The production of Monte Cristo, a new musical under the direction of Peter Flynn, debuted for three weeks of performances at the York Theatre off-Broadway with its last on April 5th. Meetings with producers are underway to discuss several possible moves next season… so stay tuned. The run created excellent buzz about this work which is a stylistic return toward operetta with a lush score requiring skilled classical singers to deliver complex musical material.
Danny Rutigliano, Karen Ziemba, Adam Jacobs
Clearly we are now living in turbulent times, but then… when were we not? This stage adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo focuses on a man who was betrayed and imprisoned in politically tumultuous France for a crime he didn’t commit. While in prison he was educated and tutored in culture and combat by another inmate who told him of a hidden treasure. After eighteen years a captive he makes an unthinkable escape and intends to seek revenge on his accusers. With his knowledge and skills and the uncovered treasure he transforms himself into the Count of Monte Cristo and presents himself to his enemies. It is all so old fashioned that it is positively avant-garde and a good story well told.
Kate Fitzgerald, Stephanie Jae Park, Jadon Lopez
A fine company of excellent actors and singers has enabled Peter Flynn to stage it all with imagination and flair. In leading roles, Adam Jacobs as Edmund and Sierra Boggess as Mercedes stir our emotions with their active and vocal performances. Veterans Norm Lewis and Karen Ziemba add their bright multiple talents to the story as do new voices like Jadon Lopez and Kate Fitzgerald playing young lovers. Danny Rutigliano adds a vibrant tenor voice and comic relief to counter the evil Fernand and Danglars interpreted so convincingly by Daniel Yearwood and James Judy. The visual aspects of the set and lighting are all there too, and there is no one who doesn’t deserve top billing.
Sierra Boggess and Adam Jacobs
So I wish this first rate production a bon voyage as it continues its journey to reach more audiences to enrapture.