With worldwide box office sales of more than $3 billion, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” is returning to Boston -- this time to The Opera House -- for eight weeks only, March 30 through May 22. The Cameron Mackintosh / Really Useful Theatre Company production is being directed by award-winning Hal Prince.

The recipient of more than 50 international theatre awards and honors, including seven 1988 Tony Awards including Best Musical, “Phantom” celebrates its 17th Anniversary on Broadway on January 26, 2005. It ranks as the longest running show currently on Broadway.

Based on the classic novel by Gaston Leroux, “The Phantom of the Opera” tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it.

He falls in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents through every devious method at his command.

“The Phantom of the Opera” had its world premiere on October 9, 1986, at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End. It won every major British theatre award including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards. The New York production opened on January 26, 1988, and a then-record advance of $18 million. In addition to its seven Tonys, the production won seven Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Casting for the touring company is yet to be announced.

The original London cast recording was the first in British musical history to enter the music charts at the Number One slot. It has since gone both gold and platinum in Britain and the United States, selling more than 25 million copies.

For tickets, call 617-931-2787, stop by the Wilbur, Colonial or Opera House box offices or visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

-- OnStage Boston

12/2/04