The Phantom of the Opera, Patricia Phillips returns to the role of Carlotta

Patricia Phillips returns to the role of the outrageous opera diva �Carlotta� on 19 May 2008 in the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince, at The Majestic Theatre.

Phillips, who left the show on 22 Mar 2008, was replaced in her absence by Kim Stengel who played her firnal performance on 17 May 2008.

In addition to The Phantom of the Opera, Phillips has appeared on the Great White Way in The Secret Garden, The Sound of Music and La Boh�me. Her other theatrical credits include the national tour of Carousel and regional mountings of The Pajama Game and Man of La Mancha.

In further casting news, the role of Phantom is currently being played by understudies until John Cudia assumes the role on 22 May 2008.

The winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera has been seen by over 12.5 million people and grossed over $675 million. On 4 Apr 2008 it became the first show in Broadway history to reach 8,000 performances (it has since played over 8,300), and earlier this year, on January 26, 2008, it became the first show in Broadway history to celebrate 20 years.

The Phantom of the Opera had its world premiere on 9 Oct 1986 at Her Majesty�s Theatre in London, winning every major British theatre award including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards.

The Broadway production opened at the Majestic on 26 Jan 1988, following previews from 9 Jan and is currently booking through to 4 Oct 2008.

The musical went on to sweep the 1988 Tony Awards, winning seven, including Best Musical.

Based on the classic novel Le Fant�me de L�Op�ra by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.

The Phantom of the Opera also stars Jennifer Hope Wills as 'Christine' and Tim Martin Gleason as 'Raoul, ' and also features George Lee Andrews (Monsieur Andr�; Mr. Andrews is the only cast member to have been with the Broadway production for the entire run), David Cryer (Monsieur Firmin), Rebecca Judd (Madame Giry), Wayne Hobbs (Piangi) and Heather McFadden (Meg Giry). (At certain performances, Elizabeth Loyacano plays Christine.)

The Phantom of the Opera has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is directed by Harold Prince. Lyrics are by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe) and the book is by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The Phantom of the Opera has production design by the late Maria Bj�rnson, lighting by Andrew Bridge and sound by Martin Levan. Musical staging and choreography is by Gillian Lynne. Orchestrations are by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.