Obscure Box

Reports of a sequel to The Phantom of the Opera musical as it prepares to leave Brisbane's QPAC for a run in Sydney.

Few details are known at this stage although it could be set in Manhattan 10 years after the original story.

The original Phantom has played to more than 80-million people in 25 countries and I have to admit I'm with the musical's creator Andrew Lloyd Webber on this one.

When asked why his stage show was so popular he apparently said "I don't know why", according to ninemsn's report "Phantom set to thrill Sydney audiences" (Tuesday 22 April 2008).

I don't know either. I'm no expert but I've seen (and paid for the tickets) many theatre productions over the years and I finally caught Phantom during its run at QPAC's Lyric Theatre.

I have to admit I was bored, the production contains only versions of two tunes, the lyrics are almost laughable, the drama was lacking and I found myself wondering more where the candles came from on the stage rather than the fate of Christine, Raoul and the eponymous Phantom.

I've loved some of Lloyd Webber's other works, but not this one.

So please, no more.