‘Phantom’ sequel is nearing completion

‘Phantom’ sequel is nearing completion

LONDON — Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber says the long awaited sequel to “Phantom of the Opera” should be ready at the end of 2009, with a possible simultaneous opening on three continents.

Lloyd Webber told The Times of London that he hopes the new musical, to be called “Phantom: Love Never Dies,” will open in New York, London and possibly Shanghai or another Asian city.

He said the locale of the celebrated musical will be switched from the Paris Opera to New York’s Coney Island. The sequel will be set about 10 years after the original, which has been seen by approximately 80 million theatergoers in 124 cities worldwide.

Today’s birthdays

TV producer George Schlatter is 79. Actor Anthony Hopkins is 71. Actor Tim Considine is 68. Rock musician Andy Summers is 66. Actor Ben Kingsley is 65. Actor Tim Matheson is 61. Singer Donna Summer is 60. Actress Bebe Neuwirth is 50. Actor Val Kilmer is 49. Actor Don Diamont is 46. Author Nicholas Sparks is 43. Pop singer Joe McIntyre is 36. Rock musician Bob Bryar is 29.