Cirque du Soleil's Paramour begins previews tonight

Paramour - the first ever production specifically created for Broadway by Cirque du Soleil (under the leadership of Scott Zeiger) begins previews tonight, before an official opening on 25 May 2016. The musical is currently booking through to 19 February 2017.

Synopsis: "Set in the glamorous world of Golden Age Hollywood, this musical spins the tale of a beautiful young poet forced to choose between love and art. Featuring a cast that blends circus arts and musical theatre, Paramour will transport you to a world of sublime beauty and emotion as it walks the exhilarating tightrope of the heart."

Directed by Philippe Decouflé, the cast of Paramour includes Ruby Lewis (Indigo, the poetess), Jeremy Kushnier (who has replaced Bradley Dean as A.J., the director, citing "creative differences") and Ryan Vona (Joey, the composer), along with a cast of Broadway actors, dancers, and circus performers which includes Tom Ammirati, Andrew Atherton, Kevin Atherton, Lee Brearley, Yanelis Brooks, Sam Charlton, Martin Charrat, Nate Cooper, Katrina Cunningham, Myriam Deraiche, Kyle Driggs, Jeremias Faganel, Amber Fulljames, Steven Trumon Gray, Tomasz Jadach, Rafal Kaszubowski, Reed Kelly, Denis Kibenko, Joe McAdam, Raven McRae, Sarah Meahl, Amber J. Merrick, Sheridan Mouawad, Amber Pickens, Justin Prescott, Fletcher Blair Sanchez, Matthieu Sennacherib, Bret Shuford, Blakely Slaybaugh, Sam Softich, Amiel Soicher, Amber van Wijk, Bruce Weber, Tomasz Wilkosz, and Zhengqi Xia (Da Qi).

The cast of 38 includes performers from 13 different countries and 5 continents.

The creative team behind Paramour features scenic design by Jean Rabasse, costume design by Philippe Guillotel, original music by Bob & Bill, choreography by Daphné Mauger, lighting design by Patrice Besombes, props design by Anne-Séguin Poirier, projection design by Olivier Simola & Christophe Waksmann, sound design by John Shivers, acrobatic choreography by Shana Carroll, acrobatic performance design by Boris Verkhovsky, rigging and acrobatic equipment design by Pierre Masse, and make-up design by Nathalie Gagné.

In addition, Jean-François Bouchard serves as 'Creative Guide,' with Pascale Henrot as associate creative director and West Hyler as associate creative director and scene director for the production.

As previously reported, Cirque du Soleil Theatrical will also produce a revival of The Wiz, which is scheduled to begin performances on Broadway during the 2016-2017 season.

- by Tom Millward