New Musical Celia Extends Run Through January 2008
By Andrew Gans
30 Oct 2007
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Xiomara Laugart Sánchez in Celia.
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| photo by Erika Rojas | Celia, the new musical about the life of the late Celia Cruz, has extended its run at Off-Broadway's New World Stages.
The limited engagement, which officially opened Sept. 26, will now run through Jan. 27, 2008, according to a press announcement.
Based on the life of the legendary Cuban artist, Celia features singer Xiomara Laugart Sánchez in the title role with Modesto Lacén as Pedro Knight, Pedro Capó as the loyal confidant and Selenis Leyva as The Woman. The ensemble comprises Sunilda Caraballo, Anissa Gathers, Grizel "Chachi" Del Valle, Wilson Mendieta, Elvis Nolasco and Sekou McMiller.
Celia is written by Carmen Rivera and Candido Tirado, directed by Jaime Azpilicueta and co-produced by David Maldonado. Following its New York engagement, the musical will play stops in Chicago; Los Angeles; Miami; Dallas; Washington, D.C.; and Boston, as well as several Latin American countries.
Celia, according to press notes, "is the story of an artist's love for her country revealed through a musical life that spans for more than 60 years. Throughout her career, Cruz faces constant successes as well as challenges. As a young woman, she defies her father's opposition to become a singer and conspires with her mother to accomplish her dream. As her fame increases, so does the price of her success. She shares her victories and disillusions with the love of her life, Pedro Knight, and dreams of one day returning to her country. However, that dream is challenged when she is denied a visa to visit her dying mother, and then realizes that she may never again return to her beloved Cuba."
The production features set design by Narelle Sissons, lighting design by Sarah Sidman, projection design by Jan Hartley, sound design by Bernard Fox, costume design by Haydee Morales and hair and make-up design by Ruth Sanchez. Isidro Infante penned the music arrangements and orchestration.
Celia Cruz, who was born in Havana, Cuba, in October 1924, died July 16, 2003, in Fort Lee, NJ. She was the recipient of seven Grammy Awards.
Xiomara Laugart Sánchez, a Cuban native, has recorded more than 15 albums. Until recently, she was the leading vocalist of the group Yerba Buena.
Celia is performed in Spanish Tuesdays-Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 9 PM and Sundays at 3 PM. Two performances a week are presented in English: Saturdays at 5 PM and Sundays at 7 PM.
Tickets are available by calling (212) 239-6200 or by visiting www.telecharge.com.
New World Stages is located in Manhattan at 340 West 50th Street.
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