Frank Wildhorn's THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO to open March 14 in St. Gallen, Switzerland

14 March 2009 will see the world premiere of the musical The Count of Monte Cristo at the Theatre of St.Gallen. Based on the success novel by Alexandre Dumas and a number of screen adaptations, the thrilling story now makes it to the stage as a musical for the first time. For this production the leading team around Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn was very much focused on bringing the emotions, passions, and the intense narrative style of the novel to life in the musical too. In its realisation, director Andreas Gergen combines raving fighting and fencing scenes, emotional moments, sweeping melodies, and a dramatic story-line within the framework of an impressive mise-en-scène.

Many know the story of The Count of Monte Cristo: Edmond Dantès is arrested through the unscrupulousness of his rivals Mondego and Danglar, and is sentenced by judge Villefort. While innocent Dantès languishes in jail for many years, Danglar is promoted to baron and banker. Villefort has made it to crown prosecutor, and Mondego is not only married to Mercédès, Dantès' fiancée, but has become a Paris' top society member.

Meanwhile in the prison, Edmond becomes a docile disciple of Abbé Faria, who shortly before his death, makes him heir of the treasure on the isle of Monte Cristo. Dantès manages to escape, and he swears bitter revenge...

Alexandre Dumas, one of the major playwrights and novelists of the 19th century, drew the source material for The Count of Monte Cristo from the police archives of Paris. The result proved to be a thrilling play about power, powerlessness, crime and punishment, love and honour.

The title role of The Count of Monte Cristo will be portrayed on stage by German musical star Thomas Borchert. He already sang the title role in the European premiere of Frank Wildhorn's Dracula in St.Gallen, and is renowned with the fan public from his appearances in Cats, Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Elisabeth and many more musicals.

Infobox:

Konzert und Theater St.Gallen

Premiere: Saturday 14 March 19:30 h, Grosses Haus

Subsequent performances:

16, 20, and 29 March 2009 at 19:30 h

14, 25, and 26 April 2009 at 19:30 h

26 April 2009 at 14:30 h

21, 23, and 30 May 2009 at 19:30 h

1 and 6 June 2009 at 19:30 h

www.theatersg.ch