Andrew Lloyd Webber takes his phenomenal "The Phantom of the Opera" and takes it beyond with the sequel "Love Never Dies." With brand new music a live performance of "Love Never Dies" was released on DVD and Blu-Ray on April 11 2012.
Following the insistent which brought the "Opera Populaire" to ruins Christine Daae, played by Anna O'Byrne, and Raoul, played by Simon Gleeson, are married with a child, Gustave, played by Jack Lyall, when they are invited to Coney Island by a mysterious Mr. X, the phantom, Played by Ben Lewis, to sing at the opening of his new opera house.
The musical numbers for this sequel match the rock opera style of the original. They become surprisingly metaphoric as mysterious get unveiled and truths become apparent.
The songs allowed each performer to showcase their talents while keeping the story going as everything gets tied together and scandal breaks out.
"Beneath a Moonless Sky" is much like the original soundtrack with powerful instrumentals and the classic style of opera singing that has worked so well to convey class and prestige. This song brings forth probably the most shocking secret which throws "Phantom" fans in a spin.
More to the style of this rock opera "The Beauty Underneath" is a spectacular number which brings the vocal talent of young Gustave to a duet with the phantom through which both exhibit tremendous talent.
An incredibly melodious song "Devil Take the Hindmost" has two versions. The most spectacular has Christine, Raoul, Giry, played by MarÃa Mercedes, and the phantom take parts to create a glorious number that reaches show-stopper status.
Title track "Love Never Dies" performed by Christine as the opening number for the phantom's new opera house is stunning. On stage with a peacock inspired dress that helped Christine stand out marvelously and added to the incredible vocals and ingenious lyrics.
The finale comes with much shock and ends the story well although on a down note.
I give this sequel a 4 out of 5 Popcorns. The story is fitting and adequately continues the mysterious and dark story of the phantom. The acting is very well done with great vocal talent. The soundtrack will amaze even the biggest phantom fans.