Herbert's Comic Operetta THE SERENADE Returns to NYC for First Time in 100 Years

THE SERENADE is Victor Herbert's wildly popular comic operetta, which returns in its original form to New York City for the first time in over 100 years. In 1897, when Herbert composed THE SERENADE, he forever changed the landscape of theater by transforming traditional Viennese operetta into an American form of musical comedy.

VHRP Live is proud to present a lightly staged performance of THE SERENADE in a strictly-limited, two-night engagement, tonight, April 27th, and tomorrow, April 28th, 2016, given at 8pm both evenings at 120 West 69th Street, at Christ and St Stephen's Church, between Broadway and Columbus Avenue in New York City.

THE SERENADE is considered an American masterpiece because of its ground-breaking melody which evolves in style and complexity. Herbert's marvelous score and Harry B. Smith's comical lyrics are matched perfectly in songs such as "Cupid And I," "I Love Thee, I Adore Thee," "The Singing Lesson," "Gaze On This Face," "Song of the Carbine," "A Duke of High Degree," "Woman Lovely Woman," in a light-hearted plot involving a near-sighted duke wooing the gal a youthful suitor wants to steal away.

20 resident artists comprise VHRP Live's roster of exceptional talent. Among the performers featured in THE SERENADE cast are Brian Kilday, Vira Slywotzky, Bray Wilkins, Natalie Ballenger, Matthew Wages, Stephen Faulk, David Seatter, Glenn Seven Allen, Daniel Greenwood, and Katherine Corle. Additional company members are Drew Bolander, Chelsea Friedlander, Jovani McCleary, Angela Christine Smith, Sarah Caldwell Smith, and Seph Stanek. Music Director Michael Thomas conducts, William Hicks accompanies on piano, and Emily Cornelius choreographs. Original book and lyrics by Harry B. Smith, 2016 book adapted by Alyce Mott. Stage managed by Leah R. Vogel.

Save $5 by ordering $10-$30 tickets online at www.vhrplive.org before April 26th or buy $10-$35 tickets for sale at the box office at 7:30pm on Wednesday, April 27th and Thursday, April 28th, 2016, at 8pm, in Christ and St Stephen's Church, 120 West 69th Street, New York City.

THE SERENADE is the finale to the 2015/16 season of Victor Herbert Renaissance Project Live. The season showcases music and lyrics from Herbert's comic operettas to highlight his wicked and whimsical wit. VHRP Live is on a mission to restore Herbert's popularity among contemporary audiences, and is the only company in the world devoted exclusively to Victor Herbert. An Irish-born musician, composer and conductor, Herbert is known as "the master of American melody," and is arguably the most important theatrical composer of early 20th century America.