Photo Flash: 'Angels, The Musical' Develops in New Orleans

New Orleans, with no active pre-Broadway tryout venue since the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, has been given new hope in becoming a major theatre development center as early as next year, when the Australian-born Angels, The Musical, which created a stir with its New York debut in the New York Music Festival (NYMF), intends to develop, rehearse and tryout the musical in 2008 in both Shreveport and New Orleans prior to a New York opening.

Angels plans to be the first production to operate under the new recently passed Broadway South tax incentive legislation. Broadway South, modeled on the Louisiana Film Tax Incentive, is an economic development initiative designed to promote Louisiana as a culturally driven economic powerhouse. Roger Wilson, the "architect" of Broadway South scouted shows in New York to launch this initiative.

Angels unveiled its schedule to develop the musical in Louisiana last weekend at the Hotel Monteleone in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans. Producers Marcus Cheong, Tamara Lovatt-Smith and Robert R. Blume presented highlights of the musical stage production they hope will revitalize the theatre industry in Louisiana by bringing a Broadway creative team to develop the musical in the state. 

A New York cast led by Kathleen Monteleone (NBC TV, Grease, You're The One that I Want) and Brian Miller (Forbidden Broadway) performed in front the crème of New Orleans society. Council members, State representatives, business and community leaders heard samples of the new musical and welcomed the production to the state. 

"Angels is a tale of good versus evil – angels and demons.  In this epic backdrop, we follow the story of Sera, the Angel of Light as she seeks to find her place and purpose.  Angels is a message of hope, courage and redemption that is ideal for families and audiences seeking an uplifting spectacle," explain press notes.

Angels features music by Ken Lai, book and lyrics by Ken Lai and Marcus Cheong, and directed by Rich Fowler.  Musical directed is Laura Bergquist with musical supervision by Mary-Mitchell Campbell.

Photos courtesy LS Public Relations, Inc.