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Broadway’s longest-running production of all time celebrates a triumphant quarter century on stage with THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL, coming to Blu-ray – with perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound – DVD, On Demand and Digital Download on February 7, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. On October 2, 2011, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and producer Cameron Mackintosh marked the 25th anniversary of their beloved musical extravaganza, “The Phantom of the Opera,” with a lavishly staged production at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall that was beamed live via satellite to cinemas across the globe. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL, marks the first time a live performance of the blockbuster musical has been made available for home viewing, making it a must-have anniversary release for fans everywhere.
The Phantom of the Opera is undoubtedly a classic musical that many people would insist is a must‐see. To celebrate the release of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand on February 7, we will highlight ten other musicals that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime, including Fiddler on the Roof, Les Misérables, and Wicked.
Fiddler on the Roof
Fiddler on the Roof is a Tony Award® winning musical which originally appeared on Broadway in 1964. Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, Fiddler on the Roof is set in pre-revolutionary Russia, and tells the story of a poor Jewish peasant who must contend with marrying off his three daughters while anti-Semitic sentiment threatens his home. This classic musical has been a critical darling for nearly 50 years, and includes popular songs like "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were A Rich Man" and "Sunrise, Sunset." Fiddler on the Roof is currently touring nationally, but if you miss a show in your city, you can always rent the fantastic 1971 film version staring Topol as Tevye.
Les Miserables
Les Misérables made its debut London’s West End over 25 years ago, and has had an incredibly successful run throughout the world since then. Les Mis, as it is affectionately known among fans, is the tale of Jean Valjean, a Frenchman imprisoned for stealing bread, who must flee a police officer named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France. Les Mis has been translated into 21 languages, has played in 41 countries, and been seen by more than 55 million people! Les Mis is currently touring the US, and a big screen adaptation of the musical is set to hit theaters this year.
Wicked
After a successful trial run in San Francisco, Wicked opened on Broadway in 2003. Since then, this adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s novel has won 35 major awards, become a favorite of fans and critics, and received widespread attention from the use of its songs and sets on the hit TV show “Glee.” Wicked is the story of the witches of Oz, told long before Dorothy and Toto came along. Wicked tells the story of how the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good came to be, and includes some breathtaking songs, including “Defying Gravity.” You can currently see Wicked on Broadway, or on its national tour.
West Side Story
West Side Story debuted in 1957, and is a musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet set in New York City. In it, rival street gangs (the Jets and the Sharks) battle for territory and respect. But when the Jets’ former leader, Tony, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the Sharks’ leader, the unlikely couple is forced to choose between love and their obligations. Aside from being adapted into a fantastic musical film in 1961, West Side Story has won countless theater awards, been adapted to be performed as a ballet, and boasts some of the most memorable dances and songs in the history of Broadway, including “America,” “I Feel Pretty,” “Maria” and “Something’s Coming.” The production is currently touring nationally.
A Chorus Line
Simply put, A Chorus Line is a 1975 musical about Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line in a large-scale production. This is the story of young, hopefully dancers looking for their big break. Since it’s debut in 1975, A Chorus Line has toured the world and become a widely recognized and revered musical theater institution. A Chorus Line has won a myriad of awards, including nine Tony’s, and is the longest running American Broadway Musical of all time. The production completed a national tour in 2011, so you may want to check out the 1985 film adaptation.
A Little Shop of Horrors
1982’s Little Shop of Horrors was actually an off-Broadway musical based on the 1960 film of the same name. The musical, which tells the story of a meek flower shop assistant who happens upon a man-eating plant (which he names “Audrey II” after his co-worker and crush, Audrey), was turned into a hilarious movie musical Starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene and Steve Martin in 1986. Little Shop is one of the longest running off-Broadway musicals, and finally saw a Broadway debut in 2003. This quirky musical uses a series of puppets to show Audrey II’s growth and features many different styles of music, a Greek chorus, and a demented dentist.
Hair
HAIR, the first great rock musical, opened on Broadway in 1968 and tells the story of a group of friends choosing to sing out in celebration of love, life and freedom. HAIR features some of Broadway’s most infectious songs, including "Let the Sun Shine In," “Good Morning Starshine," "Aquarius" and "Hair." This musical is notable for many reasons, among them the controversy that has surrounded the production, mainly due to its inclusion of a nude scene. HAIR is currently touring the US, but if you can’t make it out to a show, the 1979 film adaptation is a suitable substitution for the live show.
Avenue Q
The hilarious musical Avenue Q opened on Broadway in 2003 following a successful off-Broadway stint. This Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of a recent college grad who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets many colorful characters that help him discover the meaning in his life. Avenue Q is known for being “part flesh, part felt” and for its outrageous content, including songs like “The Internet Is For Porn” and “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist.” Avenue Q has successfully toured the US and is currently playing off-Broadway in New York.
Hairspray
Hairspray is based on the 1988 film of the same name, and it debuted on Broadway in 2002. Hairspray tells the story of an overweight teenager living in Baltimore in the ‘60s whose dream is to be a dancer on a local “American Bandstand”-type show. Hairspray has successfully toured the United States, won eight Tony Awards, and inspired the 2007 movie musical of the same name. Hairspray’s live shows often feature famous faces in the cast, Matthew Morrison, Nick Jonas, and Ashley Angel Parker.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Another of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical theater gems, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opened on Broadway in 1982 after a successful start in the UK. Joseph is often produced by schools and colleges, and is (in most productions) completely devoid of dialogue, technically making it an opera. The show’s story is taken from the Bible, and follows Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob, through his incredible life including time as a slave in Egypt and working as the Pharaoh’s right hand man. Some notable pop stars including Donny Osmond, Jason Donovan and Lee Mead have played the title character. The 1999 film version staring Donny Osmond as Joseph is a fairly accurate representation of the stage show if you are unable to find a production in your area.
In order to win your very own copy of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall on Blu-ray, simply answer the following question:
Who produced THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL?
A. Cameron Mackintosh
B. David Merrick
C. Barry and Fran Weisler
Giveaways end at midnight EST on Wednesday, February 29th.
