Hosted by Academy Award winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., the gala premiere will take place at New Orleans' Contemporary Arts Center Nov. 1, with performances currently scheduled through Nov. 4.

Africa Footprint, according to press notes, "tells the vibrant and diverse history of South Africa through a breathtaking blend of Afro- and Euro-centric music and dance. A cast of 30 energetic performers has created a show so exciting and entertaining that critics have dubbed African Footprint 'The Riverdance of South Africa.'"

In 1998, producer and creator Richard Loring culled a group of young hopefuls from the South African community of Soweto to enroll in a performance school for disadvantaged children. Following a year of intensive vocal and dance training, the group, now called African Footprint, was invited to perform for Nelson Mandela in Block B on Robben Island, the site where Mandela had been imprisoned for 18 years. The historic performance was broadcast worldwide, launching African Footprint.

The popular production has played for over seven years in South Africa, with numerous international engagements including Australia, China, Israel and India.

The tour of African Footprint is produced by Corey Ross, with future dates planned for New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Toronto, Anchorage, Detroit, Hartford and Ft. Lauderdale throughout spring of 2008. Tickets and further information about the North American premiere of African Footprint in New Orleans are available by visiting www.africanfootprint.com.