Photo Flash: Peer Gynt Opens at the Delacorte

A Norwegian production of Peer Gynt--the poetic drama by that country's most famous dramatist--is being presented at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park for three performances from October 5th through 7th. Norwegian dignitaries were present at the show's opening.

Written in verse and concerning the epic quest of a proud anti-hero, Svein Sturla Hungnes' multimedia concert staging of the 1867 work features a cast of more than 150 actors (with Hungnes in the title role). The cast also includes Kari Simonsen, Linda Øvrebø, Mari Maurstad, Stein Grønli, Rune Reksten, Karoline Kruger, and Camilla Granlien.

The American Symphony Orchestra plays the "Peer Gynt" of Edvard Grieg, which the composer wrote for the play; Timothy Myers will conduct. Nina Moen leads the Peer Gynt chamber choir. The production--which has been annually staged at the Peer Gynt Festival on Norway's Lake Gålåusical to huge crowds--also features arrangements by Atle Halstensen and film direction by Arne Rostad. The production isperformed in English.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to Peer Gynt are $145 and $95; visit www.ticketcentral.com.