‘Phantom’ Mania

NBC will begin filming a two-part version of the turn-of-the-century Gaston Leroux horror classic, “The Phantom of the Opera,” next month in Paris. The four-hour opus, written by playwright Arthur Kopit, is produced by Edgar Scherick and Haim Saban; Tony Richardson directs. It’s one of several “Phantom” film projects in the works, with principal roles uncast at this writing.

Richardson told us that his initial response to the project was, “Who wants to see another one?” He changed his mind, he said, after reading Kopit’s script.

“What set it apart from the other film and stage versions is its emphasis on the back story,” the director said. “The musical virtually eliminated who the man was and the films only touch upon it lightly. In our version, we find out about him long before he’s disfigured and get to know his family environment.

“It’s about one’s aspirations being dashed to bits, which is pretty potent drama.”