Archived News | Return to News Center

April 30, 2009

Broadway star Franc D’Ambrosio to headline Louisiana Lyric Opera’s “Miss Saigon” June 12-14

Broadway fans, start salivating now – a feast is coming your way!

The Louisiana Lyric Opera at the University of Louisiana at Monroe will open its second season with the hit musical “Miss Saigon” 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 “The Phantom of the Opera” more than any other actor. In 2000, he was chosen by composer Barry Manilow to create the leading role of Tony in “Copacabana” on Broadway and on tour. Notable film roles also include his portrayal of the adult Anthony Vito Corleone in “The Godfather Part III.”

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 “Sweeney Todd” 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.

ULM is also well represented in the production. ULM senior Elizabeth Bennett will perform as “Ellen,” while ULM 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. ULM alumnus Jerry Johnson has designed the original set and costumes.

“Miss Saigon” is a modern adaptation of Giacomo Puccini’s opera “Madame Butterfly,” 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Some links and e-mail addresses in these archived news stories may no longer work, and some content may include events which are no longer relevent, or reference individuals and/or organizations no longer associated with ULM.