Karimloo, Boggess set for 'Phantom' sequel

LONDON, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess have been cast as the Phantom and Christine in the upcoming West End London musical, "Love Never Dies," show producers said.

The sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" is to have its world premiere in London at the Adelphi Theatre March 9. It continues the story of the Phantom, who has moved from his lair in the Paris Opera House to haunt the fairgrounds of Coney Island, Brooklyn.

Set 10 years after the mysterious disappearance of the Phantom from Paris, the show is described in a news release as "a roller coaster ride of obsession and intrigue ... in which music and memory can play cruel tricks."

Based on the French novel by Gaston Leroux, the stage musical, "The Phantom of the Opera," has been seen by more than 100 million people and is regarded by many as the most successful entertainment entity in history, its producers said.

Karimloo will create the role of the Phantom in "Love Never Dies," having already played the role to great acclaim in "The Phantom of the Opera" in London. He also played Raoul in the West End production of "Phantom," as well as the role of Christine's father in Joel Schumacher's film adaptation. His other stage credits include "Les Miserables" in the West End, the U.K. tour of "Miss Saigon" and the U.K. tour of "Sunset Boulevard."

Boggess made her Broadway debut in the lead role of Ariel in Disney's "The Little Mermaid." "Love Never Dies" will mark her West End debut.

Previews of "Love" are to begin Feb. 20. The show will then premiere in New York in November 2010 and in Australia in 2011.