolution, a chance to right the wrongs of the original ending.
When I heard about the Melbourne production of “Love Never Dies,” I was ecstatic. I immediately bought tickets, eager to witness the sequel in all its glory. Alas, life got in the way, and I never made it to that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Years later, I still regret missing that Australian version, which I’ve been told was the best before the show went on tour.
Watching the recorded movie version, however, was a spectacle in its own right. The costumes, the set design, the seamless transitions – it all exceeded my already high expectations. As someone who has seen countless shows on Broadway and off-Broadway, I can say with certainty that the production values of “Love Never Dies” are unparalleled. The set design, in particular, is the most spectacular I’ve ever encountered.
My admiration for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s works is well-known. I’ve seen “Cats,” “Bad Cinderella,” and I am about to watch “Sunset Boulevard,” and I firmly believe that “Love Never Dies” is superior to “Bad Cinderella.” In fact, with “The Phantom of the Opera” no longer gracing the Broadway stage, I believe the time is ripe for “Love Never Dies” to take its rightful place.
The themes of the sequel – righting wrongs, starting anew – resonate with me deeply. Set in the vibrant Coney Island, I think the revised Australian version of the show would be a perfect fit for the New York audience. This city craves stories of redemption and fresh beginnings, and “Love Never Dies” delivers that in spades.
Moreover, the rarity of musicals lasting 20 years, like “The Phantom of the Opera” has, is a testament to the enduring power of these stories. I believe “Love Never Dies” deserves a chance to capture the hearts of Broadway audiences and potentially embark on a world tour, sharing the Phantom’s tale with even more people.
While the movie version was a spectacular experience, allowing me to see the actors’ expressions and emotions up close, nothing can replace the magic of live theater. The richness of the sound, the immersive atmosphere – that’s what I crave. I long to witness “Love Never Dies” on stage, to feel the energy of the live orchestra and the power of the singers’ voices reverberating through the theater.
When “Love Never Dies” finally graces the Broadway stage, you can bet I’ll be one of the first in line to secure a ticket. I’ll be there, front and center, ready to experience the Phantom’s story unfold before my eyes, just as I had hoped all those years ago. This is a moment I’ve been anticipating for far too long, and I refuse to miss it. The Phantom’s tale deserves to be told, and I’m determined to be there to witness its triumphant return.
AVERRAL writes under pen name Scarlet Risqué. She stars in Scarlet Queen YouTube with over a million views. She holds a degree in business. The RED HOURGLASS is ranked Top 50 Espionage Thriller on Amazon. She is currently writing the sequels to the Hourglass Series. Grab a free copy of her novel now RED HOURGLASS on Amazon |