'African Footprint' Reaches US at New Orleans, Nov.1

Enjoyed by over 250 million viewers around the world, South Africa's longest-running show is finally coming to the North America.  African Footprint will kick off its North American tour at America in the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans on November 1, marking the city's first major theatrical event since Hurricane Katrina.

This will allow for an intimate performance event exclusive to New Orleans. From November 1 to November 4, 2007 patrons will have the privilege of being the first audiences in America to experience African Footprint. Hosted by Academy Award winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., each show will be an uplifting, breathtaking evening of dance and music, and a celebration of the return of international theatre to New Orleans.

Show Dates and Times:
Thursday November 1 at 8PM; only 50 exclusive VIP tickets available for gala premiere!
Friday November 2 at 8PM; 30 VIP, 150 General Admission
Saturday November 3 at 8:30PM, 12Midnight (2 shows!); 30 VIP, 150 General Admission per show
Sunday November 4 at 8PM; 30 VIP, 150 General Admission

VIP tickets, $100
General Admission, $50

The tour, presented by Corey Ross, will continue through the Spring of 2008, with stints in a variety of US and Canadian cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Toronto, Anchorage, Detroit, Hartford and Ft. Lauderdale.

"African Footprint 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,'" explain press notes.

In 1998, South African Performer/Producer Richard Loring started a school for disadvantaged South African youth interested in performance.  When CNN decided to broadcast Millennial Festivities, on New Years Eve 1999, from the prison cell where Mandela had been held at Robben Island, Loring's troupe was invited to perform.  The performance, broadcast around the world, became the launching pad for African Footprint.  Since its splashy conception, African Footprint has played for seven years in South Africa, over 2 years touring Europe, as well as numerous engagements throughout Australia, China, Israel and India.  The show has been seen by over 250 million audience members, including luminaries such as Bill Clinton, HRH Prince Charles and Nelson Mandela.

Richard Loring (Conception/Director), born in Guernsey in the Channel Islands, has extensive experience in the entertainment industry as both a performer and producer. After a successful West End career, in musicals and records, he left London in the late 60's to play Tony in The Boyfriend in South Africa, a country he soon adopted as his home. Quickly establishing himself on the local theatre scene, he then moved on to movie appearances, record releases and television shows. Remembered best for strutting onto the stage in high heels and odd socks as the Narrator in the 70's smash hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the 80's saw a major career shift from entertainer to producer. Specialized entertainment and major events for corporate clients, opening his own theatre, The Sound Stage, became the norm. Richard has found time to serve as Chairman of the Theatre Benevolent Fund, Deputy Chairman of the Theatre Managements of South Africa, was Charter Member of Midrand Rotary, is a Paul Harris fellow and serves as a member of The Order of St John. Richard constantly lives out his own philosophy that "Life is a Journey, not a Destination."

Corey Ross (Producer).  Since 1995, Mr. Ross has been producing and promoting concerts and theatrical events by international artists including Andrea Bocelli, Oscar Peterson and Tropicana.  In addition, he is focused on fostering tolerance through music, a theme which drew him to African Footprint.  Ross is a past vice-president of the non-profit organization Artists Against Racism, which was awarded the 2001 United Nations Humanitarian Award by Rudolph Giuliani for its work promoting tolerance.  His work creating gala events for charities has raised millions of dollars for Jewish charities, leukemia, cancer, and homeless youth.