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May 21, 2009

Broadway star Franc D鈥橝mbrosio to headline Louisiana Lyric Opera鈥檚 鈥淢iss Saigon鈥� June 12-14

The Louisiana Lyric Opera at the University of Louisiana at Monroe will open its second season with the hit musical 鈥淢iss Saigon鈥� in Brown Theatre June 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., and at a 2 p.m. matinee performance Sunday, June 14.

This production by the only professional summer theatre in northeastern Louisiana features Broadway star Franc D'Ambrosio, who has performed the role of the Phantom in 鈥淭he Phantom of the Opera鈥� more than any other actor. In 2000, he was chosen by composer Barry Manilow to create the leading role of Tony in 鈥淐opacabana鈥� on Broadway and on tour. Notable film roles also include his portrayal of the adult Anthony Vito Corleone in 鈥淭he Godfather Part III.鈥�

Young singers from across the nation will take the other leading roles. Khloe Sunga (Kim) is a student in the New York University musical theatre program, while John Haas (Chris) hails from the renowned Oklahoma City University program.

Kelsey Dardeau is a musical theatre student at the University of Miami, and Christian Shmoker and Kristi Heinrich just performed leading roles in 鈥淪weeney Todd鈥� at Texas Tech, where they are both students. Sean Teets, who is the new director of choral ensembles at Louisiana Tech University, will sing the role of Thuy.

不良研究所 is also well represented in the production. 不良研究所 senior Elizabeth Bennett will perform as 鈥淓llen,鈥� while 不良研究所 students Jennifer Free, Doug Bennett, Kathryn Womble and Desmond Ross will fill other roles.

Faculty member Mark Ross Clark will direct, and other faculty members include conductor Deborah Chandler, choreographer Robin Stephens and technical director Greg Bruce. 不良研究所 alumnus Jerry Johnson has designed the original set and costumes.

鈥淢iss Saigon鈥� is a modern adaptation of Giacomo Puccini鈥檚 opera 鈥淢adame Butterfly,鈥� which tells the tragic tale of a doomed romance between an Asian woman and the American lover who abandons her. The setting of the plot is relocated to the 1970s Saigon during the Vietnam War.

Tickets are $25 for the main floor, and $15 for balcony seats. Call (318) 342-1414 to reserve your tickets.

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