An all Latino ensembles prepares for off-Broadway premiere
of Celia: The Life and Music of Celia
Cruz, beginning previews August 28, opening September 19 at New World
Stages (340 West 50th Street).
"Three-time Grammy and four-time Latin Grammy winner, Celia
Cruz is one of Latin music's most unforgettable vocalists, and perhaps the most
notable ambassador of Hispanic culture in the world," explain press notes, "It
was radio's heyday, and Celia's voice became a regular fixture on Cuban
airwaves. In 1950, she was invited to join La Sonora Matancera, revered as the
Latin equivalent of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, with who she remained for 15
years. In 1962, Celia married the band's
trumpet player, Pedro Knight. In 1965, Celia launched her solo career. She relocated to the Big Apple, where she
eventually teamed with the legendary Tito Puente, with whom she would always
continuing working with. She found international fame collaborating with
legendary flautist and composer Johnny Pacheco; hits included 'Quimbara,' 'Toro
Mata,' and 'Canto a la Habana.' Cruz died on July 16, 2003 leaving a gap in
Latin music but sealing her immortal status as the 'Queen of Latin Music,' 'The
Queen of Salsa,' and 'La Guarachera de Cuba.'"
The original musical is written by Latino playwrights Carmen
Rivera and Candido Tirado; directed by Spain's well renowned Jaime Azpilicueta,
and produced by Henry Cardenas and David Maldonado, the team behind the hit
musical, Who Killed Hector Lavoe? The
cast and ensemble include Xiomara Laugart Sánchez, Modesto Lacén, Pedro Capó,
Sunilda Caraballo, Rogelio Douglas Jr., Lai-Si Fernández, Anissa Gathers,
Wilson Mendieta , Elvis Nolasco y Joselyn Reyes.
The creative team includes Narelle Sissons (set), Sarah
Sidman (lighting), Jan Hartley (projection) and Bernard Fox (sound), Haydee
Morales (costumes), Ruth Sanchez (hair/make-up) and Isidro Infante (music, arrangements,
orchestration).
Performances are Tuesday – Friday at 8PM; Saturdays at 5
& 9PM; and Sundays at 3 & 7PM.
PLEASE NOTE: All performances are in Spanish. English performances are Saturdays at 5PM and
Sundays at 7PM.
Tickets are on sale at telecharge.com
or call 212-239-6200 (/6240 Spanish). New World Stages is located at 340 West 50th Street
(between 8th and 9th Avenue).
