Review: The Taming of 'Love Never Dies' for Cinemas

The company of 'Love Never Dies.'

Anna O'Byrne and Ben Lewis.
(production photos: John Tsiavis)

Many will argue that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Love Never Dies,’ the sequel to his phenomenally successful musical ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ was unnecessary and a fool’s errand to begin with. But for whatever reasons, Mr Lloyd Webber as composer has created a follow-up piece and in its latest incarnation is a far better if somewhat still imperfect beast than what premiered two years ago in London.

Much of the blame to the failure of ‘Love Never Dies’ in London was placed in the hands at Lloyd Webber but director Jack O’Brien, choreographer Jerry Mitchell and lyricist Glenn Slater also appeared out of their ‘musical comedy’ element. Their talents appeared untrained to handle the serious dramatic material that is Lloyd Webber’s primary musical domain.

The big screen version of ‘Love Never Dies’ presented in movie theatres around the world and premiering last night in the United States, could be called LND V.3 (‘Love Never Dies Version Three). The London production opened in February 2010 and shut down in December of the same year for a few days to institute changes. Though the creative credits remained unchanged it is reported that choreographer Bill Deamer and producer Bill Kenwright were responsible for the creative changes. More obvious are the contributions by original ‘Phantom’ lyricist Charles Hart. Their changes included moving musical numbers and tightening the storyline’s focus on the Phantom and Christine Daae. Though the changes were applauded the production closed in August 2011.

Center: The Phantom's Trio (Paul Tabone, Emma J. Hawkins, Dean Vince)

Simon Gleeson, Jack Lyall and Anna O'Byrne.

The Melbourne production opened in May 2011 with a completely new design team, director (Simon Phillips) and choreographer embracing the changes of the revised London production. Without a rewrite of the score they have delivered a version that could be the template for successive versions of the musical. In fact by the date of this cinema presentation, the Melbourne production would have packed it up and be in the midst of a limited run in Sydney.

‘Love Never Dies’ takes place ten years after the events of ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’ Madame Giry and her daughter Meg have helped the Phantom to escape to New York’s Coney Island where the Phantom presents a spectacular called ‘Phantasma’ at where Meg appears on stage while Mme Giry works behind the scenes.

Chrisine and Roaoul with their son Gustave are called to the New York at the invitation of Oscar Hammerstein to help open his new theatre. The Phantom still longing for Chrisine persuades her to sing for him one last song in his Coney Island show much to the chagrin of Madame Giry and Meg. Meg and Madame Giry now struggle for the attention of the Phantom while the gambler/alcoholic Raoul battles to regain the affection for Christine that he has lost some time ago. Christine is torn between these Raoul and the Phantom.

Ben Lewis

Sharon Millerchip (center)

Gone from the show is the time-slip device which saw Madame Giry recalling the glory days of Coney Island. Also changed is a greatly reduced role for the ‘trio’, the Phantom’s three assistants. The Phantom (Ben Lewis) now opens the show with “Till I Hear You Sing,” a song that originally appeared in the middle of act one. Unfortunately the problem remains that Christine (Anna O’Byrne) does not make an appearance until 20 minutes into the show and almost 30 minutes before she utters more than one word that waters down her first appearance in the musical. This moment calls for some dialogue or at least a song for Christine.

One of the welcomed bonuses in the show is Maria Mercedes as Madame Giry and Sharon Millerchip as Meg. Mercedes’ singing is far more melodic that Liz Robertson in the London production. Millerchip is now the fragile star of the Phantom’s Coney Island show is in stark contrast to the brash characterization in the London production.

Simon Gleeson becomes a more sympathetic Raoul and the character is given a solo number “Why Does She Love Me” that the character lacked in the original ‘Phantom.’ The song however is a pale number to open the second act lacking drama and excitement until the Phantom appears and they go mano-a-mano in “Devil Takes the Hindmost”. Though lyricist Slater thought he may be clever in using that title, it will more than likely bewilder most audience members.

Ben Lewis and Jack Lyall

The company of 'Love Never Dies'

It should be noted that this presentation of ‘Love Never Dies’ is meant to resemble a movie rather than a taping of a live production. Though filmed at Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre, the live audience is not addressed other than at the end of the show and the intermission removed. This technique is used to great affect later in the second act when the characters desperately rush through the Coney Island crowds.

