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1-On-1 With Famed Broadway Producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Phantom of the Opera debuted on Broadway in 1985. Last year, the show's original producer, Sir Cameron Mackintosh decided it needed a facelift. Mackintosh, who has produced some of the biggest Broadway shows of all time, sat down with CBS4's Lisa Petrillo for an exclusive interview as Phantom makes its new debut at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

When the Broward Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1991, Phantom of the Opera was the opening show.

CLICK HERE To Watch Lisa Petrillo's Report 

At the helm, legendary Broadway Producer Cameron Mackintosh, who's back in South Florida launching this new touring production, with new sets and new choreography.

"After 25 years, I felt a new generation should have another go at it," said Mackintosh. "It's now a darker tale on the Phantom. It has a more gritty feel in that you do go through the dark walls and the invention of the Phantom."

Mackintosh produced more musicals than anyone else in Broadway history, including the three longest running shows of all time; Les Miserables, Cats and of course, Phantom of the Opera.

"If you had a favorite child of the theater, could you pick one?" asked Petrillo.

"I have so many children I could open an orphanage. I love them all and luckily for me they are all very different," he said laughingly.

Cameron's shows have won him countless awards.

In 1996, he was knighted by The Queen.

"Should I call you Sir?" Petrillo asked.

"No, certainly not. I only call people Sir when I'm trying to get into a restaurant, he joked.

The legendary Broadway producer made Phantom fan Sharon West's dream come true with a quick meet and greet. She's seen the show more than 80 times. Shannon caught a preview of this show earlier in the week.

"How could you have made my favorite show of all time better?" asked Sharon to Cameron after meeting him outside the theatre.

As for Cameron, creating shows that last a lifetime is something he never takes for granted.

"The fact that I've had so many shows outside my country and so many new audiences and generations of new audiences are enjoying theater more than ever before, is so fantastic," he said,

Phantom of the Opera is performing at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts now through November 30.

For more info: www.browardcenter.com

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