Celebrate the opening of Lestat with three events

By Amy Somensky Apr 17, 2006, 3:46 GMT

The romantic and heartbreaking story of the extraordinary journey of one man who escapes the tyranny of his oppressive family only to have his life taken from him. Thrust into the seductive and sensual world of an immortal vampire, Lestat sets out on a road of adventures in a quest for everlasting love and companionship but is forced to reconcile his innate sense of good with his primal need to ...more

New York: The Broadway production of Lestat will open at the Palace Theater on April 25th. Three events are scheduled, beginning today, in New York to celebrate the musical's opening. They are as follows:

April 17, 2006: A special benefit performance of Lestat will take place for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. A pre-theater reception at the Hard Rock Cafe Time Square, located at 1501 Broadway, will take place at 6pm with the performance starting at 8pm. Scheduled to attend the reception is Bernie Taupin, director Robert Jess Roth, and Hugh Panaro. Tickets for the benefit performance range from $350-$500 and can be purchased by calling 212-219-0297 or by visiting www.ejaf.org/lestat.

April 18, 2006: "Sir Elton John - Elements of an Icon" will be unveiled at the Time Warner Center located at 10 Columbus Circle. The free public exhibit will showcase the costumes, imagery, and accessories that celebrate the life and career of Elton John. The exhibit will also feature original artworks by Taupin, and costumes from the San Francisco run of Lestat. Attendees will have the opportunity to enter to win two tickets to a performance of Lestat. The exhibit will run through April 30th. For more information visit www.relatedexperiences.com or www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com.

April 24, 2006: The visual concept designer of Lestat, Dave McLean, will sign copies of books that contain his work including The Vampire Chronicles and The Alchemy of Mirrormask at Borders Columbus Circle in the Time Warner Center. The event will begin at 7pm.

Lestat is now in previews at the Palace Theater, and will officially open on April 25th.

The musical will star Hugh Panaro in the title role, Carolee Carmello, Drew Sarich, Jim Stanek, Roderick Hill, Michael Genet and Allison Fischer. The ensemble features features Rachel Coloff, Nikki Renee Daniels, Joseph Dellger, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Chris Peluso, Megan Reinking, Sarah Solie, Amy Sparrow, Will Swenson, Steve Wilson and Tommar Wilson.

Lestat features a book by Linda Woolverton, lyrics by Bernie Taupin, music by Elton John, and direction by Robert Jess Roth. The creative team includes scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Susan Hilferty, and lighting design by Kenneth Posner.
 
For Lestat tickets visit www.ticketsnow.com.