It’s Official: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA To Premiere in Manila, 8/25-10/14

Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Francis Lumen, Smart, and Citibank Philippines tie up to bring Broadway’s longest-running musical to the Philippines.

Manila, Philippines, March 29, 2012 – It is better late than never for Lunchbox Theatrical Productions (Cats, Mamma Mia!), Francis Lumen, Smart, and Citibank Philippines. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s megamusical The Phantom of the Opera, based on the French novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by Gaston Leroux, gets its Philippine premiere after 24 years since the production opened on Broadway. An international touring production of The Phantom of the Opera, featuring cast members from the United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia, and South Africa, runs at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ main theater from Saturday, August 25 to Sunday, October 14.  Tickets go on sale to general public starting Tuesday, May 1. For Infinity (Powered by Smart) subscribers and Citibank cardholders, pre-selling of tickets is from Monday, March 19 to Monday, April 30.

In a press statement, Tim McFarlane, managing director of Webber’s The Really Useful Company Asia Pacific, said, “This touring production of The Phantom of the Opera is as fine as any version in London’s West End or on Broadway. The show has the same superb design, and we’ve invested a great deal to ensure that this presentation is of the highest standards.  The Phantom of the Opera has enjoyed huge success throughout the Asia-Pacific region, having experienced sold-out seasons in cities such as Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai, and Seoul. I’m confident that audience in Manila will welcome the production with equal enthusiasm.”

The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius’ shadowy existence, and his love for the beautiful, talented ingénue, Christine Daaé. With around 130 cast, crew, and orchestra members, opulent set design, stunning visual effects, and more than 230 costumes by the late Maria Björnson, the production contains some of Webber’s most popular songs, including “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Think of Me,” “All I Ask of You,” and “Music of the Night.”

James Cundall, chief executive of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, who is presenting The Phantom of the Opera in Manila, said, “To bring one of the  world’s most popular musicals to such a musically-gifted nation as the Philippines has been a long-term dream.  It’s an excellent show, which epitomizes all that’s great about musical theater: unbelievable music, a powerfully moving story, lavish sets and costumes, and most importantly, a superb audience entertainment.”

Francis Lumen, chief executive of presenting partner Hi-Definition Radio Inc., said, "As a promoter for the past 30 years of various major live concerts in the Philippines, being a part of one of the greatest Broadway musicals in the world is a dream come true!”

The Phantom of the Opera has won more than 60 major theater awards, including seven Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards.  Worldwide, the musical has grossed over $5.6 billion, and has been seen in 145 cities in 27 countries, and played to more than 130 million people.

For tickets to The Phantom of the Opera, call Ticketworld (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.