'Carmen' to Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse 6/5 - 7/22

A new and restaged Carmen, directed by Cirque du Soleil's Franco Dragone, will premiere at La Jolla Playhouse beginning June 5, opening June 17.

"Dragone breathes new life into Carmen, Prosper Mérimée's brutal tale of sensuality, passion and obsession, infusing it with dazzling imagery, original music and dance," states press notes, "Charged with the raw emotional power of Flamenco and original contemporary music, the classic story of love and betrayal is told from the perspective of José, a soldier who becomes ensnared by the stunningly beautiful seductress Carmen.  The world premiere musical tells a tale defined by sensuality, passion and obsession."  Contains adult language and situations.

Janien Valentine stars as Carmen, opposite Ryan Silverman as Jose.  The cast also includes Neal Benari, Genson Blimline, Iresol Cardona, Gabriel Croom, Noemi Del Rio, Tony Falcon, Maria Eberline, Jacqui Graziano, Shannon Lewis, Jorge Maldonado, Michelle Marmolejo, Caesar Samayoa, Marcos Santana, Carlos Sierra-Lopez, Shelley Thomas, Rocio Ponce, Victor Wallace and Natalia Zisa.

Featuring a book by Sarah Miles, music by John Ewbank, lyrics by Annmarie Milazzo, and direction by Franco Dragone.  Plus orchestration by Doug Katsaros, scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Suzy Benzinger, lighting design by Christopher Akerlind, sound design by Francois Bergeron, music direction/arrangement by Jeff Klitz, vocal arrangement by Annmarie Milazzo, and choreography by Sarah Miles.

Carmen begins previews June 5 with a press opening June 17 at 7PM.  Performances continue through July 22.  Show times are Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 7:30PM; Thursdays & Fridays at 8PM; Saturdays at 2 & 8PM; and Sundays at 2 & 7PM.  There are no Saturday matinees during first preview week and first week of regular run.

Performances at the Mandell Weiss Theatre at La Jolla Playhouse, located at 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037.

Tickets ($40-$100) are available by phone at 858-550-1010 or at www.lajollaplayhouse.org.  In person at the box office, located at 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037.

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