Andrew Lloyd Webber Hints At Theatrical Production Based On Profumo Scandal

Andrew Lloyd Webber On Taking Cold War Scandal To Stage

Andrew Lloyd Webber, creator of the most successful theatrical production in history "The Phantom of the Opera," is trying his hand at a scandalous story with more of a political edge. In a radio interview, Webber announced his interest in the 1963 Profumo scandal; the Cold War affair across enemy lines, the Guardian reports.

It's no surprise this dramatic trifecta involving politicians, lust and death is appealing for a theatrical production. Webber -- who has composed a number of well-known productions, including "Evita," "Starlight Express," "Cats" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" -- has a lot of material to work with.

The Profumo incident involved Britain Secretary of State for War John Profumo's affair with Christine Keeler, mistress of alleged Russian spy Stephen Ward. Not only was the scandal swathed in the red of Sovietism, but Profumo went on to lie about the affair in the House of Commons and was forced to resign when the truth came to light. Ward committed suicide on the last day of being tried for immoral earnings of living off the profits of prostitution.

Though "Profumo" is still in the works, Webber's long awaited sequel to "Phantom of the Opera," "Love Never Dies," is making its premier in the U.S. on Feb, 28 and March 7 on the silver screen. The production was filmed in Melbourne in 2011 after unfavorable fan reception halted the original plans of taking the show to Broadway. Webber, however, is keeping the faith that it will get there, someday.

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