Phantom Sequel Love Never Dies Released on CD March 9

The Phantom of the Opera fans who can't make it to London for opening night of the musical's new "sequel," Love Never Dies, will still be able to hear the new Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) and Glenn Slater (lyrics) score for the show, which will be released on CD on March 9. The Decca Broadway cast recording (featuring The Little Mermaid's Sierra Boggess as Christine and Ramin Karimloo as The Phantom) will be released in both regular and deluxe editions. Both versions are full two-disc sets, but the deluxe will also include a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, as well as a 40-page booklet. Love Never Dies is expected to open on Broadway in November 2010.

From Broadway To Hollywood: Andrew Lloyd Webber To Mentor American Idol Contestants

On last night's broadcast of American Idol, it was announced that West End/Broadway composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (along with Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, and Mariah Carey) will serve as a "celebrity mentor" on the hit Fox TV show this season. It's a bit of a surprise, considering judge Simon Cowell frequently uses the phrase "Too Broadway!" as a slam to contestants whose singing sounds more legit than pop. And Lloyd Webber of course has had multiple hits on Broadway, including Evita, Cats, and the still-running Broadway phenomenon The Phantom of the Opera. But maybe Cowell decided to make an exception for a fellow Brit? In any case, Andrew Lloyd Webber's appearance on the show is bound to be a "Broadway week", giving the nation exposure to some (hopefully) terrific Broadway tunes.