World Premiere Musical - 'Miami Libre'

WORLD PREMIERE

THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER'S ORIGINAL PRODUCTION

MIAMI LIBRE - A PULSATING NEW STAGE MUSICAL 

Created in Miami, the show features the music of "Miami's Best Latin Band" TIEMPO LIBRE, television star JENCARLOS CANELA, Cuban-born actress/dancer EVERLAYN BORGES, clothing provided by CUBAVERA, A PERRY ELLIS COMPANY, sets by Alejandro Muguerza of LE BASQUE, inspired by renowned visual artist PABLO CANO..and much more.  

Previews begin July 25

Premieres July 30

John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall 

The Adrienne Arsht Center's 2008 summer season heats up with the world premiere of MIAMI LIBRE, a new bilingual stage musical about a musician's search for love and liberty from Miami to Havana, that unites our community's most talented musicians, dancers, and creative artists. Starring Telemundo NBC telenovela star Jencarlos Canela and Cuban-born actress and dancer Everlayn Borges, this sexy new musical, produced by the Adrienne Arsht Center, features the music of Grammy-nominated timba band Tiempo Libre (named Miami's Best Latin Band 2008 by New Times) and the hottest dancers north of Havana. 

"In addition to uniting Miami's best talent, Miami Libre brings to this community a new style of entertainment – we are transforming the Knight Concert Hall into one of the city's hottest nightclubs, complete with cabaret-style seating and drink service provided by 10 Cane Rum and Restaurant Associates. The show culminates with the audience invited to dance on stage, with Tiempo Libre and the cast, so bring your dancing shoes!" said Scott Shiller, executive vice president of the Adrienne Arsht Center and the show's executive producer.  

MIAMI LIBRE is a tale of two cities – Havana and Miami – unified by the spirit of one people and a passionate celebration of Cuban music and the millions who carry it in their hearts. 

Directed by Toby Gough, MIAMI LIBRE features the music of the internationally touring timba band Tiempo Libre, under the musical direction of Jorge Gomez. Widely recognized for creating rhythms that explode in "dance-floor ecstasy" (Descarga.com,) Tiempo Libre has been nominated for two Grammy Awards. Gough is the creator of the hit Lady Salsa, which was a sell-out at the Edinburgh Festival, the world's largest festival of the arts, and later, ran for 16 months in London's West End before touring Australia.

The lead role of "Pepito" is performed by Miami-born actor, singer, entertainer and New World School of the Arts graduate Jencarlos Canela, star of Telemundo NBC Network's "Idolos de Juventud" and "Pecados Ajenos." Cuban-born actress and dancer Everlayn Borges stars opposite Canela as "Maria." A student of the prestigious School for Performing Arts in Havana, Borges defected from Cuba while on tour in Mexico with a Cuban dance troupe. She performed for several years with Julio Iglesias, touring internationally as a singer and principal dancer and soloist, and recently played "Miss Cuba" in Michael Mann's film Miami Vice.  

"MIAMI LIBRE is not only an important milestone in the evolution of the Adrienne Arsht Center from presenter to producer, but it is also important for the greater Miami community to memorialize our city's unique story," said Shiller. "We are creating this exciting musical in Miami, about Miami, and with the city's best dancers, designers, and musicians each of whom have the story of MIAMI LIBRE in their heart." 

Miami Libre was conceived by Miami residents Jorge Gomez (of Tiempo Libre) and IMG Managing Director Elizabeth Sobol. Lorenzo Ramos, designer for Miami's Perry Ellis Cubavera line, will provide clothing to costume designer Charlotte Devaux (Shields.) Devaux has designed costumes for more than 30 productions at the Tony Award-winning Old Globe Theatre and has designed costumes for Gough's productions in New Zealand, Sydney and London.  Alejandro Muguerza, co-founder of  LeBasque, will design the sets that will transform the Center's John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall into a hot Miami nightclub.  Born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in the United States, Muguerza with Miami-based visual artist Pablo Cano, will transport Miami audiences from Havana of the 50's to present day Miami with theatrical magic. The creative team also features the local talents of choreographer Rolando Ferre, lighting designer Tony Tur, and sound designer Steven Shapiro. 

MIAMI LIBRE runs from July 30 through August 17 with performances at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 5p.m. on Sundays and late-night performances at 11 p.m. on the weekends (Fridays and Saturdays.) 

Tickets for the reduced-priced previews, July 25-29, are $10 off the regular price. 

For this world premiere presentation, the Center will employ its unique festival floor configuration where a platform is placed over the seats at the orchestra level to create cabaret-style seating and plenty of room to get up and dance.  

Tickets are $40 for Theater seating, $50 for Cabaret Seating, and $87.50 for VIP Cabaret Seating. To purchase tickets, visit www.arshtcenter.org or call the Adrienne Arsht Center Box Office at (305) 949-6722. For groups 15 or more contact (786) 468-2326.

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