Previews begin June 5 for the new stage adaptation of the classic tale, which opens June 17 at the California company's Mandell Weiss Theatre for a run through July 22. Casting is yet to be announced.
Joining Dragone — veteran of Cirque du Soleil as well as the Las Vegas productions of Celine Dion's "A New Day..." and Le Rêve — on his first musical theatre venture will be designers Klara Zieglerova (scenic), Christopher Akerlind (lighting), Suzy Benzinger (costume) and François Bergeron (sound designer).
"It is my pleasure to share the amazing creative team that I am privileged to work with on Carmen," stated Dragone in a release. "They are key players in helping to make my vision of this new musical theatre piece a reality."
Based on Prosper Mérimée's novella, the new work follows the classic story told from the perspective of a soldier who falls for a beautiful gypsy seductress.
The show features music by John Ewbank, lyrics by AnnMarie Milazzo and a book by Sarah Miles. Ewbank also provides orchestrations with Martin Erskine and Roque Banos. Milazzo handles vocal arrangements. Miles choreographs. Jeff Klitz serves as music director and arranger. Dramaturgy is by Jean-Claude Carriere. The production team also includes Phyllis Schray (production stage manager), Justin Mabardi (stage manager), Jenny Slattery (assistant stage manager), Terry Berliner (associate director) and Peter J. Davis (production manager).
The new season at La Jolla will also include Theatre de la Jeune Lune's co production The Deception (June 17-Aug. 19), Frank Galati's after the quake (July 24-Aug. 26), Elmer Rice's The Adding Machine (Sept. 11-Oct. 7), Mark O'Donnell, Thomas Meehan, David Javerbaum and Adam Schlesinger's musical Cry-Baby (Oct. 30-Dec. 16), Will Power's The Seven (Feb. 12-March 16, 2008) and a Page to Stage workshop production of the Mark Bennett-Jessica Hagedorn musical Most Wanted (Oct. 2-14).
Subscriptions for the 2007 season at La Jolla Playhouse, on the corner of La Jolla Village Drive and Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla, CA, are currently on sale by calling (858) 550-1010. For more information on the company visit www.lajollaplayhouse.com.
