Hi-Tech Robots Will Perform THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA In Taiwan

The China Post has reported that a Taiwan university announced the creation of what could be the world's first robot theater, which will make its debut on Dec. 27th by performing the musical "The Phantom of the Opera."

The theater is comprised of four intelligent robots developed by the Center for Intelligent Robots at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology explains the Post article.

The group of robots includes a male robot Thomas and a female robot named Janet, who can walk and are equipped with silicon facial muscles that enable them to mimic the facial expressions and lip motions of a human being. The other two members of the robot theater are Pica the painter and Ringo the jazz drummer, who move on two wheels.

Chen Shi-shuenn, president of the university, told the China Post that the Dec. 27 performance will feature Thomas and Janet as the two leading characters in "The Phantom of the Opera".

The robot leading man will have to work very hard to capture the flesh and blood magic that original 'Phantom' Michael Crawford brought to the title role he created. That being said, the China Tech performance should be very interesting to behold!

To the read the entire China Post article click here.

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Group, Inc. and directed by theater legend Harold Prince, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is in its phenomenal 21st year in New York, playing at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street).

On Broadway, since its debut on January 26, 1988, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has grossed over $700 million, making it the highest-grossing show in Broadway history. The production has played over 8,600 performances and total New York attendance is over 12.5 million. PHANTOM became the longest-running show in Broadway history on January 9, 2006 (surpassing Cats) and has now played well over 1,000 performances and more than two and a half years since breaking that record - and all with no end in sight.

Its internationally success - equally staggering - is represented by a total worldwide box office gross of more than $5 billion, making PHANTOM the most successful entertainment venture of all time, surpassing not only any other stage production, but also far surpassing the world's highest-grossing film Titanic (at $1.2 billion) and such other blockbusters as The Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park and Star Wars. Worldwide attendance is over 80 million people, having played over 65,000 performances in 25 countries and 124 cities. It's won over 50 Theater awards including 7 Tonys, and there are currently 8 productions around the world. The next international opening will be Perth, Australia in February 2009.

There is no truth to the rumor that C-3PO and R2D2 will be starring in an international tour of The Producers.