Bohemian Theatre Ensemble Presents 'Bernarda Alba" Oct 11th

Bohemian Theatre Ensemble

presents

Bernarda Alba - a musical

by Michael John LaChiusa

Directed by Elizabeth Margolius

Musically Directed by Andra Velis Simon

 

As BoHo enters it's fourth season, it is thriling to try our hand at Lorca again. Our production of Yerma received critical acclaim for its adaptation which captured the heart of the main character. The same is true for its production of LaChiusa's Bernarda Alba - a musical.  The beauty of Lorca's original play comes to life in BoHo's wonderfully itimate space. Bernarda Alba–a musical embraces the goals and vision of BoHo through its blend of opera, movement, and drama in what is sure to be another thoughtful, insightful show.

This stirring musical by Michael John LaChiusa based on Federico García Lorca's 1936 play The House of Bernarda Alba, tells the story of a controlling, newly-widowed mother who is challenged by her five rebellious daughters. The musical premiered Off Broadway at Lincoln Center's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater  in a production starring Phylicia Rashad and Daphne Rubin-Vega.

The “house” is led by its matriarch, who assumes the role with tight lipped determination immediately after her husband’s funeral. She locks the door against the outside world imprisoning the daughters within. They will live and die as virgins, she announces. The natural inclination should be for Alba to try and conquer death, whereas she conspires with it.  Thus the play’s modernist irony. The simple symbolism in Lorca’s Catholic Spain, added to the bare action, at once both enfranchise woman, and present a terrifying result of liberation.

This stirring musical by the creator of the musicals The Wild Party, Marie Christine, and See What I Wanna See allows BoHo to continue to push the creative and artistic boundaries, while bringing another outstanding musical piece to the BoHo Theatre @ Heartland Studio space.

 

AT A GLANCE:

Who/What:  Bohemian Theatre Ensemble presents Bernarda Alba – a musical by Michael John LaChiusa

Where: BoHo Theatre, 7016 N. Glenwood 

When:  Preview:   Friday, October 10, 2008 at 8:00

            Opening:  Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 8:00

            Running:  Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8:00

                             Sundays at 2:00

            Closing:    Sunday, November 16, 2008

Tickets: Call the box office at 866-811-4111

Cost:  $18 - $22

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