Monte Carlo News

A cast of internationally most acclaimed Verdi singers is showcased in the Met's new production of the Italian master's melodic tour de force, Il Trovatore, which opens February 16. Renowned director David McVicar makes his Met debut, and Gianandrea Noseda conducts a cast that includes Marcelo ?lvarez in his first Met performances of the heroic title role, and three singers who are celebrated interpreters of their parts: Sondra Radvanovsky as Leonora, Dolora Zajick as Azucena, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky as Count di Luna. Kwangchul Youn makes his Met role debut as Ferrando. In later performances, Marco Berti is Manrico; Hasmik Papian is Leonora; Luciana D'Intino is Azucena, ?eljko Lučić is di Luna, and Burak Bilgili is Ferrando, conducted by Riccardo Frizza. Performances run through May 8.

Various reports have indicated the sad news that American conductor and musical theatre archivist John McGlinn passed away today, Saturday February 14th, 2009.

A cast of internationally most acclaimed Verdi singers is showcased in the Met's new production of the Italian master's melodic tour de force, Il Trovatore, which opens February 16. Renowned director David McVicar makes his Met debut, and Gianandrea Noseda conducts a cast that includes Marcelo ?lvarez in his first Met performances of the heroic title role, and three singers who are celebrated interpreters of their parts: Sondra Radvanovsky as Leonora, Dolora Zajick as Azucena, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky as Count di Luna. Kwangchul Youn makes his Met role debut as Ferrando. In later performances, Marco Berti is Manrico; Hasmik Papian is Leonora; Luciana D'Intino is Azucena, ?eljko Lučić is di Luna, and Burak Bilgili is Ferrando, conducted by Riccardo Frizza. Performances run through May 8.

Friends In Deed will present a legendary trio as Charles Busch, Whoopi Goldberg and Lypsinka star in the first-ever New York presentation of the infamous Broadway-play-that-wasn't, LEGENDS!. Written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner James Kirkwood (A Chorus Line), the play will be presented in a special One Night Only staged reading benefit on Monday evening, March 23 at 8PM at Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street).

NATIONAL ACROBATS OF CHINA will come to Massey Hall on Monday, February 23, 2009. $49.50 - $29.50 - Call 416-872-4255 or online at www.masseyhall.com or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office The National Acrobats of China troupe was founded in June, 1956 and has been one of the most influential big acrobatic troupes in the world. This performance marks their debut at Massey Hall in Toronto on February 23, 2009. Lead by Deputy Directors Mr. Tian Zichun and Mr. Jianguo Yao, the National Acrobats of China's contribution to the international performing market for the Chinese acrobats has been great. It has performed in more than 30 countries such as Canada, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Roumania, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Mongolia, Italy, Austria, India, Laos, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Porto Rico, England, French, America, Singapore, Korea, Finland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal.

The Joyce Theater regretfully announces that Jin Xing Dance Theatre will not be presented this season (originally scheduled for January 27 - February 1). Although The Joyce was excited and committed to present this company, the current financial crisis has forced Jin Xing's private sponsors - those responsible for financing this trip to the United States - to withdraw their commitment. And unfortunately, Jin Xing Dance Theatre does not have the financial resources to cover the budget of such an engagement. New dates have not yet been announced.

Pig Iron is proud to bring you In-Hog-Ural Ball, a glitzy, hope-and-change-fueled benefit cabaret and auction, guaranteed to set us up for a brand new era. For the Love of Pig Iron: In-Hog-Ural Ball will be held at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch Street, on Friday, January 16, 2009. Doors open at 7:00pm, show starts at 8:00pm. Tickets are a measly $20 before January 9, $30 afterwards. $75 preferred-seating tickets and $500 tables for 6 (including a pre-show reception with heavy appetizers and drinks) are also available.

Pig Iron is proud to bring you In-Hog-Ural Ball, a glitzy, hope-and-change-fueled benefit cabaret and auction, guaranteed to set us up for a brand new era. For the Love of Pig Iron: In-Hog-Ural Ball will be held at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch Street, on Friday, January 16, 2009. Doors open at 7:00pm, show starts at 8:00pm. Tickets are a measly $20 before January 9, $30 afterwards. $75 preferred-seating tickets and $500 tables for 6 (including a pre-show reception with heavy appetizers and drinks) are also available.

