As most of you probably know, announcements have flooded the media recently regarding Andrew Lloyd Webber's pending sequel to the Phantom of the Opera. The show is slated to be released in March of 2010 in London and November of 2010 in New York City. As we stand on the verge of its release, I see a war brewing on the horizon among fans, and it breaks my heart.
I am constantly amazed over how this story elicits such strong emotions from individuals. The three camps of Phantom lovers, only to mention a few (Leroux, the stage play, and the 2004 movie), are drawing lines in the sand and opinionated battles have begun over the need for continuing the story on stage.
There are those who are vehemently opposed to the curtain going up. The trial has begun, but there's no "innocent" here until proven "guilty." Those who hate it, have pronounced their verdict even before the jury (the audience) has been shown all the evidence. Then there are fans who can't wait to see the next creation of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and no doubt already have their ticket in hand and are counting the days until release.
If you don't know how I feel about the impending sequel, I've already written a blog regarding my feelings. To recap, I look at it this way. He took Leroux's book, adapted it to the stage, and immortalized the genius of music in a musical. The Phantom of the Opera, by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is his creation. He gave it to audiences to enjoy, and for over 20 plus years, we have reveled in its beauty and sung its haunting musical score.
The last time I looked it says, © Copyright The Really Useful Group Ltd. The Phantom of the Opera on stage is Webber's creation, and he has the right to do with it as he pleases. We don't own the story, we merely use it to touch our hearts, and it has gone around the world to more than 100 million individuals.
What concerns me the most regarding the sequel, is not the release on stage or the continuation of the story. It is the division among the fan base across the globe. I see arguments rising on networking sites, forums, boards, etc. The entire matter is cause for alarm, as far as I'm concerned. We are fighting among ourselves, alienating one another personally, and causing a riff in the fan base, which may never heal. I guess you could say, "there's a disturbance in the lair."
Let's agree to disagree, but let's express our opinions respectfully. The one thing that should bind us together, is the love of the story. Why should we divide ourselves over Love Never Dies? I'd like to think our love of the story will never die, or the camaraderie we find with other fans around the world.
As the months progress and the public draws closer to seeing the new production, let's step back and focus on the center of what it's all about - the guy in the mask. Like him, you want to be able to remove your mask, reveal who you are, and find acceptance. It's no different in the lair of fans. The Phantom of the Opera is a story of unconditional love and acceptance, "All I wanted was to be loved for myself."
I encourage each of you, when another takes his mask off and gives his honest opinion regarding Love Never Dies, try not to rant and rave when you disagree with him. Go light a candle of peace in the lair instead. I'm sure Erik would appreciate it.
As always, your thought provoking....
Phantom's Student
PS...Below is a clip of one of the songs and here is a link to the official website for Love Never Dies.
I am constantly amazed over how this story elicits such strong emotions from individuals. The three camps of Phantom lovers, only to mention a few (Leroux, the stage play, and the 2004 movie), are drawing lines in the sand and opinionated battles have begun over the need for continuing the story on stage.
There are those who are vehemently opposed to the curtain going up. The trial has begun, but there's no "innocent" here until proven "guilty." Those who hate it, have pronounced their verdict even before the jury (the audience) has been shown all the evidence. Then there are fans who can't wait to see the next creation of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and no doubt already have their ticket in hand and are counting the days until release.
If you don't know how I feel about the impending sequel, I've already written a blog regarding my feelings. To recap, I look at it this way. He took Leroux's book, adapted it to the stage, and immortalized the genius of music in a musical. The Phantom of the Opera, by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is his creation. He gave it to audiences to enjoy, and for over 20 plus years, we have reveled in its beauty and sung its haunting musical score.
The last time I looked it says, © Copyright The Really Useful Group Ltd. The Phantom of the Opera on stage is Webber's creation, and he has the right to do with it as he pleases. We don't own the story, we merely use it to touch our hearts, and it has gone around the world to more than 100 million individuals.
What concerns me the most regarding the sequel, is not the release on stage or the continuation of the story. It is the division among the fan base across the globe. I see arguments rising on networking sites, forums, boards, etc. The entire matter is cause for alarm, as far as I'm concerned. We are fighting among ourselves, alienating one another personally, and causing a riff in the fan base, which may never heal. I guess you could say, "there's a disturbance in the lair."
Let's agree to disagree, but let's express our opinions respectfully. The one thing that should bind us together, is the love of the story. Why should we divide ourselves over Love Never Dies? I'd like to think our love of the story will never die, or the camaraderie we find with other fans around the world.
As the months progress and the public draws closer to seeing the new production, let's step back and focus on the center of what it's all about - the guy in the mask. Like him, you want to be able to remove your mask, reveal who you are, and find acceptance. It's no different in the lair of fans. The Phantom of the Opera is a story of unconditional love and acceptance, "All I wanted was to be loved for myself."
I encourage each of you, when another takes his mask off and gives his honest opinion regarding Love Never Dies, try not to rant and rave when you disagree with him. Go light a candle of peace in the lair instead. I'm sure Erik would appreciate it.
As always, your thought provoking....
Phantom's Student
PS...Below is a clip of one of the songs and here is a link to the official website for Love Never Dies.
