Blame it on Andrew Lloyd Webber
by Mario Azzopardi


Tuesday, 23 November, 2004

Director Joel Schumacher has revealed that it was composer Andrew Lloyd Webber
who decided not to have Michael Crawford on board the film version of his superb
musical The Phantom Of the Opera.  The lead role is played by Scottish 35-year
old Gerard Butler.

Michael Crawford, 61, created the role of the Phantom on the British stage 18
years ago.

The Phantom Of The Opera is expected to debut in the UK on December 10.  KRS
Film Dist. will be releasing the film a few days later, ahead of the film's unveiling
in US cinemas.