Love Never Dies

The saga of the Phantom of the Opera continues in this epilogue-like Andrew Lloyd Webber musical (with a libretto by Glenn Slater) filmed here in a 2011 performance from Melbourne's Regent Theatre. Ten years have passed and the Phantom (Ben Lewis), having fled the fire at the Opera Populaire, still pines for beautiful opera singer Christine (Anna O' Byrne). The action moves from Paris to Coney Island in 1905, where circus performers describe their way of life in a Cirque de Soleil-like sequence. Christine, played by O'Byrne with a resounding soprano that recalls Sound of Music-era Julie Andrews, enters the scene while on tour with her condescending husband, Raoul (Simon Gleeson), and precocious son, Gustave (Jack Lyall). Christine plans to perform for Oscar Hammerstein, but receives a visit from Mr. Y (actually the Phantom) while Raoul is away and Gustave is asleep. Mr. Y offers to pay her more than Hammerstein for a one-night performance at his concert hall, Phantasma. Because of Raoul's debts, Christine can't afford to decline, even if it means replacing Meg (Sharon Millerchip), an old friend. She doesn't disclose Mr. Y's identity to Raoul, but Gustave discovers his underground lair (I won't reveal the dramatic twist, although most will figure it out). While the singing is solid and the costumes and sets—from the corseted dresses to the steely catwalks—are imaginative, the music (aside from the hit “Til I Hear You Sing”) simply doesn't match the sterling quality of Phantom of the Opera, which is no doubt why the original West End run of Love Never Dies lasted less than 18 months. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and Dolby Digital stereo on Blu-ray, extras include a “making-of” featurette. Although disappointing, this should be considered a strong optional purchase, given Webber's popularity. (K. Fennessy)