Cinnabar to Present EDITH PIAF: BENEATH PARIS SKIES

Cinnabar Theater in Sonoma County rings in 2015 with the world premiere of a new cabaret celebrating a legendary chanteuse. Edith Piaf: Beneath Paris Skies opens at a special gala on New Year's Eve and continues through January 17.

Let Cinnabar seduce you with hypnotic songs of dreams and desire. Edith Piaf's unlikely life in the bars and brothels of Paris made her both tender and tough, a distinctive mix that mesmerized the world. When she shot to stardom in the 1930s, her haunting voice and heartbreaking ballads earned international acclaim. With this world premiere, five superb performers and a fabulous five-piece band take you on an enchanting trip to Europe. See Paris through Piaf's eyes with the artists who created last season's sensational tribute to Jacques Brel. Bon chance! Et bon voyage!

"Romantic, reckless, traditional, jaded - get to know the many sides of Edith Piaf in this exciting new show," said Artistic Director Elly Lichenstein. "For those who aren't familiar with her music, this is a tremendous introduction to an important artist. For those who already love the 'Little Sparrow,' this piece will reveal fascinating personal stories behind those beloved songs. Piaf was one of a kind. No one could touch her, even as her music touched millions of people. We are delighted to have such a talented team to bring this story to the stage."

Tickets for the New Year's Eve Gala are $56 and $66. Enjoy delectable desserts before the show with party favors and champagne at midnight.

Tickets for other performances are $35 for adults and $25 for ages 21 and under. Special $9 seats are available for junior-high and high-school students on January 2. Reserve seats online at any time by visiting cinnabartheater.org, or call the box office at 707-763-8920 between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays. Tickets may also be available at the door, but reservations are recommended as Cinnabar's shows often sell out.

Adapted for the stage by Valentina Osinski, Michael Van Why, and Lauren Lundgren, this new show features stage direction by Melissa Weaver and music direction by Al Haas and Robert Lunceford. The cast includes Julia Hathaway, Valentina Osinski, Kevin Singer, Michael Van Why, and Melissa Weaver accompanied by Daniel Gianola-Norris, Al Haas, Robert Lunceford, Jan Martinelli, and John Shebalin. The creative team includes Wayne Hovey (scenery), Pat Fitzgerald (costumes), Krista Smith (lights), and Joseph Favalora (choreography). The world premiere of Edith Piaf: Beneath Paris Skies is generously underwritten by Michel Snethlage and Barbara Howell.

Every year, Cinnabar Theater produces a thrilling mix of plays, musicals, operas, and concerts in a remarkable range of genres. Cinnabar's Young Rep offers extensive activities for local youth, and the Cinnabar Singers welcome anyone who wants to be part of a chorus. All these events take place in the iconic red schoolhouse perched atop a grassy hill on the outskirts of Petaluma.

Audiences have flocked to performances in this intimate setting since 1972, when Marvin and Jan Klebe established an arts center for the community. Along with their sons, they transformed a charming 1908 schoolhouse into a jewel-box theater that has hosted successful shows for four decades. Now Cinnabar kicks off another year of lively performances for its loyal audience.

Cinnabar Theater is located at 3333 Petaluma Boulevard North, just off Highway 101 and only minutes from historic downtown Petaluma. There's ample parking up on the hill... and a friendly herd of goats grazing in the neighboring field. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 707-763-8920 or visit cinnabartheater.org.

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