Nefertiti: A Musical Romance is a revised version of Nefertiti, which played 40 performances at Chicago's Blackstone Theatre in the seventies starring Andrea Marcovicci and Michael Nouri. The new production will be directed and choreographed by Robert Johanson and will begin Florida previews May 4.
The official opening is scheduled for May 7, and the limited engagement will run through May 15. Nicole Leach will star in the title role with Ann Crumb as Queen Tiye, Alan H. Green as the soldier Hap, Nicholas Rodriguez as Pharaoh Akhenaten, Avery Sommers as Penmut and George Merner as Aye. The company also includes Daniel Boothe as Smenkhare, Larry Robinson as Shabak, Michael Finke as Tut, Jonathan Tilkin and Brandon Marder as young Tut and Laura Sky Herman and Haley Margo as Meret, the young princess and daughter of Nefertiti. The ensemble comprises Mark Harmon, Ezequiel Hernandez, Jessica Lovinelli, Jamie McDaniel, Arbender J. Robinson, Ben Bagby, Diana D'Ambrosia, Desmon N. Walker and Lawrence Candelario.
Nefertiti, A Musical Romance is, according to press notes, "a timeless love story set in the most turbulent and dramatic era of Ancient Egypt, when Nefertiti and her mystical husband the Pharaoh Akhenaten ignited a 17-year artistic and spiritual revolution. The radical royal couple introduced the concept of one god, threw out all the old gods of Egypt. They abandoned the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes for a stunning new city they built on the shores of the Nile. They created the most magnificent art Egypt has ever known, including most of the treasures discovered in King Tut's tomb. In this musical, Nefertiti — torn between the two men who love her — is the driving force behind the revolution."
Nefertiti features music by David Spangler. The late Christopher Gore wrote the show's original book and lyrics. After his death, his brother Rick teamed with Spangler to revive the musical. Two readings and two productions followed. The success of the 2004 Chicago production inspired the creative team to bring the musical to Florida before heading to Broadway. The remainder of the creative team features Michael Anania (set design), Estela Vranovich (costume design) and Jeff Quin (lighting design).
The Parker Playhouse is located at 707 NE 8th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets, priced at $45, are available by calling (954) 763-2444 or (800) 233-3123. Visit www.nefertitithemusical.com for more information.
