Skylight Postpones Edith Piaf Onstage

Skylight Opera Theatre has announced the postponement of its upcoming production of Edith Piaf Onstage. The show, which is a revue of Piaf's music, features Leslie Fitzwater who recently announced that she will be undergoing chemotherapy for the next several months. Edith Piaf Onstage will be moved forward one year and will now be a part of the 2012-2013 season.

Fitzwater commented, "I am eternally grateful to Bill Theisen and the Skylight for postponing Edith Piaf Onstage. A cancer diagnosis rarely comes at a convenient time, and mine was certainly no exception. It would have been very disappointing to sing Piaf's repertoire when I am less than my best, and the Skylight's generosity is allowing me to recuperate and prepare so that I will be my best in January 2013."

Artistic Director Bill Theisen said, "Leslie has been a part of the Skylight family since 1979 and has done as many, if not more, shows than any other performer in the company's history. She is the heart and soul of Edith Piaf Onstage so doing the show without her is simply not an option."

Replacing Edith Piaf Onstage will be the critically acclaimed Gershwin & Friends. Last season, Gershwin & Friends had a sold out run in the Studio Theatre. Back by popular demand, this charming production is an ideal alternative and provides Skylight the opportunity to expand the piece and move it to the mainstage Cabot Theatre. Gershwin & Friends is a Skylight developed musical revue which takes place first behind the scenes of a ritzy party in the New York City home of George Gershwin and then later at a jazz club in Harlem. This dynamic and innovative revue of Jazz Age classics by George Gershwin, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and Harold Arlen will once again feature Cynthia Cobb, Parrish Collier and Paul Helm. Gershwin & Friends will run for 16 performances from January 27 through February 12, 2012.

In his review that season, Tom Strini of Third Coast Digest stated that "Gershwin and Friends deserves to have a life beyond" its Studio Theatre run. "Cobb is a glorious singer and ...Collier is a fine hoofer and a great comic." According to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reviewer, Elaine Schmidt, the show "works like a charm."

Patrons who have purchased tickets to Edith Piaf Onstage are being notified of the performance change and are being offered several options for exchange, refund or donation of tickets.

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