Photo Flash: First Look at TEMPLE OF SOULS at NYMF

MULTISTAGES, in association with Dr. Judy Kuriansky and Jane Velez-Mitchell, is pleased to present a first look at the award-winning musical, TEMPLE OF THE SOULS, co-written by poet Anita Velez-Mitchell, platinum-winning composers Dean Landon and Anika Paris, and MultiStages Artistic Director Lorca Peress. Peress also helmed the production, with musical direction by Bruce Baumer, choreography by Enrique Brown, and visual design by Obie-winner Jan Hartley. TEMPLE OF THE SOULS is currently playing a limited engagement as part of the New York Musical Festival at Off-Broadway's The Acorn Theatre at Theatre Row (410 W. 42nd St., NY, NY 10036). Performances began last night Wednesday, July 19 and continue until Sunday, July 23.

TEMPLE OF THE SOULS is a time-traveling love story set in the mystical El Yunque rain forest, caves, and valleys of Puerto Rico. We open on a present-day tour through an ancient cave known to be inhabited by Taíno Souls, the indigenous people who once ruled the island. Two tourists become entranced by a Taíno cave drawing of legendary lovers, and are magically transported back in time to the 16th Century as the lovers, Guario, a young Taíno runaway, and Amada, the daughter of a Conquistador. They meet by chance during the raucous San Juan Bautista Fiesta, but their union is thwarted by the intolerant world around them. To escape, they run to the Temple of the Souls where nightmares and dreams come true. With a forbidden love that is stronger than death and the blending of two worlds, they change the face of Puerto Rico forever.

The production features Noellia Hernandez* and Andres Quintero* as Amada and Guario; Danny Bolero* (Joseph and The Amazing... (1993 Revival), In The Heights) as Conquistador Don Severo, Lorraine Velez* (Broadway Mimi in Rent, revival of Dreamgirls) as the Taino Nana; Jacob Gutierrez* (Light in the Piazza, Aladdin) as Nemesio; Ensemble: Ari Aaron* Jorge Enrique Barranco* Theresa Burns* Catalina Gaglioti, Erin Kei, Val Nuccio, Isabel Plana, Miguel A. Sierra* and Robert Zelaya* (Nat'l Tour Kinky Boots).

The production is executive produced by Dr. Judy Kuriansky, associate produced by Jane Velez-Mitchell and features scenic design by Jennifer Varbalow, projection design by Jan Hartley, mask design by Marla Speer, costume design by Lisa Renee Jordan, and lighting design by Jason Fok. Kenneth Goodwin is the sound designer and C. Renee Alexander is the AEA stage manager.

Tickets are $27.50 and are now available online at www.nymf.org or by calling 212-352-3101. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at theater one hour prior to performance

Photo Credit: John Quilty

Andres Quintero as Guario and Noellia Hernandez as Amada

Andres Quintero as Guario and Noellia Hernandez as Amada

Andres Quintero as Guario

Andres Quintero as Guario, Noellia Hernandez as Amada, Danny Bolero as Don Severo, Lorraine Velez as Nana, and the cast and company of Temple of the Souls

Danny Bolero as Don Severo, Lorraine Velez as Nana, Jacob Gutierrez as Nemesio, and the company of Temple of the Souls.

Jacob Gutierrez as Nemesio

Lorraine Velez as Nana and the company of Temple of the Souls.

Lorraine Velez as Nana

Noellia Hernandez as Amada

Noellia Hernandez as Amada

The company of Temple of the Souls

The company of Temple of the Souls

Temple of the Souls

The company of Temple of the Souls

The company of Temple of the Souls