How does this Phantom and Christine fare. Lewis and O’Byrne deliver praise-worthy performances that are strong vocally and memorable. The porcelain-skin O’Byrne reveals maturity as she is caught in the role of wife, mother and lover to the three men in her life. It’s quite a loss that her spectacular rendition of the title song is not preserved on CD but thank goodness news reports indicate that this production will be available on DVD and Blu-ray in the coming months.

Lewis harnesses the vocal demands of his first number and shows his versatility when he rocks the house in “The Beauty Underneath” all the while still offering an expressive performance despite his face hidden behind the requisite Phantom half-mask.

Ben Lewis and Anna O'Byrne

Jack Lyall and Anna O'Byrne

If the score lacks the lushness that permeated every note of ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ ‘Love Never Dies’ does have several admirable numbers. Besides the previously mentioned title song, “Til I Hear You Sing,” and “The Beauty Underneath” are the lullaby-like duet “Look to Your Heart” for Christine and her son Gustave; Meg’s amusing Coney Island show songs “Only For You” and “Bathing Beauty”; and the glorious quartet “Dear Old Friend” which is a fine example of excellent music composition, exposition and performance.

One improvement that this viewer would have liked to see is the treatment of songs “Look With Your Heart,” “Beneath A Moonless Sky” and “One Upon Another Time.”  The latter two tend to meld as one number and seems like an elongated scene. An editing or removal (and replacement) of one of these two numbers would help to move the action.

Jack Lyall as Christine and Raoul’s son was well chosen to be the onscreen Gustave (more than one child actor plays the role in the stage production). He lacks the distractive precociousness that often mars these child actor roles. He sings well in his songs with the Phantom and Christine and looks the part.

The company of 'Love Never Dies'

Center: Sharon Millerchip

In reality the production design by Bob Crowley in London was quite fascinating especially with the screen projections that showed the expanse of Coney Island and the Phantom’s tower lair. But the sets and costumes by Gabriela Tylesova for this version are a marvel in their own right. Generous curves meant to resemble an amusement park roller coaster surround the stage and provide ramps that the director uses to keep the stage action flowing to above the stage floor.

The dark and macabre nature of Coney’s Island is played up in the design and lighting shortly after the start of act one and during “The Beauty Underneath” where in both scenes an array of circus show freaks are paraded about.

News reports indicate Lloyd Webber feels this is a definitive version of the show than the original incarnation and he would be happy to see the production produced one day in New York. Until then this Australian version provides glimpses of a workable musical that could have a life beyond down under.

Click HERE to view more production photos from 'Love Never Dies'.

This review is based on viewing the filmed presentation at the Regal Cinemas Dole Connery in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 28, 2012 and presented by in movie theaters by Fathom Events.

Left to right: Dean Vince, Jack Lyall, Anna O'Byrne, Emma J. Hawkins,
Paul Tabone and Simon Gleeson.

Ben Lewis and Jack Lyall

Limiting Weight of Carry-On Bags for Safety

(photo credit: USA Today)

One of the effects of the common practice of charging for checked-bags by the airlines are heavier and an increased number of carry-on bags. These bags can be dangerous if they fall out of bins and most passengers are unaware that these bins have specific weight limits. If you damage the overhead bin, you'll receive the ire other passengers who can no longer use the bin either.

So far Hawaiian Airlines is the first among domestic carriers in enforcing a 25-pound weight limit for carry-on bags. Among other airlines, US Airways personnel may insist a bag be checked if it exceeds 40 pounds. Don't be surprised if Hawaiian personnel asks you to weigh carry-on bags at check-in or ask you to use the the luggage sizer (or portable luggage scales, if available) at the gate. One time on flight from Hilo, Hawaii to Honolulu, I noticed gate agents walking around the waiting area looking at passenger carry-on bags. They did have the courtesy to announce they would be doing so. However I have not seen this practice recently.

Foreign airlines are not immune either to the practice of limiting the weight of bags brought into the cabin. Some in fact have even more stricter carry-on limits:

• Emirates, 15 pounds
• Lufthansa, 17.5 pounds
• Qantas, 15 pounds
• Virgin Atlantic, 13 pounds

Click HERE to view each airline's carry-on weight limit from AirfareWatchDog.

Heavy carry-on bags presents a liability for the airline, the owner of the bag or the passenger who opens a bin should they be at fault for causing injury to another passenger. Also remember the flight crew is there for your safety and many flight attendants will not stow your bags for you. But on one American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Philadelphia, the flight attendants played what I would call the carry-on bag shuffle as they walked up and down the cabin trying to fit bags or moving them from bin to bin to accommodate the abundance of carry-on bags. Finally for your well-being, no passenger should attempt to bring a bag on board they cannot lift themselves and risk getting injured.

