THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Returns to the Fox Theatre, 6/30-7/25

The Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Theatre Company, Inc. production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince, will return to the The Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta June 30 through July 25, welcomed by Broadway Across America – Atlanta and Theater of the Stars.

With total worldwide grosses estimated at over $5 billion, The Phantom of the Opera is the most successful entertainment venture of the twentieth century, surpassing such blockbuster films as Titanic, E.T., and Lord of the Rings. The winner of seven 1988 Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, The Phantom of the Opera has been seen by over 80 million people in 124 cities in 25 countries.  Worldwide, The Phantom of the Opera consistently plays to larger audiences and in longer engagements than any other musical in history. On January 9, 2006, The Phantom of the Opera became the longest-running show in Broadway history surpassing Cats' record-holding run of 7,485 performances. The show celebrated an unprecedented milestone on January 26, 2008 when it reached its twentieth anniversary on Broadway.

Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera tells 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 had its world premiere on October 9, 1986 at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, winning every major British theatre award including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards.  The New York production opened on January 26, 1988 with a then-record advance of $18 million.  The musical went on to sweep the 1988 Tony Awards, winning seven, including Best Musical.  The Phantom of the Opera also won seven Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards.

The original London cast recording was the first in British musical history to enter the charts at number one.  It has since gone both gold and platinum in Britain and the United States, selling over 25 million copies.

The Phantom of the Opera will begin performances on Wednesday, June 30.  Beginning late 2009, subscribers to the Broadway Across America – Atlanta Series and the Theater of the Stars Series will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets to The Phantom of the Opera.  Subscribers to all series will see The Phantom of the Opera in a designated week of the engagement.  Tickets will go on sale to the general public after the first of the year.  Reservations for groups of 15 or more will be available beginning on December 11.

The Atlanta engagement of The Phantom of the Opera is welcomed by Broadway Across America – Atlanta and Theater of the Stars.  It is a season special for Broadway Across America season tickets holders and a subscription offering for Theater of the Stars.  Visit the official The Phantom of the Opera website at www.thephantomoftheopera.com.

Broadway Across America:  Owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and led by Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman), Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 42 North American cities.  Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world.  Current Productions include A CATERED AFFAIR, PASSING STRANGE, SPAMALOT, GO DIEGO GO and THE BACKYARDIGANS.  For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

Theater of the Stars celebrates its 58th Anniversary as one of the nation's premier regional theater companies.  A civic not-for-profit cultural treasure, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater.  To learn more about the history of excellence, visit www.theaterofthestars.com.

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