Photo Coverage: On Stage with THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Manila

Manila, Philippines, August 29, 2012 - Broadway's longest-running mega musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera," which came on the heels of the international touring productions of "Cats" and "Mamma Mia!" in Manila, finally made its Philippine premiere on Saturday, August 25 at the main theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Nearly 100 tons of set pieces and props; more than 700 stage lighting equipment and accessories; and around 230 Victorian style costumes by the late production designer Maria Björnson were shipped from South Africa, where the international touring cast last performed. Seasoned South African actors Jonathan Roxmouth (Phantom) and Anthony Downing (Raoul), and Australian soprano Claire Lyon (Christine) headline the Manila production, which runs until Sunday, September 30.

"The Phantom of the Opera," which premiered at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End in 1986, and opened on Broadway at Majestic Theatre in New York City in 1988, tells the story of a disfigured musical genius' shadowy existence, and his love for the beautiful, talented ingénue, Christine Daaé.

The musical, which has played to more than 130 million people across the world, contains some of Webber's most popular songs, including the title song, "The Phantom of the Opera," "Think of Me," "All I Ask of You," and "Music of the Night."

Producers Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, Hi-Definition Radio Inc. and Concertus Manila, in association with The Really Useful Group, held a press preview on Tuesday, August 28. BroadwayWorld.com photographer Jory Rivera was there, and captured snippets of performances by Roxmouth and Lyon, singing the final part of the title song, plus performances by Lyon, Downing, and the rest of the ensemble, singing and dancing to Act Two's opening musical number, "Masquerade."

Main theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines

Jonathan Roxmouth, Claire Lyon

Claire Lyon

Claire Lyon, Jonathan Roxmouth

Jonathan Roxmouth, Claire Lyon

Claire Lyon

Claire Lyon, Jonathan Roxmouth

Jonathan Roxmouth, Claire Lyon

Claire Lyon, Anthony Downing, and the rest of the ensemble

Claire Lyon

Claire Lyon, Anthony Downing, and the rest of the ensemble

BWW Hi-Res Gallery - Original Version

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Oliver recently received a master's degree in public relations and corporate communication from New York University while serving as regional editor for BroadwayWorld.com.

Over the past 18 years, Oliver has been handling public relations and corporate communication for numerous brands (including Pepsi), Broadway shows, Broadway stars, non-profit organizations, and mainstream celebrities.

He also teaches public relations at De La Salle University-Manila.

Follow Oliver on Twitter: @OliverOliveros

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