For myself, I try to pack light for short trips so I don't have to check any bags. For longer trips, my carry-on will hold only the valuables and some basic necessities just in case (such as an extra change of clothes) and travel size of some toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush) for long layovers. But with the rising cost of checked-bag fees I don't blame passengers trying to save money especially in these days of rising airfares, fees and fuel.

Buy Hawaii Macadmia Nuts and More in Bulk at Costco

Macadamia Nut Almond Roca (left) stacked beside a display of
Mauna Loa Macadamia Tetra Pack Assortment (36 count, favor size, $15.99)

More selections of macadamia nut selections at Costco.

Island Princes Mele Macs (36 oz, $15.69)

If you're a visitor to Hawaii or a resident meeting friends or family overseas or on the mainland, you can't go wrong by picking up macadamia nuts and chocolates from any island Longs Drugs or Walmart. Each store has an aisle or section devoted to these goods including Kona coffee and other local specialties and souvenirs. Important note: A membership is required at Costco; payment for purchases is via cash or American Express credit and charge cards.

But if you need to purchase these products in bulk because you have a long gift list, then head over to one of Hawaii's seven Costco locations. They are still packaged conveniently for carry-on or to place in checked bags. During the holidays and usually sold from October to December these items are specially packaged for gift giving and in past years have included locally produced shoyu (soy sauce), oils and cookies.

I was at the Costco located in Kona on the Big Island while visiting for business and here are some pictures of the products this store offers and some of the prices. Some Costco stores will carry specialities only manufactured on that island such as Kauai Coffee at the Lihue Costco and during the holidays, the Kona location carried Kona Gold Rum Co's Macadamia Nut Rum Cakes. It should be repeated again that these items are bulk or large size. So it may be to your benefit to shop at other Hawaii retailers if you would like to buy these products in smaller sizes. Look for bulk packaging of Kona coffee in the Costco coffee aisle.

These are the Costco locations in Hawaii (click on the location name for more info, maps and hours):
Iwilei (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Lihue (Kauai) and Kona (Big Island) are conveniently located near their island's airports. The Kapolei (Oahu) Costco is located near the resort town of Ko Olina. Other Costco locations on the island of Oahu are in Hawaii Kai and Waipio.

Hershey's Kisses with Macadamia Nuts available only in Hawaii.

Mauna Loa Coconut Macadamias ($12.99)

Mac Farms of Hawaii Kona Coffee Mac Nuts (28 oz, $11.59)

Mauna Loa Macadamia Dry Roasted & Salted (six 4.5 oz cans, 18.99) 

Mauna Loa Macadamias Island Classic Assortment 

Two-pack Hawaiian Sun Guava Jelly. If you purchase these, place them
in checked bags only. Do not carry-on or risk of them being confiscated by
airport security.

Blood Clots & Flying: New Guidelines Issued

Blood normally flows through the legs by muscle contraction via movement
of the legs. During long periods of immobility, blood clots deep within
the veins of the legs causing swelling, stiffness and discomfort. The veins dilate
and blood pools and the pooling is that potential danger.
(image: innermostsecrets.com)

The American College of Chest Physicians have updated their guidelines for developing blood clots while flying. The organization's most controversial finding refutes that only people flying economy class have a greater chance of experiencing the potentially deadly condition.

In a USA Today report, Kate Hanni of FlyersRights.org says that's a bit disingenuous. It's simply easier to get up and move around in business and first class. She was on a flight where seats were so close together that she could not cross her legs because the person in front of her had reclined the chair. She said she was completely immobilized.

Dr. John Torres, health reporter for 9News Colorado, adds that flyers who have window seats tend to to develop blood clots because they are embarrassed to ask people next to them to move and therefore don't get out of their seat as much.

The common advice is to stay hydrated, get up an move around the cabin and do leg exercises at one's seat. It is when passengers sit without moving for long periods of time that can cause blood to clot in legs, also knows as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The 2012 guidelines cover multiple potential causes for blood clots. The section regarding air travel indicates those at high risk are:

• Persons who had recent surgery or a broken bone
• People with active cancer.
• Pregnant women or women on birth control pills
• The elderly
• Those with limited mobility
• Those who have previously had blood clots
• The very tall who crammed into a seat where they can't move much
• The very short who have to sit in an odd position because the seat is too long and legs can't easily flex
• Obesity (but it is argued that if this is cause or the obesity tends to make people less mobile)

High risk passengers should talk to their doctor and see if blood thinners are recommended to use before flying.

