'Cleopatra' Musical is Part of Midtown Int. Theatre Fest.

In the entire world, few names can conjure up powerful images of beauty and sensuality as "Cleopatra." Now, her timeless story is brought musically to life in Cheryl E. Kemeny's CLEOPATRA - A LIFE UNPARALLELED, as part of the Ninth Annual Midtown International Theatre Festival. Co-directed by Kemeny (who also wrote the book, music and lyrics) and Char Fromentin, the show will begin performances on July 16th at the June Havoc Theatre at the Abington Arts Complex, located at 312 West 36th Street.

Most well known today as the lover of Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, Cleopatra was far more than just a royal consort. Born into a country rife with intrigue and suspicion, Cleopatra quickly lost the bloom of youthful ignorance, learning the importance of duty and the mantra of the ruling class to "kill or be killed." Ascending to the throne upon the death of her weak-willed father, her attempts to rule were undermined by her ambitious younger brother, whose efforts only succeeded in plunging the country into a civil war.

Then there was the matter of Rome. Although many in Egypt wanted to fight these invaders until the streets ran red with blood, Cleopatra realized the futility of such an action. Rather she wanted Egypt to become part of the Roman Empire, enjoying its protection, while remaining a power in its own right. This required her to form an alliance with Julius Caesar (using her own body as collateral), an act which was not well received back in Rome (and which may have led to Caesar's final downfall). Soon after Cleopatra saw her protector cruelly snatched away, she found new opportunities (and love) in the arms of Marc Antony.

Whether thought of as a beloved Queen or disparagingly referred to as "that woman", through it all, Cleopatra wanted only one thing - a strong Egypt. But while she made great strides to that end, she could never win over her detractors, always having to deal with gossip, second-guessing (as portrayed here in the classic Greek chorus manner), and predictions of doom which foreshadowed her final downfall and descent into legend.

Told with musical styles which include sensual romantic melodies, blues-rock rhythms, Latin and reggae, CLEOPATRA - A LIFE UNPARALLELED transports the audience to a time where the major form of news was gossip and innuendo; where centers of power were hotbeds of jealousy and death; where marriages were often mere things of convenience; and where nations made war against their neighbor simply because they could. This is the world (69 BC - 30 BC) Crystal Theatre invites you to join as they present the sensual and wondrous story of Cleopatra, who loved and owned the hearts of two of the most powerful men in the world and ruled Egypt with the strength and passion that only the true "Queen of the Nile" could possess.

 The cast for CLEOPATRA - A LIFE UNPARALLELED features Matthew Surapine, Melissa Labbadia, Jessica Labbadia, Gregory Kisken, Kyle Alexander Brenn, Samantha Kulish, Jennifer Van Buskirk, Daniel Hague, David Vogel, Joe Santaniello, Cidalia Alves and Laura Piacenza. This production is an Equity Approved Showcase.

Cheryl E. Kemeny (book music and lyrics, musical director & co-director) is the author and composer of over 30 musicals including A Spinning Tale (Playhouse 91, NYC, 1990). Ellis Island (Moss Hart Award Winner, 1996), Living the American Dream (Moss Hart Honorable Mention, 1998), and The Snow Queen (Moss Hart Honorable Mention, 2001. She has directed more than 95 separate productions and is the recipient of a playwright fellowship from the CT Commission on the Arts to write Mother Jones & the March of the Mill Children (1997). Founder of the Crystal Opera in 1993, Cheryl is also the co-founder and artistic director of Crystal Theatre, Inc a non-profit 501C-3 performing arts school and theatre presenter.

Char Fromentin (choreographer & co-director) has been the choreographer-in-residence at Crystal Theatre for the past 18 years; as well as the proprietor of Dance Dimensions dance studios for 25 years. She has choreographed 30 original musicals for Crystal Theatre, including the award-winning Ellis Island, Whistleville, Perseus the Dragonslayer, The Snow Queen and The Red Shoes.

Founded in 1987, Crystal Theatre, Inc. is an independent, non-profit performing arts school. Upcoming works include a Crystal Opera production of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Gondoliers starring Joe Santaniello, Dave Vogel, Cidalia Alves, Daniel Hague and Martin Everall on August 16 & 17. Later this year will see the world premiere of a student written musical, Silent Knight, by Kyle Brenn and a full scale production Whistleville by Cheryl E. Kemeny. Additional information on the company can be found at www.crystaltheatre.org.

Running through August 3rd, CLEOPATRA - A LIFE UNPARALLELED will be performed at the June Havoc Theatre in the Abingdon Arts Complex, located at 312 West 36th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues) on the 1st Floor. Show times are Wednesday, July 16th at 6:30pm, Saturday, July 19th at 3:45pm, Tuesday, July 22nd at 8:30pm, Thursday, July 31st at 8:30pm, Saturday, August 2nd at 12:30pm and Sunday, August 3rd at 3pm. Tickets are $18.00, $15.00 for students and seniors. Reservations: 212-279-4200 or www.ticketcentral.com. Additional information on the Midtown International Theatre Festival can be found at www.midtownfestival.org.  The press are invited to all performances.

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