CONTACT: Janet Wilson, Director of Mktg. and P/R (504)529-2278, ext.225 janet@neworleansopera.org

NEW ORLEANS OPERA TO CLOSE 07-08 SEASON WITH WEST SIDE STORY

April 18 AND 19, 2008 8:00 PM and April 20, 2008 2:30 PM McAlister Auditorium, Tulane University’s Uptown Campus Director: Karen Azenberg Conductor: Robert Lyall With the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra THE STORY: For over half a century, Leonard Bernstein's exhilarating dance setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has been considered the leading masterpiece of American musical theater. The uniquely American jazz and blues sound of such popular classics as Maria, America, I Feel Pretty, and Tonight, fully captures the fierce rivalry of the Jets and the Sharks. With the brilliant choreography and stage direction of leading Broadway artist Karen Azenberg you are certain to enjoy a fantastic theater experience with this timeless music that has become a vital part of world culture. THE CAST: Choreographer/Director Karen Azenberg is extremely excited that NOOA is offering the musical, West Side Story. She believes that a “career in any art form these days encourages, maybe even demands, a versatility that enables these kinds of collaborations.” New Orleanian, Sarah Jane McMahon (Maria), is a shining example of that belief as she celebrates her recent successes at New York City Opera in both opera (Handel's Acis and Galatea) and operetta/musical theater (The Pirates of Penzance). Most recently she has garnered great reviews in New York City Opera’s King Arthur,

“STANDOUTS INCLUDE TWO SINGERS RAPIDLY BECOMING LOCAL FAVORITES. SOPRANO SARAH JANE MCMAHON, LAST SEASON'S SLY MABEL IN CITY OPERA'S THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, WIELDS HER BRIGHT VOICE AND CLEAR DICTION WITH GREAT STYLE, RADIATING REAL STAR PRESENCE.” - VARIETY (MARCH 2008)

She will be joined in our April production by another Louisiana native, Matt Morgan (Tony), also an artist specializing in repertory that crosses-over from the world of opera to Broadway.

Matt Morgan in Concert (television special) - "DYNAMIC, ROMANTIC, CHARISMATIC AND BOLD - A FITTING DESCRIPTION OF TENOR SOLOIST MATT MORGAN" - JENNIFER R. VERTULLO, THE DAILY NEWS

Tickets range in price from $30-$120 and can be purchased at the box office at 1010 Common Street, Suite 1820, New Orleans, LA 70112 or call (504)529-2278. You can also visit the opera online and buy your tickets at www.neworleansopera.org

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