Zhivago Extends La Jolla Run Through July 9

La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego has announce a two-week extension to the run of its world premiere musical Zhivago, the epic tale of forbidden romance set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution.

Due to popular demand, fifteen new performances have been added and Zhivago will now close on Sunday, July 9 (there will be no performance on July 4). The show, which opened on May 25th, was originally set to close on June 24th.

"While there are still some good seats remaining for the original run of Zhivago, tickets are extremely limited, especially with the enthusiastic word of mouth and patrons returning for a second time," commented Playhouse Managing Director Steven B. Libman. "We want to share this exceptional performance with as many people as possible and are pleased to add these additional shows."

Featuring a book by Academy Award-nominee Michael Weller (Moonchildren), music by Grammy Award winner Lucy Simon (The Secret Garden), lyrics by Michael Korie (Grey Gardens) and Amy Powers and direction by the Playhouse's two-time Tony Award-winning Artistic Director Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys), Zhivago is now on stage in the Playhouse's Mandell Weiss Theatre.

The production stars Ivan Hernandez (NYCO's The Most Happy Fella) as Yurii Zhivago, Jessica Burrows (Dr. Zhivago workshop at La Jolla) as Lara, Tom Hewitt (Dracula, The Rocky Horror Show) as Viktor, Rena Strober (Les Miserables) as Tonya, and Matt Bogart (Aida and Miss Saigon) as Pasha/Strelnikov.

"As Russia tips toward revolution, surgeon-poet Yurii Zhivago becomes captivated by a stunning young woman who changes his life. Their forbidden romance captured the hearts of millions in Boris Pasternak's epic novel Doctor Zhivago, and now their story soars onstage in this lush and sweeping musical adaptation," state press notes.

Zhivago was presented in July 2005 in a workshop production as part of the Playhouse's Page To Stage New Play Development Program, and the feedback received from patrons provided fertile inspiration for the creative team. After several months of additional work, La Jolla Playhouse now presents a fully-realized production of this powerful story that includes new scenes, songs and music as well as glorious sets, costumes and lights. Zhivago marks the first project developed through the Page To Stage program to go directly to a full production on La Jolla Playhouse's mainstage. It is also the first musical developed through the program.

For more information, visit www.lajollaplayhouse.com.

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