Andrew Lloyd Webber to Miss PHANTOM's 25th for Back Operation; Releases Message

The longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince and produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Company, Inc., will once again make theater history when it becomes the first Broadway show ever to celebrate its 25th Anniversary on Saturday, January 26, 2013. Unfortunately, the show's creator, Andrew Lloyd Webber, will not be present for the festivities this weekend. He realeased the following statement at Whosay.com:

Sadly I am not able to be in New York for The Phantom of the Opera's 25th anniversary performance on Broadway this weekend. I have had to come back to the UK for another back operation. I am desperately sad to miss it, but my back will not allow me to travel. I wish everybody all the best for Saturday. Congratulations and huge thanks to everyone involved with the show on Broadway over the years. ALW

Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de L'Opéra by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Operatells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Theatre Company, Inc., has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is directed by Harold Prince. Lyrics are by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe) and the book is by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The Phantom of the Opera has production design by the late Maria Björnson, lighting by Andrew Bridge and sound design by Mick Potter with original sound by Martin Levan. Musical staging and choreography is by Gillian Lynne. Orchestrations are by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The performance schedule for The Phantom of the Opera is Monday evenings at 8PM, Tuesday evenings at 7PM, Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8PM, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Ticket prices range from $27 - $137 with Premium Tickets also available. To order tickets, visit telecharge.com or call (212) 239-6200.