The Zarzuela "María La O" Premieres September 22 at the Alex Theatre September 22, 2007

For the lovers of the popular lyrical theater there is good news this season. The Bilingual Foundation of the Arts and the Foundation Buenanueva will present the Cuban zarzuela "María La O" in Concert", of the unforgettable Ernesto Lecuona, September 22 at the Alex Theatre, adaptation of the artistic director of the BFA, Margarita Galbán and the author Lina Montalvo.

The benefits of the ticket window will be destined to programs of the Foundation Buenanueva and the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts.

The music of Lecuona frames a history of love that develops inside an effervescent circle of religious taboo, social changes and the present difference of classes and races. Its music nevertheless transports us to the social settings by means of the utilization of different rhythms of African cadences, like the Dance of the low-class or of unforgettable interpretations of the Cuban classical music.

The Zarzuela is respected like a lyrical popular kind. Its name stems from the Palace of the Zarzuela where it was presented for the first time by the Spanish royalty of the 17th century.

"María La O" premiered itself in havana, Cuba, March 1, 1930. Immediately became one of the most popular spectacles of the country. In 1936 it was carried to the big screen with the same name.

The history develops in a colonial city at the beginning of the 19th century. The personage of María La O is a mulatto whose beauty and singularity permits her to be displaced between foreigners and native. Young, happy and daring, María does not fear to fall in love with the aristocratic youth Fernando of Alcazar without knowing that this, is compromised with The Girl Tula, daughter of the Marquis of the palm grove. Aware of the eminent link, María tries to convince Fernando, who in spite of its love by her should comply with his promise of marriage by the honor and caste of its family.

In a crash of violence and jealousy María convinces to him of its laborers that murdered Fernando. Being complied thus the tragic circle that marks the separation of the classes beyond the love.

The Bilingual Foundation of the Arts will present this adaptation in the Alex Theatre of Glendale September 22 at 8 o'clock p.m. Then, will resume the season with María La O at the Carmen Zapata Theatre September 28 through October 14 of this year. The functions in the Theater Carmen Zapata are planned for the days Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 o'clock p.m. Sundays matinée at 3 o'clock p.m.

The artistic direction is of Margarita Galbán
Musical direction of Teresa Díaz
Choreography of Mari Sandoval
The wardrobe is of Carlos Brown
Scenography and production of Estela Scarlata
Design of lights Edward Motts
Functions in Spanish only

Cast members:
Gabriela Crowe, Joseph Gárate, David Carreño, Edna Ceballos, Angela Road, Andrea Kim Walker, Kiko Mahetcha, Gilbert Moret, María Teresa Díaz, Raúl Avila, Rachel Garcia, Leslie Career, Michelle Gil, Ponytail Montalvo, Carmen María González, Heliodoro Garcia, Henry Madrid, teen singer Melinda Del Toro, and Sergio J. Of Oliveira.

For more information, call the Alex Theatre ( 818 ) 243- ALEX or to visit the web page of this theater.