Symptoms for blood clots in the leg:

• If one leg, but not the other, becomes sore and swollen
• If one but not the other feels heavy and may be red
• Getting very short breath and chest pains that last for more than 15 minutes

Click HERE to view the full article on USAToday.com.

Sunset at Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa

(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Living in Hawaii I often don't appreciate the things we take for granted about living on an island in the middle of the Pacific. One of them is the simple pleasure of taking the time to admire the sunset. 

These photos were taken on Friday from Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa while taking a stroll along the hotel grounds and prior to dinner at their Ama Ama restaurant. Away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, the peaceful surroundings around the resort community of Ko Olina adds to the peaceful feeling of watching the ocean at sunset. There are four man-made lagoons at Ko Olina and the Aulani fronts the northernmost of the four. The photos are in reverse order of the time they were taken that evening.

(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Dining at Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa's Ama Ama

Ama Ama entrance. (photo credit: Star Adverstiser)

View of Ama Ama from the beachside of the restaurant.
(photo credit: MattGeneral/flickr)

Outdoor seating at Ama Ama. (photo credit: HawaiiLogue)

The obvious attraction of Ama Ama, Disney's Resort & Spa's Aulani fine dining restaurant, is the atmosphere. The restaurant's dining room is open air and offers expansive vistas of the beach at Ko Olina and the view made even more striking at sunset when our party dined there on Friday night.

Thatched roofs shelter guests in three seating areas. One section allows guests to enjoy drinks and pupus at the bar. We were greeted by a pleasant hostess and after a short wait (but long enough that we had to sit down on the benches just inside the entrance) we were escorted to our table.

Again it's the view that counts wherever you sit and it's unlikely there is a bad table in the house but guests should request if they specifically would like indoor or outdoor seating. My understanding is that hotel guests normally have any priority for reservations and seating choices.

The menu itself is a lumbering wooden thing with the hotel name etched into the cover. I noticed several guests enjoying an Aulani Wave ($13), one of Ama Ama's signature cocktails. It's striking not for the coconut rum, mango and passion fruit liquor, pineapple juice mix but for the souvenir multicolored glow cube in the cocktail itself. Fun but I opted for a glass of white wine (King Estate Pino Gris, Oregon $12) and its subtle fruity tone.

Walnut bread with butter and black and pink Hawaiian sea salt.
(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Chicken firecracker with pineapple sauce.
(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

An appetizer of chicken firecrackers (four pieces, $17) is a spicy take on the spring roll and pineapple dipping sauce started our dinner accompanied by walnut bread with black and pink Hawaiian sea salt to sprinkle on the butter. It was unusual to have the extra salt but nevertheless it was an interesting start.

I can't say how my guest enjoyed the rack of lamb ($45) but I was less than enthused for my entree, the seared ahi tuna shrimp with Kamuela tomatoes, basil and Nicoise olives garnished with eggplant caviar ($36). The ahi was overcooked so the sear which is usually in stark contrast with the bright fresh uncooked part of the fish was lacking. At least the remaining ingredients helped to make the dish partially satisfying.

Rack of Lamb (photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler) 

Seared ahi tuna and shrimp (photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Although the Hawaiian chocolate cake with Ka'u coffee cream and caramel chard ($10) did look delicious, my choice was the lighter flavor of the coconut panna cotta with chilled passion fruit broth and green tea tulle ($10). Dessert did not disappoint especially when accompanied with table-side pressed coffee ($9.50)

As characteristic of Disney hospitality the server was attentive without being overly so. Musicians traveled through the restaurant entertaining diners which adds to the atmosphere or becomes distraction if that's not your thing. For the fine-dining prices, Ama Ama should be reserved for special occasions especially if you live in Honolulu and making the long trek to Ko Olina.

Ama Ama is named after a local mullet fish popularized in Hawaiian songs.  Click HERE for online reservations, menu samples and more information about Ama Ama and Aulani's other restaurants. Located at 92-1185 Aliinui Drive in Kapolei, self-parking is validated for four hours with a $35 dining purchase. Hours: breakfast 7am-10:30am; lunch 11:30am-3pm; dinner 5:30pm-10pm. Reservations strongly recommended. Attire not permitted: tank tops, swimwear, men's hats, cut-off pants and torn clothing. See specific restaurant attire info online.

