Napoleonic Newsdesk
Napoleon: A New Musical
by Paul Chamberlain
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The setting is post-revolutionary France. Paris is a frenzy of celebration as the inhabitants indulge in decadent festivities. A charismatic young leader, Napoleon, who comes from a lowly background, crashes a lavish society ball. Napoleon has come to press the Directors of the government for a command in the army. Then he meets the beautiful, alluring socialite Rose de Beauharnais.... This scene sets the stage for one of the most exciting new musical productions. Napoleon unveils the passionate love story of Napoleon and Josephine (the name he gave Rose), his turbulent relationship with his patriotic brother, and a manipulative Prime Minister. It is a thrilling, emotional journey that explores universal themes; the human will to better oneself; the empowering effect of love found; the lingering emptiness of love lost. Napoleon's world is opulent. The locations move from palace ballrooms and the cathedral of Nôtre Dame to the magnificent rose garden at the chateau of Malmaison (the country estate that Napoleon bought for Josephine) and the battlefield of Waterloo. The set, created by Michael Yeargan, uses a configuration of platforms, mirrored walls, scrim panels and hydraulics to shift seamlessly to the various locations. The locations are also enhanced by the use of projections, drawing on the rich variety of late romantic 18th Century art. Napoleon is produced by Malmaison Productions Ltd. and opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 17th October with previews running from 30th September. It stars Paul Baker as Napoleon. His theatre credits include The Lion King, Starlight Express and Les Miserables. Anastasia Barzee, star of Broadway musicals Miss Saigon and Jekyll and Hyde, plays Josephine. Uwe Kroeger, Germany's most popular musical performer who has played the lead roles in the German speaking premieres of Miss Saigon and The Beauty and the Beast, will play the alternate Napoleon. For further details of performances and ticket prices contact the Box Office on 020 7379 5399, or visit the Website: www.NapoleonTheMusical.com More Napoleonic Newsdesk
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The story of Napoleon has been told in countless books, and in numerous films, but now comes a musical production of his life.