Sydney Opera House will be cloaked in the magic and mystery of Broadway's longest running musical, The Phantom of the Opera, when it opens in September.
The NSW Government has secured an eight-week season of the global sensation for the Harbour City through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
The Phantom will be played by Australian star Josh Piterman who was playing the role in London when the pandemic closed theatres globally.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the musical would play an important role in the state's ongoing road to recovery.
"Musicals and theatre productions are a major contributor to the NSW visitor economy, which is why we have been working with Health and the live performance community to get this important sector back up and thriving.
"The Phantom of the Opera is a cultural icon and we anticipate that this upcoming season at Sydney Opera House will attract more than 10,000 visitors who stay more than 25,000 nights and spend close to $6.14 million.
"We are delighted to have secured this significant coup for Sydney, which also reinforces our vision of positioning Sydney and NSW as the premier events destination of the Asia Pacific," Mr Ayres said.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said it would be the first time a professional season of the musical had been performed on an Australian stage since 2009.
"The Phantom of the Opera has captivated audiences worldwide since it opened in London's West End in 1986 and then Broadway in 1988 - evidenced by the many accolades it has won including four Olivier Awards and seven Tony Awards.
"Whether you are a musical theatre fan or occasional theatregoer, The Phantom of the Opera is a must-see favourite, and we are incredibly excited to welcome visitors to Sydney for its sought after Australian return," Mr Harwin said.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and Producer Cameron Mackintosh said, "We are thrilled to be bringing this exciting new production to Australia. The show has already proved a sensational box office success on National tours across the UK and the US.
"It is a great delight to us both that a new production which has a totally original take on our beloved Phantom has been embraced with as much enthusiasm as the brilliant original."
Opera Australia, in association with The Really Useful Group, will present Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, from 2 September to 29 October 2021.
Find out more about The Phantom of the Opera at the Sydney Opera House.
