Webber support for U.K. school

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, the charitable org founded by the mega-successful legit composer, will donate 3.54 million ($5.69 million) to Arts Educational Schools, one of the U.K.'s pre-eminent musical theater centers. Donation will cover all estimated building costs, surveys, statutory applications and costs for a complete refurbishment project for the drama school, which offers undergraduate musical theater and acting training for stage, film and TV. Founded in 1919, its alumni run from Julie Andrews to Catherine Zeta-Jones. "The new facilities will provide an ideal environment for the students to take advantage of the exemplary training the School is renowned for," said Lloyd Webber. Composer makes something of a Broadway return this season, with new productions of his tuners "Evita" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" opening in the spring to play alongside his Rialto longrunner "The Phantom of the Opera." Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com