April, 2006 - Nr. 4
Kismet
Closes Toronto Operetta Theatre Season
"An exotic tale of ancient Persia wrapped In glorious melody"
Toronto - Toronto Operetta Theatre closes its most successful season ever with 6 performances of Wright and Forrest’s musical KISMET at the Jane Mullett Theatre from April 21-30, 2006. Based on music from the Russian master Borodin, melodies such as ‘Stranger in paradise’, ‘And this is my beloved’ and ‘Baubles, bangles and beads’ beguile the senses and transport music lovers to a never, never land where destiny guides man’s fate and love is a gamble to be won or lost.
The musical was the highlight of Broadway’s 1953 season and soon after became a hit movie starring Howard Keel and Anne Blyth. Opera stars such as Samuel Ramey, Ruth Ann Swenson and Jerry Hadley have recorded the Immortal score and the very name KISMET conjures up a mysterious world where poet philosophers, wicked Wazirs and Innocent lovers are all enveloped by the sands of time.
Following Toronto Operetta Theatre’s smashing success with Weill’s LADY IN THE DARK, the show previews on April 218t, with the gala opening night performance on April 22nd. Remaining performances at the Jane Mallett Theatre are scheduled for April 28 and 29 at 8:00 pm, and April 26 and 30 at 2:00 pm.
The all Canadian cast includes artists renowned for their magnificent voices and stage skills honed by performances in opera and musical theatre. The poet philosopher, Hajj, will be played by Terry Hodges, remembered from Toronto’s PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and seasons with the Boston Opera, Utah Opera Festival and the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. His lovely daughter, Marsinah, is TOT favourite Elizabeth DeGrazia, in love with the Caliph, sung by debuting tenor Peter McCutcheon. Keith Savage returns to the TOT stage as the conniving Wazir. He and McCutcheon recently starred In MIKADO for the Kitchener Waterloo Gilbert and Sullivan Society and also have FOREVER PLAID and SHOWBOAT among their credits. Performances as Carmen and Rosins in BARBER OF SEVILLE make Gabrielle Prata the perfect choice for the voluptuous Lalume, whose rousing ‘Not since Nineveh, not since Tyre’ always brings the house down. Conductor Derek Bate, with credits for the Canadian Opera Company, at the Royal Alex and Pantages Theatre, conducts the TOT cast, chorus and orchestra. TOT’s founding General Director, Guillermo Silva-Marin - lauded for his light touch with operetta and music theatre - will direct, with Elizabeth Asselstine as Lighting Designer and Isolde Pleasants Faulkner as Stage Manager.
For tickets ($75, $55, $35), call the Box Office at 416-366-7723, 1-800-708-6754 or online at www.stic.com. At 27 Front Street East, the St. Lawrence Centre’s Jane Mallett Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with municipal parking and transit close by. Discounts of 20% are available for groups of 20 or more. Friday nights are Family Nights at the TOT, with special prices for children when accompanied by adults. Ask at the Box Office for details.