Coconut panna cotta (photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Hawaiian chocolate cake (photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

American Airlines First to Take Delivery of New Boeing 777-300ER

American Airlines 777-300ER will feature mood lighting, archway
ceiling treatments and a walk-up bar offering snacks and drinks.
(images credit: American Airlines)

I always compare the introduction of a new wide-body passenger jet into service to the opening of a new house or condo. Especially on long-haul flights, and I'm talking about the ones that have flying times of eight to ten hours, the plane is your home away from home albeit up in the sky.

After experiencing all three cabins of service over the years to London, I have to admit it was definitely worth it to squander so many miles two years ago for a Flagship Suite on a round-trip flight between Los Angeles International and London Heathrow. I'm earning and saving my miles again to repeat the experience.

Last month American Airlines announced it will be the first air carrier to take delivery of the new Boeing 777-300ER beginning in 2012 and will continue throughout 2013. Customers in Dallas/Fort Worth, London Heathrow, New York's John F. Kennedy and Sao Paulo will be among the first passengers to experience the new aircraft. Additional markets are being planned.

Among the jet's new features are unique mood lighting and ceilings with archways to create a spacious feeling and, the first for any U.S. carrier, a walk-up bar in the premium cabin stocked with snacks and refreshments. Entertainment options will offer up to 120 movies, over 150 TV programs and 350 audio selections. Each seat will feature international Wi-Fi capability, a universal AC power outlet and a USB jack.

According to American Airlines these are the features of each cabin on their 700-300ER:

Updated First Class Flagship Suite

• Swivel seats that transform into a fully lie-flat 80-inch bed.
• Drop down armrests that allow for easier access and more sleeping space.
• Aisle access from every seat
• Privacy dividers
• Two universal AC power outlets
• One USB outlet
• Two large tray tables
• Water bottle holder and headset stowage
• Boise Quiet Comfort 15 Acoustic Noise Canceling headset
• 17-inch TV screen and touchscreen video handset that also serves as remote

Business Class Cabin

• Fully-lie flat seats
• Aisle access from every seat
• Large tray table in addition to a work surface
• Water bottle holder and headset stowage
• Boise Quiet Comfort 15 Acoustic Noise Canceling headset
• 14.5-inch touch screen monitor

Economy Class Cabin

• American is expecting to designate some economy rows with extra legroom (part of new seating product announcement)
• Seats will have a higher recline pivot providing increased knee room
• Seat bottom articulates producing a cradling motion increasing the recline angle of the setback while protection personal space for passengers seated in the row behind
• 9-inch touchscreen monitor

New Airfare Advertising Rules and You: Fees Become More Transparent

(image credit: Brian Cohen)

New passenger protection rules began taking effect on January 26, 2012 starting with a law requiring airlines to include mandatory government taxes and fees in advertised fares. Here's what you should know about these new Department of Transportation rules.

• Travel booking sites and online travel agencies, in addition to airlines, must also include mandatory flight taxes and fees when advertising fares.
• There's nothing new for fare aggregator websites such as Kayak which were already displaying fares with the full taxes and fees.
• The rules also require vacation packages to show such fees and taxes if it includes airfare.
• Passengers will have a choice to cancel or change a reservation within 24 hours of initial booking as long as the ticket was purchased at least a week before departure.
• Airlines cannot increase the price of a ticket after it is sold.
• Airlines must inform passengers if a flight will be more than 30 minutes late.
• Costs for baggage fees must be displayed on the "first screen containing a fare quotation for a specific itinerary."
• Baggage fees must also be displayed on electronic ticket confirmations.

NIght Unfurls Its Splendor at a Matinee: 'The Phantom of the Opera' Celebrates 10,000 Performances

The Limited Edition Commemorative Playbill.
Click HERE to purchase from Playbill.com.

When 'The Phantom of the Opera' opened in January 1988, few would have predicted that Andrew Lloyd Webber's lavish musical would be celebrating 10,000 performances and on the road to reaching a full quarter century on Broadway. On February 11, 2011 at the 2pm matinee the show just did the former and is guaranteed to do the latter in 2013.

