LOVE NEVER DIES Delayed to Spring 2011 Due to Complications with Webber's Health

The New York Times has confirmed that LOVE NEVER DIES will now aim for a spring opening on Broadway due to Andrew Lloyd Webber's health problems. LOVE NEVER DIES was scheduled to open on Broadway on November 11, 2010. Reportedly, Webber is experiencing "post-operative problems" from his recent treatment for prostate cancer, a rep for the production told the New York Times today. As BroadwayWorld previously reported, speculation of a delay began weeks ago following the tally of mixed reviews for the production, which opened at the Adelphi Theatre in the West End on March 9.

On the delay, the producers of LOVE NEVER DIES have released the following statement, printed in the New York Times:

The Broadway premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's LOVE NEVER DIES will open at the Neil Simon Theatre in the Spring of 2011.

"The original opening date, planned for November 2010, was set before Lloyd Webber was diagnosed with prostate cancer last fall. Although the cancer has been eradicated, there have been post-operative problems. These have been aggravated by recent air travel and Lloyd Webber's doctors have requested that he does not take any further long-haul flights for the time being and until the problem has been investigated. This prevents him attending auditions and being part of the pre-production process in New York on the original schedule

Andrew Lloyd Webber is currently appearing in the BBC television series, "Over the Rainbow," in which he is looking to cast the lead role of Dorothy for his new production of The Wizard of Oz.. Andrew performs weekly on live British television which was also a commitment undertaken before the prostate cancer was diagnosed. This complication, together with the doctors' advice, has made it impossible to keep to the original Broadway schedule for LOVE NEVER DIES. Therefore, the decision has been made to move "The Wizard of Oz" forward in London and to schedule the Broadway premiere of LOVE NEVER DIES for 2011 thus allowing Andrew the freedom to travel to New York and oversee the audition and rehearsal process later in the year.

The Spring 2011 date for LOVE NEVER DIES takes into account the schedules of Jack O'Brien (director) and Jerry Mitchell (choreographer) and the rest of show's creative team. The Nederlander Organization is holding the Neil Simon Theatre for the production on Broadway, and casting, group sales and single ticket sales will start later this year.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said "I am extremely frustrated that I cannot travel to New York for the time being. I will be focusing my time on producing "The Wizard of Oz" in London now, and plan to be available for the creative process of bringing LOVE NEVER DIES to Broadway as soon as possible. I'm grateful that Jack and Jerry's schedules can allow me to do this juggling act."

The West End production of LOVE NEVER DIES opened on March 9, 2010 and continues to play to packed houses at the Adelphi Theatre. The album of the show is number one in various territories in the West and in Asia and will be released in the US later this year. The planned roll-out of the production to Australia and Asia later in 2011 is unaffected."

LOVE NEVER DIES opened 9 March in London at the Adelphi Theatre and previews began on 22 February. LOVE NEVER DIES stars Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo, and features direction by Jack O'Brien. The show was scheduled to open in New York on November 11, 2010 and in Australia in 2011.

LOVE NEVER DIES continues the story of 'The Phantom', who has moved from his lair in the Paris Opera House to haunt the fairgrounds of Coney Island, far across the Atlantic. Set 10 years after the mysterious disappearance of 'The Phantom' from Paris, this show is a rollercoaster ride of obsession and intrigue...in which music and memory can play cruel tricks...and 'The Phantom' sets out to prove that, indeed, LOVE NEVER DIES.

In celebration of the opening, Decca Broadway released two versions of the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical LOVE NEVER DIES. Both versions of the CD will be two-disc sets, with the deluxe version including a DVD as well. The DVD will feature behind the scenes footage from the recording session, as well as interviews with Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bob Crowley (set design), and members of the cast. In addition, it will include a music video of the song "Coney Island Waltz" from the show.

Performances of LOVE NEVER DIES in London at the Adelphi Theatre will be Mondays - Saturdays at 7.30pm, with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets, priced from £25.00 - £67.50 (to include 75p theatre restoration levy and inclusive of booking fees), are available from the Adelphi Theatre Box Office on 0844 412 4651 or online from www.loveneverdies.com.