Webber working on ‘Phantom’ sequel

Quality will determine whether British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber will succeed in his sequel of Phantom of the Opera, a lyricist says.

Oscar-winning lyricist Tim Rice, who has collaborated with Webber in the past, said while previous musical sequels have failed to find success, the quality of Webber’s Love Never Dies will likely prove to be the deciding factor in the show’s success, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

Rules are made to be broken and whether a musical is a sequel or original is irrelevant. All that matters is whether or not it is any good and word of mouth, Rice said.

Love continues the story of soprano Christine Daae, who worked in Phantom as the protegee of a disfigured genius named Erik, also known as the Phantom.

The original Phantom spawned more than 20 productions worldwide and became the longest-running production on Broadway. In London’s West End theater district, Phantom is second only to Les Miserables in running length.

The Telegraph said Webber is scheduled to open Love at the Adelphi Theatre in March 2010 and tickets for the production are expected to go on sale Thursday.