Playbill.com revealed the extent of the celebrations at this milestone performance. But Patrick Healy of the New York Times put the event into perspective:

• The production cost $8 million and has grossed over $845 million just on Broadway.
• The musical has come to define modern Broadway by proving the purchasing power of women and tourists, the durability of repeat business and the lure of the spectacle.
• Thanks to persistent marketing, strict quality control and flexibility in ticket pricing, 'Phantom' has thrived where shows with bigger stars and better reviews brought down the curtains.
• In December 2011, the show earned more in a single week, $1,579,428, than in any of the 1,256 weeks since the musical reached New York.
• One pair of investors decided to put $500,000 into 'Phantom' in 1987 and have gone on to earn about $12 million through Broadway and national tours.
• More than 40 percent of 'Phantom' patrons have seen it at least once before, and a majority of the 'Phantom' audiences in 2011 saw no other Broadway show that year; about 68 percent were women, and nearly 60 percent were tourists.
• On Broadway only 30 percent of shows ever turn a profit.
• The show's weekly operating cost have been tightened over the years to about $600,000, modest for any musical and low for one with such elaborate sets and costumes.
• The show turned a profit almost every week in 2011.
• The musical benefited considerably from the multimillion advertising budget for the 2004 film adaptation.
• 'Phantom' did its best yearly business in 2011, grossing $44.8 million.

Click HERE to read the complete article on nytimes.com. For me this show will always be one that propelled my interest in the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and live theatre. Though I had to make do at first with purchasing the vinyl two-record set and a copy of a libretto, it would be at least a couple of years before I actually experienced a live production of the show in Los Angeles in 1990. But I have seen the musical at least a dozen times more since and I see no reason why I shouldn't see it again.

"Les Miserables" Movie Casting News

Advertisement from 1991 that appeared in entertainment trade papers
such as Variety announcing the movie version of 'Les Miserables'.
Alan Parker, who went on to direct the movie version of "Evita" was set
to direct until Bruce Beresford ("Driving Miss Daisy") replaced him.
The movie project was stuck in development and eventually abandoned.

The final main roles in the big screen adaption of the hit musical 'Les Miserables' have fallen into place with the final piece being the casting of the coveted role of Eponine. Samantha Banks who played the role in London's West End and in the 25th Anniversary Concert is reported to have beat out high-profile names including Scarlett Johansson, Lea Michele, Evan Rachel Wood and Taylor Swift. It appears with this bit of casting few are arguing the choices for the film's cast as we all finally look forward to this screen adaptation after more than 25 years since the stage musical premiered in London in 1985.

Previously confirmed in the cast:
Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean
Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert
Anne Hathaway as Fantine
Amanda Seyfried ("Mamma Mia") as Cosette
Eddie Redmayne ("My Week With Marilyn", 'Red' Broadway play) as Marius
Aaron Tveit ("Gossip Girl", 'Catch Me If You Can' Broadway musical) as Enjolras
Sacha Baron Cohen as Monsier Thenardier
Helena Bonham Caarter as Madame Thenardier

The cast will also include Colm Wilkinson, the original stage Valjean, as the Bishop of Digne and Frances Rufelle, the original stage Eponine, who will play a prostitute. Other London stage actors to appear in the film include Kerry Ellis, Linzi Hately, Bertie Carvel and Alistair Brammer.

Click HERE to for the Daily Mail article about the surprising onstage announcement of Banks wining the role of Eponine.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh surprises Samantha Banks on the 'Oliver'
UK Tour to announce that Banks has won the role of Eponine in the
'Les Miserables' film. (image: BBC/Daily Mail)

Samantha Banks and Frances Rufelle, original stage Eponine, at the
25th Anniversary 'Les Miserables' concert.
(image: Alan Davidson/Daily Mail)

New Phantom Mask Logo for 'The Phantom of the Opera' on Broadway

Left: New Phantom logo debuts in Times Square at the corner of 7th and 47th;
Right photos: The new marquee at the Majestic Theatre.
(image: Dewynters)

(image credit: Peter James Zielinski/BroadwayWorld) 

The marquee of the Majestic Theatre in New York City got a makeover late in December. For 'The Phantom of the Opera's' 25th year on the Great White Way, the new Phantom logo which advertising company Dewynters refreshed for London has now been adopted for the show's Broadway home.

The former version was the white mask on a black background. The newer logo is much brighter with the mask enlarged on a blue-colored background. For more photos, visit BroadwayWorld.com. For info about the advertising company for 'Phantom', visit Dewynters.com.

Dewynters is responsible for some of the most iconic advertising artwork for theatre in New York and London which includes the waif for 'Les Misereables', the brush-stroked helicopter for 'Miss Saigon', the girl in the wedding dress for 'Mamma Mia' and the feline's eyes for 'Cats'. Below right is the old version of the 'Phantom' logo.