The Joyce Theater is thrilled to welcome back LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO for a special three-week holiday engagement, December 16 - January 4. The season will feature two different programs, each with a Joyce premiere, performed by the primo ballerinas that have made this troupe the world's foremost all-male comic ballet company. To purchase tickets, please call JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800 or via the internet at www.joyce.org. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue (at 19th Street) in Chelsea.

British actress Rebecca Hall was cast as jetsetting Caroline Cushing, one of the few women who might tame notorious lothario David Frost. Ex-wife of wealthy socialite Howard Cushing, she met Frost shortly before he met with Nixon to propose the interview series; Cushing remained his girlfriend for several years thereafter. A former secretary to columnist Liz Smith, she later became successful Hollywood editor Caroline Graham.

MEDIA CITY BALLET OF LOS ANGELES Natasha Middleton, Artistic Director Presents Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Classic Holiday Ballet, 'The Nutcracker' A Magical Ballet Performance for Children and Adults Choreographed and Directed By Natasha Middleton Pre-Show Mini-Concert By The Taft High School Vocal Ensemble Directed by Tom Pease The Alex Theatre; 216 North Brand Blvd.; Glendale, CA Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The Joyce Theater regretfully announces that Jin Xing Dance Theatre will not be presented this season (originally scheduled for January 27 - February 1). Although The Joyce was excited and committed to present this company, the current financial crisis has forced Jin Xing's private sponsors - those responsible for financing this trip to the United States - to withdraw their commitment. And unfortunately, Jin Xing Dance Theatre does not have the financial resources to cover the budget of such an engagement. New dates have not yet been announced.

Gotham-based indie production and distribution company CAVU Pictures is set to release actor Robert Davi's directorial debut THE DUKES, beginning in NY on November 14th, and nationally beginning November 21st.

Gotham-based indie production and distribution company CAVU Pictures is set to release actor Robert Davi's directorial debut THE DUKES, beginning in NY on November 14th, and nationally beginning November 21st.

Media City Ballet of Los Angeles, Natasha Middleton, Artistic Director, Choreographer and Director will present a magical production of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," featuring a cast of 70 award-winning dancers, visual illusions, special effects and aerialists. A pre-show mini-concert featuring singers from the Taft High School Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Tom Pease, will be presented 15 minutes prior to each performance of the ballet. Performances will be given at the Alex Theatre, 216 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91203 on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Television and theatre actress Elmarie Wendel will serve as producer.

The Joyce Theater is thrilled to welcome back LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO for a special three-week holiday engagement, December 16 - January 4. The season will feature two different programs, each with a Joyce premiere, performed by the primo ballerinas that have made this troupe the world's foremost all-male comic ballet company. To purchase tickets, please call JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800 or via the internet at www.joyce.org. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue (at 19th Street) in Chelsea.

MEDIA CITY BALLET OF LOS ANGELES Natasha Middleton, Artistic Director Presents Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Classic Holiday Ballet, 'The Nutcracker' A Magical Ballet Performance for Children and Adults Choreographed and Directed By Natasha Middleton Pre-Show Mini-Concert By The Taft High School Vocal Ensemble Directed by Tom Pease The Alex Theatre; 216 North Brand Blvd.; Glendale, CA Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Fave dance numbers from musicals were re-created at Career Transition for Dancers' annual gala, which also featured some ballet and acrobatics.

Gotham-based indie production and distribution company CAVU Pictures is set to release actor Robert Davi's directorial debut THE DUKES, beginning in NY on November 14th, and nationally beginning November 21st.

Celebrated stage and screen actor Colm Feore will return to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in 2009 to play two leading roles on the Festival stage, Macbeth and Cyrano de Bergerac. 'William Shakespeare's Macbeth involves a journey for the theatre artist that may well be the darkest ride of them all. It leads into a black hole of terror and meaninglessness, and it is not for the faint of heart,' says artistic director Des McAnuff, who will be directing the play.