The Gardens of Anuncia, Michael John LaChiusa's new musical currently running Off-Broadway via Lincoln Center Theater, recorded its cast album December 4 at the DiMenna Center. Lawrence Manchester and LaChiusa are producing, with the release set for next year on the Ghostlight Records label.
The musical opened November 20 at LCT's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater—read the reviews here. Performances are set to continue through December 31.
Inspired by an early life story of Daniele's, the tango-infused
musical centers on Anuncia as she reflects on her childhood in Juan
Perón's Argentina and the women in her family who encouraged her
artistic dreams. The musical made its world premiere in September 2021
at The Old Globe in San Diego, California. The book, music, and lyrics
are all by LaChiusa. Tony honoree Graciela Daniele is directing and
choreographing the Off-Broadway bow, and she's said the production will
serve as the end to her nearly 60-year career on the stage.
READ: Mary Testa, Eden Espinosa, and Andréa Burns Are Playing Graciela Daniele's 'Goddesses'
Playing those women are Mary Testa as Granmama, Andréa Burns as Tía, and Eden Espinosa as Mami. Kalyn West and Tony winner Priscilla Lopez are Younger and Older (respectively) Anuncia, the role inspired by Daniele. The cast also features Enrique Acevedo as Granpapa/That Man/The Priest/Moustache Brother and Tally Sessions as The Deer/Moustache Brother. Understudies Debra Cardona, Vanessa Sierra, Francisca Muñoz, and Scott Ahearn round out the company. Casting is by Tara Rubin Casting's Xavier Rubiano.
Check out photos from the recording session below:
Company and orchestra of The Gardens of Anuncia
Mary Testa
Deborah Abramson and Michael John LaChiusa
The Gardens of Anuncia orchestra
Michael John Lachiusa and Tally Sessions
Ira Weitzman and Michael John LaChiusa
Michael John LaChiusa and Enrique Acevedo
Enrique Acevedo
Michael Starobin, Michael John LaChiusa, Kurt Deutsch, and Lawrence Manchester
Mary Testa, Kayln West, Eden Espinosa, and Andréa Burns
Michael Starobin and Michael John LaChiusa
Lawrence Manchester, Michael Starobin, and Michael John LaChiusa
Michael John LaChiusa and Michael Starobin
Tally Sessions and Enrique Acevedo
Kayln West and Priscilla Lopez
Tally Sessions, Enrique Acevedo, Andréa Burns, Eden Espinosa and Kayln West
Tally Sessions, Enrique Acevedo, and Andréa Burns
Andréa Burns, Eden Espinosa and Kayln West
Kayln West
Eden Espinosa
Andréa Burns
Eden Espinosa and Mary Testa
Tally Sessions
Priscilla Lopez
Deborah Abramson
The production features orchestrations by Michael Starobin, music direction by Deborah Abramson, co-choreography by Alex Sanchez, scenic design by Mark Wendland, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer (recreated by David Lander), and sound design by Drew Levy.
The musical is the latest in a long collaboration between Daniele and LaChiusa. The pair previously collaborated on Los Otros, Bernarda Alba, Little Fish, Marie Christine, and Hello Again. Daniele has amassed 10 Tony nominations over her career, including for her work on The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Once On This Island, and Ragtime. She was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2020.
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