The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most beautiful and spectacular musicals in the history of theater, which has so far been performed in front of over 160 million people, in 46 countries
Thursday 12th of December 2024
On 10th December, a press conference was held at the Sava Center to announce the arrival of the world's most popular musical, "The Phantom of the Opera" by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which will have its premiere in front of local audience with only 7 performances as part of its international tour, from 22nd to 29th April, 2025 at the Sava Center. All fans of the legendary show can register at www.phantomoftheopera.rs and be among the first to reserve their seats in the early ticket sales phase.
Enchanting audiences around the world for decades, The Phantom of the Opera has become one of the most successful shows in the history of the entertainment industry, winning more than 70 major theatre awards, including seven Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards, as well as one for Best Musical. The original production premiered in London's West End in 1987, where it ran continuously for 38 years.
Based on the classic novel "Le Fantome de L'Opera" by Gaston Leroux, and set in the magnificent Paris of the 1930s, it tells the story of a musical prodigy known only as "The Phantom" who lurks within the depths of the Paris Opera House.
Mesmerized by the talent and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, the Phantom lures her to become his protege and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine's love for Raoul, the Phantom's obsession sets the stage for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passion collide.
On Tuesday, 10th December, at a press conference, Georgia Wilkinson, who plays the female lead Christine, said that the role is huge and demanding: "In my opinion, this is the greatest female role in all of musicals. I am lucky to play this role, but with luck comes a certain amount of sacrifice. I trained as an opera singer and that took years. I thought I was ready for these kinds of challenges, but when I got the role of Christine I had to be very careful. The role is very demanding. It is certainly a worthwhile sacrifice and I am happy to make it because I feel lucky to be able to play this role," says Georgia Wilkinson, adding that she grew up listening to "The Phantom of the Opera" even before she decided to become a singer.
Executive producer of "Broadway Entertainment Group", James Bilios said that it has always been his dream to have a version of "The Phantom of the Opera" in his production and that he is pleased that they have the opportunity to present it in Belgrade: "I think the Serbian people will love this show. It is passionate, powerful and has a clear and beautiful message. The costumes are extraordinary, as well as the design and choreography," said Bilios.
Sava Center Director Kristina Milincic expressed her pleasure for having the opportunity to announce the arrival of the Broadway production in Belgrade: "Sava Center will host a world-class spectacle. This is truly one of the most beautiful, but also the most prestigious projects in the history of theater, as well as an opportunity for Belgrade to become part of the global cultural scene," said Milincic.
Milincic expressed her hope that "The Phantom of the Opera" will attract visitors from different parts of the world to Belgrade. "We are very proud that we will be able to contribute to strengthening the cultural identity of Belgrade, but also that we will have the opportunity to enable people to have this unique experience in our facility that has enchanted millions of people around the world," added Milincic.
"Ticket Vision" director Natasa Sosevic said the musical is "a spectacle for which there is no age limit." "It is truly a wonderful event of exceptional importance for the city of Belgrade, for all of Serbia and the region," Sosevic said.
According to her, the realization of such an event is demanding and the Sava Center is the only place that has the capacity to support such a production. "24 trucks of equipment are arriving and over a hundred people will be on stage. There is really a lot going on and it would be a shame to miss such a spectacle", Sosevic said.
With a cast, crew and orchestra, stunning sets, breathtaking special effects and over 230 costumes, The Phantom of the Opera features some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous and exciting masterpieces, including "The Phantom of the Opera", "Think of Me" and "The Music of the Night". The original recording of the cast, with over 40 million copies sold worldwide, is the best-selling cast recording of all time!
The Phantom of the Opera is coming to Belgrade, produced by "Broadway Entertainment Group", and presented to local audiences by "The Locals Experience" in collaboration with "Really Useful Group" and "Ticket Vision".
A limited number of this spectacular play will be performed at Belgrade’s Sava Center from 22nd to 29th April, 2025.
Photo: Broadway Entertainment Group
