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Last Days of Cleopatra Runs at Fringe Fest from Aug. 23-28

By: Jul. 11, 2005
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The Last Days of Cleopatra, a world premiere musical about the illicit affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton on the set of the mammoth epic film flop, will open at this year's New York Fringe Festival on August 23rd to run through August 28th at the Players Theatre (115 MacDougal Street, between West 3rd St and Bleeker St).

Directed by Christopher Gerken and with book, music, lyrics and musical direction by Charlie Barnett, The Last Days of Cleopatra takes place in 1962, as the historical extravaganza about the love affair of Antony and Cleopatra goes into production.  "With Elizabeth Taylor in the starring role, the studio was happy to attract publicity regarding her hairstyles, jewels, acting and temper.  It was not so happy when the publicity turned to gossip about her adulterous affair with co-star Richard Burton. The stuff that scripts are made of - as Liz and Dick curse and caress their way into history...," state production notes.

The Last Days of Cleopatra will feature choreography by Evan Knapp, with costumes designed by Joanne Haas, sets by Drew Dedrick, and lighting and sound by Dan Martin.  Anna Roberts will portray the violet-eyed Taylor while Michael Deleget will play the hot-tempered Burton.  Also featured in the cast are Cara Kem (Sybil Burton), Tom Beckett (Joseph Mankiewicz), E.C. Kelly (Irving Greenberg), Bobby Matoney (Eddie Fisher), Brett Rigby (Fred. E Smith), Valerie Issembert (Bianca), Christopher LaCroix (Rex Harrison), Alan Ostroff (Vinny), Michael Baldwin (Hermes Pan), and Michael Siller (Guiseppe).

The show is the first theatrical production of Barnett's and Laurie Levy Issembert company Lights! Camera! Love...Barnett is a long-time composer of feature and documentary films, while Issembert, a producer from the educational and television documentary world as well, has been producing musical theatre for the last seven years in the Washington DC area. Director Christopher Gerken has been involved in over 40 productions of musical theatre as an actor and director.

The Last Days of Cleopatra runs August 23rd at 3pm, August 25th at 5:45pm, August 26th at 11:30pm, August 27th at 9:30pm and August 28th at 1:45pm.

Tickets, which are $15, can be purchased by calling (212) 279-4488 or outside New York 1-888-FringeNYC. For more information, visit: www.FringeNYC.org.





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