Algonquin Theater Productions Presents THE PAPARAZZI

In 2010 the musical "Sessions", (produced by Algonquin Theater Productions, book, music and lyrics by Al Tapper) opened in Guadalajara, becoming the first Off Broadway musical to ever play in Mexico's second largest city. It won Best Musical of the Year.

In 2017 the musical "National Pastime" (produced by Algonquin Theater Productions, music and lyrics by Al Tapper, book by Tony Sportiello) opened in Guadalajara. It became the most awarded musical in Guadalajara history, winning (among other things) Best Actress Giselle Ristelle, Best Director Mauricio Cedeno and Best Production.

On October 19th of 2018 history is made yet again as Algonquin Theater Productions "The Paparazzi" (music and lyrics by Al Tapper, book by Tony Sportiello) becomes the first American musical to open in Mexico prior to a production in the United States. The authors plan to be at the opening, even if it means flying in from New York.

With all the success the Algonquin productions have garnered south of the border, the question needs to be asked - what do Mexican audiences know that for the most part the U.S. theater going crowd has yet to discover?

Celebrated Mexican director Mauricio Cedeno has produced and directed all three shows. He offers this opinion: "The public of Guadalajara likes the musicals of Al Tapper and Tony Sportiello because they approach universal themes, they are fresh and above all original."

Book writer and Artistic Director of Algonquin Theater Productions Tony Sportiello says, "It's not so much we haven't had success in the United States, our shows have played in New York, Washington, Austin, Phoenix, Scranton, Bucks County and so on. We just haven't had a Broadway success and that, of course, is the ultimate goal. But the reception we've received in Mexico has been amazing. And the artists, the musicians, the scenic designers and entire crew of Guadalajara are second to none when it comes to passion and talent so we'll continue to work with them as long as they can stand us!"

Composer/lyricist Al Tapper has this observation: "The themes we write about are universal and relate to what's going on in the world today. Life is filled with drama, but also with humor. We try to blend the two together."

"The Paparazzi" opens October 19th at the Vivien Blumenthal Theatre in Guadalajara.

The cast includes Luisa Cortes, Joaquin Romero, Franz Bomthanley, Víctor Aceves, Mafer Santes, Vanessa Arroyo, Giselle Restelli, Enrique Valdéz Arce, Gibran Macías, Blanca Montoya and Sandra Geneviere.

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