Pierre Cardin will present, direct from Paris, the American premiere of the hit musical comedy Le Manege for a limited engagement (April 28-May 13) at the New Ivar Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Starring Manon Landowski, who also wrote the book, music and lyrics, La Manege comes to the L.A. direct from Espace Pierre Cardin in Paris. Cardin opened the 1000-seat theatre on the Champs Elysees in 1960 as a showcase for new French talent. Cardin intends to tour Le Manege internationally after its L.A. debut.

La Manege (The Carousel) is about "the danger of succumbing to the romantic notion of perfect love and the traps we set for ourselves in the search for lasting love," said director Daniel Mesguich. Mesguich is one of France's leading opera and theatre directors.

The newspaper Figaro called Landowski "the sorceress of modern opera." The granddaughter of Paul Landowski, who created the world-famous staue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro, and the daughter of Marcel Landowski, founder of the Paris Orchestra, she has performed in many hit musicals in France. In 1991 she released her first album, "Sur Instant," which was a a critical and commercial success.

Le Manege's musical director is Jean-Pierre Pilot. The show's choreographer is Gilles Brown and the cast features twelve singers and dancers, one of whom, Matthew Gonder is an American. Gonder, who stars as Pierre, has performed in France at Maxim's, Jazz Club Lionel Hampton and is currently one of France's premiere bilingual voice-over artists.

Le Manege is the first rental production to be presented at the refurbished Ivar Theatre in Hollywood. It was recently acquired by Californiua Youth Theatre as its new home, but it will also be rented out to visiting productions.New Ivar Theatre is located at 1605 N. Ivar Ave. in Hollywood. For tickets and information call (323) 461-7300.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent