'Love Never Dies' tours to town

Musical fans listen up! The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Love Never Dies” will tour to town for the first time this December.

Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Poly Theater

As the sequel to “Phantom of the Opera,” this musical premiered at London’s Adelphi Theater in 2010. After successful runs in North America, Japan and Finland, earning praise from audiences and critics alike, it is now set to make its Chinese premiere this fall. The tour begins in Shanghai and will make a stop in Shenzhen in late December and early January.

“Love Never Dies” features music by Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, a book by Ben Elton, based on “The Phantom of Manhattan” by Frederick Forsyth, with additional lyrics by Charles Hart. The musical was orchestrated by David Cullen and Webber.

The original production, directed by Simon Phillips, showcases sets and costumes design by Gabriela Tylesova, choreography by Graeme Murphy, lighting design by Nick Schlieper, and sound design by Mick Potter. For the China premiere, the show will be brought to the stage by associate director Gavin Mitford, associate choreographer Simone Sault, and music supervisor Simon Lee — all part of the original production team.

Set in 1907, the story takes place 10 years after the Phantom’s disappearance from the Paris Opera House. He has now found refuge in New York City amid the exhilarating joy rides and freak shows of Coney Island. In this new world, he has finally discovered a place where his music can thrive. However, he continues to yearn for his one true love and musical protégé, Christine Daaé.

Blinded by money and the bright lights of Coney, Daaé, with Raoul and their son Gustave, is lured to America to perform one final time. But she soon discovers the true identity of the mysterious impresario who tempted her to travel across the Atlantic. As old wounds are reopened and forgotten memories unlocked, the Phantom sets out to prove that love indeed never dies.

This new production promises audiences an exhilarating rollercoaster ride of intrigue, obsession and romance. Unlike Webber’s previous works, the story is predominantly conveyed through singing and musical scores, offering a unique experience.

The show will be headlined by French actress, dancer, and singer Manon Taris, along with the talented Welsh singer Luke McCall. McCall, a recipient of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship, graduated with a master’s degree in musical theater from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Tickets: 180-1,280 yuan

Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 22-Jan. 7 (except for Dec. 25); 2:30 p.m. on weekends

Booking: Official WeChat account "SZpolytheatre"

Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, Nanshan District (南山区深圳保利剧院)