Cuccioli, Grove and Rodriguez Head ANGELS Staged Readings 12/16

Angels, the new Broadway-bound musical about an Angel who discovers her place and purpose, will receive two staged readings (3:30 & 7PM) on Tuesday, December 16th at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street). Written by the new Australian team of Ken Lai (book, music and lyrics) and Marcus Cheong (book and lyrics), the readings will feature Robert Cuccioli, Jessica Grové and Nicholas Rodriguez in the leading roles. Direction is by Rich Fowler.

Angels tells the extraordinary story of the ancient war between the Angels and Lucifer's fallen minions. This timeless tale of good versus evil, hope versus despair-angels versus demons- is told through the eyes of Sera, the Angel of Light (Grové). Though she is gifted with the power to control light, she aspires to a more heroic role. Her ambition is manipulated by Lucifer (Cuccioli), which results in tragic consequences to the Angels and the humans they protect. Sera must find the courage and power to defeat her nemesis.

Angels was imagined by two University of Sydney students (Cheong and Lai) in 2002 (the two met in 1997 when they collaborated on their first musical). Cheong, then a 24-year-old architecture graduate, wrote the book and lyrics, and Lai, a budding aeronautical engineer, composed the music. They soon abandoned those fields of study to pursue their theatrical careers (their unique journey is the subject of an Australian public television network documentary currently being filmed).

Angels is produced by Marcus Cheong, Frank Monteleone and Dale Smith. The design team is comprised of: Skip Mercier (Scenic & Costume Design), Lightswitch New York/Howard Werner & Charles Foster (Lighting Design & Projection Design), Bernard Fox (Sound Design), TDH Media (Video Projection Content Design), Lynne Hockney (Movement Director & Choreographer), Christopher D. Littlefield (Musical Director), ZFX, Inc. (Flying Effects), Bettie Rogers (Hair Design), and J&M Special Effects (Special Effects). The reading is being staged by Marlyne Afflack.

Additional Angels announcements, Broadway dates and theater will be announced soon.

For further information, go to www.angelsthemusical.com.    

Photo credit: Linda Lenzi