'The Phantom of the Opera' at Albert Hall in Celebration of 25 Years: London Comes To A Cinema Near You

Today is the day when the final performance of the special 25th anniversary staging of 'The Phantom of the Opera' at Royal Albert Hall will be screened live at over 500 movie theaters nationwide. The blockbuster musical first opened in London at Her Majesty's Theatre in October 1986.

The live show of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical at Royal Albert Hall is one of three sell-out performances this weekend: an evening performance on October 1st and two performances on October 2nd. The show is not billed as 'The Phantom of the Opera' 25th Anniversary Concert unlike the anniversary event for 'Les Miserables' last year. This special event is a fully staged presentation complete with sets and costumes. It incorporates the original designs of Maria Bjornson with direction by Laurence Connor and choreography by Gillian Lynne.

Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo
(photo: Bruce Glikas/Broadway.com)

Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess (co-stars of Lloyd Webber's 'Phantom' sequel 'Love Never Dies') play The Phantom and Christine Daae and leads a cast and orchestra of over 200 with special guests. The staging also features Hadley Fraser as Raoul, Daisy Maywood as Meg Giry, Barry James as Monsier Firmin, Gareth Snook as Monsier Andre, Liz Robertson as Madame Giry and Wynn Evans as Piangi.

Keira Duffy who was scheduled to play Carlotta announced on her Facebook page "(very regretfully) that nature has decided that I am not meant to sing in Phantom of the Opera after all. I have come down with a bad throat infection, and have had to pull out of the production." Wendy Ferguson currently playing the role in London at Her Majesty's Theatre replaces Duffy.

This special performance will be released on DVD, Blu-ray, CD and digital download. Also previously reported is the Melbourne production of 'Love Never Dies' will also be made available on DVD and Blu-ray.

Visit fathomevents.com for a complete list of participating U.S. theaters. Hawaii audiences will be able to view the presentation tape delayed at Regal Cinemas Dole Cannery Stadium 18 (October 2, 5, 11) in Honolulu and Hollywood Theaters Prince Kuhio Theaters 9 (October 2, 5) in Hilo. (Note: This cinema presentation of 'The Phantom Of the Opera' at Royal Albert Hall will be reviewed at the October 5th screening.)

Update: The U.S. release of this special staging of 'The Phantom of the Opera' on DVD, Blu-ray and 2CD Set is February 7, 2012.

Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo. Both
previously starred in 'The Phantom of the Opera': Boggess in the
Las Vegas at the Venetian and Karimloo in London at Her Majesty's Theatre.
(photo: Catherine Ashmore)