Sarasota Arts & Culture Magazine - September/October 2007 - (Page 17)

October Extra! Extra! Artworthy happenings around town. 2007 Broadway’s First Stop: The Asolo Repertory Theatre By Alizah Herman The acclaimed Asolo Repertory Theatre is hosting the pre-Broadway world premiere of A Tale of Two Cities from October 13 to November 18. Two spectacular galas mark the show’s debut: Friday evening, October 26, for the city of London, and Saturday evening, October 27, for the city of Paris. “This is Les Miserables-type magnitude,” Public Relations Manager Julia Guzman says. Jill Santoriello is the musical genius who has adapted this Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, arguably one of the greatest novels ever written. If this electrifying epic of one of fiction’s greatest love stories set in one of history’s most terrifying eras were not stirring enough, consider the masterminds behind the production on its path to Broadway. Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards had been commissioned to produce the show prior to his instatement to the Asolo. Now, this production of such outstanding magnitude is engraving Sarasota on the map of artistic and theatrical greatness. In addition to Director Edwards’ phenomenal history of directing and producing since his Australian roots, he has brought award-winning set and costume designer Tony Walton to orchestrate the scenery. Walton has won numerous Oscar, Tony and Emmy awards, as a result of his legendary work on sets for All that Jazz, Death of a Salesman and Murder on the Orient Express, among others. “I am very excited to be working with Asolo Repertory Theatre’s scenic shop where they have a very gifted staff for building and metal work, scenic painting and prop construction. It is an extremely demanding set for anything other than a very talented team. I feel really lucky to be working with such an impressive bunch. I’m sure they will deliver the goods to a Broadway quality or perhaps even better,” Walton states. Reeling Broadway further into the Sarasota, the Asolo Repertory Theatre partnered with Lakewood Ranch are sponsoring the “Curtain Up!” event at Fred’s Ballroom on Main Street, on September 28 from 7-10pm. Guests will have a chance to meet the cast and creative team behind the show. “This event will truly bring that Broadway feel to the community,” says Edwards. “This is a first for Sarasota. A huge Broadwaybound musical created right here. It is thrilling to be working on such a beautifully realized piece of musical theater with an artist of Tony Walton’s stature and brilliance. He has raised the bar for all of us working on this project,” says Edwards. Who knew the first step to Broadway would be Sarasota? Asolo Repertory Theatre is located at 5555 North Tamiami Trail. Call 941.351.9010 for more information. > CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO A TALE OF TWO CITIES PRODUCTION SOUNDTRACK www.TaleMusical.com Scenic rendering for A Tale of Two Cities; by Tony Walton. arts and culture magazine : : 17 http://www.TaleMusical.com

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Sarasota Arts & Culture Magazine - September/October 2007

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