Contacts: Larry Aldrich/Sandy Smith Michael Seel/Cheryl Rizzo
Aldrich & Associates The Theatre @ Boston Court
sandy@aldrichpr.com michaels@bostoncourt.com
Tel: (562) 436-5156 Tel: (626) 683-6883
WORLD PREMIERE
OF ERIC WHITACRE'S "PARADISE LOST: SHADOWS AND WINGS" OPENS JULY 28 AND 29 AT
BOSTON COURT
PASADENA, Calif., July 12, 2007 -- The Theatre @ Boston Court presents the July 28th and 29th world premiere of Eric Whitacre's musical, "Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings" on the Main Stage at Boston Court, 70 North Mentor Avenue. Book and music are by Eric Whitacre and lyrics are by David Noro–a and Eric Whitacre. The musical is directed by Michael Michetti, the theatre company's co-artistic director.
"Paradise Lost" is the story of one angel who follows her heart, desperately trying to return home against impossible odds. Internationally renowned composer and conductor Whitacre explores the plight of young angels awaiting rescue in a world of violence. Blending Western music theater traditions with anime, Asian drumming and martial arts, the music combines lush, operatic singing with trance, techno, ambient rock and cinematic sounds. "Paradise Lost" is the winner of the ASCAP Harold Arlen award and gained Whitacre the prestigious Richard Rodgers Award for most promising musical theater composer.
The cast includes Annie Abrams, Seth Barnett, Dan Callaway, Brad Culver, Jason Currie, Ryan Cusino, Jessica Harwood, Lena Gwendolyn Hill, Emily Kosloski, Eddie Lopez, Rodolfo Nieto, Kevin Odekirk, Jordan T. Ogron, Hila Plitmann, Juli Robbins, Daniel Tatar, Katharine Terray, Marie M. Wallace, and Melissa WolfKlain.
The two central characters are Extasis, played by Plitmann, and Logos, played by Callaway. Plitmann is an internationally known opera soloist and recording artist. Callaway has performed on some of America's leading stages and in the national tour of "The Phantom of the Opera."
Creative team includes Greg Chun, musical director, Tom Buderwitz, scenic design, Steven Young, lighting design, Soojin Lee, costume design, Martin Carrillo, sound design, Chuck Olsen, properties design, Bubba Carr, choreography, Caleb Terray, fight choreography, Richard Landon, wing/special effects, Kirk Hanson, anime producer, Lyn Gaza and Michael Manning, anime producers and creation, Jon Garcia, technical director, Liza Tognazzini, production stage manager, Julia Flores, casting, and Mark Barna, associate producer.
Composer Whitacre has quickly become one of the most popular composers of his generation. His recent CD, "Whitacre: Cloudburst and Other Choral Works," received a 2007 Grammy nomination and has been one of the top-selling classical albums of the past year. Lyricist Noro–a is currently starring in the NBC comedy "Lipstick Jungle" and he originated the role of Franki Valli on Broadway's "Jersey Boys."
Michetti has directed The Theatre @ Boston Court's productions of "A Picture of Dorian Gray," "Pera Palas" "Summertime," and its inaugural production of "Romeo and Juliet: Antebellum New Orleans, 1836." His diverse credits include many award-winning productions at some of the Southland's leading theatres.
"Paradise Lost" previews for six performances beginning July 19, opens July 28 and 29 and runs Wednesdays through Sundays through September 2. Boston Court is holding two opening night performances to accommodate heightened interest indicated by advanced sales. Preview tickets are priced at $20 and regular performances cost $34. Senior and student discounts are also available. Tickets can be purchased online at bostoncourt.org or by calling (626) 683-6883. Boston Court is located one block north of Colorado at the corner of Mentor Ave. and Boston Ct. and offers free parking for patrons in the theatre's private lot.
"Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings" is supported in part by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Peter Schneider, Founding Director Z. Clark Branson, and the generous contributions of The Theatre @ Boston Court patrons.
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For reservations to Press Night, Saturday, July 28, 8 pm and Sunday, July 29, 7 pm, contact: sandy@aldrichpr.com
CALENDAR
The Theatre @ Boston Court presents the world premiere of Eric Whitacre's musical "Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings." on the Main Stage at Boston Court. Book and music are by Eric Whitacre and lyrics are by David Noro–a and Eric Whitacre. The musical is directed by Michael Michetti. Internationally renowned composer and conductor Whitacre explores the plight of young angels awaiting rescue in a world of violence. Blending western music theater traditions with anime, Asian drumming and martial arts, the music combines lush, operatic singing with trance, techno, ambient rock and cinematic sounds. Previews July 19 Ð 22 and 26 - 27, opens July 28 at 8 p.m. and July 29 at 7 p.m., and runs Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through September 2 at Boston Court, 70 North Mentor, Pasadena. Tickets: $20 previews, $34 regular, available online at bostoncourt.org or the box office at 626-683-6883.