Broadway opening
postponed for Lestat

The Broadway run of Lestat, the first stage collaboration between composer Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin, will begin later than expected, reports Playbill.com. Originally scheduled for March 11, previews at the Palace Theatre will now begin on March 25, according to the producer, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, which will use the time to refine the lavish production. The official opening is set for April 25.

Inspired by characters in Anne Rice's popular Vampire Chronicles, Lestat will mark Elton John's third musical on Broadway following The Lion King and Aida. His songs for the London hit Billy Elliott have yet to debut on the Great White Way.

In the musical's production notes, Elton John stated, "Interview With the Vampire is one of my favorite books, and Anne Rice is one of my favorite authors. Lestat is the first stage musical that I've written with Bernie, which makes it even more special for me."

Lestat's pre-Broadway tryout at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco grossed $4,315,293 during a 6 1/2 week run that ended January 29. (Advocate.com)