Producers of Angels The Musical announced July 23 that due to technical requirements, the production will not play its previously announced Louisiana engagement.

In a statement producer Marcus Cheong said, "We are very disappointed to not be able to debut Angels in Shreveport as planned. Angels is a very complex production with specific needs and, of course, can only be performed when absolutely ready. Everyone at The Strand and the wonderful people of Shreveport have been very warm and supportive, and we hope to eventually play that legendary theater."

Angels is, however, still aiming for a Broadway bow at a theatre to be announced during the 2008-2009 season.

*

Angels, which is based on Milton's "Paradise Lost" poem, will star Robert Cuccioli (Jekyll and Hyde), Jessica Grové (Sunday in the Park With George) and Nicholas Rodriguez (Tarzan) with Todd Buonopane, Kevin T. Collins, Kerri Jill Garbis, Trey Gillen, Alan H. Green, Brittney Lee Hamilton, Holly Heiser, Tim Hunter, Erica Jacob, Kolina Janneck, Melina Kalomas, Erin Kruse, Brian Mathis, Adam Monley, Kathleen Elizabeth Monteleone, Ellie Mooney, Ron Nahass, Shane Rhoades, Caesar Samayoa, Rena Strober, Molly Tynes, Kevin Vortmann and Eric William Whitehead. The musical was penned by the Australian team of Ken Lai (book, music and lyrics) and Marcus Cheong (book and lyrics). Rich Fowler will direct the production, which will feature "spectacular aerial choreography, unprecedented on Broadway," according to the producers.

Angels, press notes state, "tells the extraordinary story of the ancient war between the Angels and Lucifer's fallen minions. This timeless tale of good versus evil, hope versus despair — angels vs. demons — is told through the eyes of Sera, the Angel of Light (Grové). Though she is gifted with the power to control light, she aspires to a more heroic role. Her ambition is manipulated by Lucifer (Cuccioli), which results in tragic consequences to the Angels and the humans they protect. Sera must find the courage and power to defeat her nemesis."

The creative team also includes Skip Mercier (scenic and costume design), Lightswitch New York (lighting design and projection design), Bernard Fox (sound design), Lynne Hockney (choreography), Christopher D. Littlefield (musical director), Julie McBride (associate musical director), TDH Media (video projection content design), ZFX, Inc. (flying effects), Bettie Rogers (hair design), and J&M Special Effects (special effects).

Angels is produced by writer Marcus Cheong, Frank Monteleone, Dale Smith; Tamara Lovatt-Smith, producing associate; and Bob Blume, consulting producer.

For more information visit www.angelsthemusical.com.