PARADISE LOST: SHADOWS AND WINGS

SEASON 2007

Music and Book by Eric Whitacre
Lyrics by David Norona and Eric Whitacre
Directed by Michael Michetti

The story of one angel who follows her heart, desperately trying to return home against impossible odds. Renowned composer Eric Whitacre explores the plight of young angels awaiting rescue in a world of violence. Blending western music theater traditions with anime, Asian drumming and martial arts, the music combines lush, operatic singing with trance, techno, ambient rock and cinematic sounds.

cast

Annie Abrams
Seth Barnett
Dan Callaway
Brad Culver
Jason Currie
Ryan Cusino
Jessica Harwood
Lena Gwendolyn Hill
Emily Kosloski
Eddie Lopez
Rudolfo Nieto
Kevin Odenkirk
Jordan T. Ogron
Hila Plitmann
Juli Robbins
Daniel Tatar
Katharine Terray
Marie M. Wallace
Melissa Wolfklain

Production Team

Musical Direction – Greg Chun
Choreography – Bubba Carr
Fight Choreography – Caleb Terray
Scenic Design – Tom Buderwitz
Costume Design – Soojin Lee
Lighting Design – Steven Young
Sound Design – Martin Carrillo
Hair & Make-up Design – Becca Coffman
Taiko Drumming – On Ensemble
Properties Design – Chuck Olsen
Wing Design – Richard Landon
Casting – Julia Flores
Anime Producer – Kirk Hanson
Animation Sequence Designed, Produced, and Animated by Lyn Gaza, Michael Manning
Graphic Image – Christopher Shy
Associate Producer – Mark Barna
Production Stage Manager – Liza Tognazzini
Publicist – Aldrich & Associates
Production Photographer – Ed Krieger

“The advent of the Theatre @ Boston Court’s newest and most monumental triumph to date, Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings, cult-a-licious composer Eric Whitacre’s epic fusion of musical theatre, opera, martial arts and even world-class anime, may easily herald the most remarkable use of a 99-seat stage in… well… ever….This eye- popping troupe…know no limits vocally, artistically or physically.” – Reviewplays.com and Entertainment Today

“Musically lush, committed and smart…Whitacre adds overhead accompaniment of cello, synthesizer and percussion that literally lifts one out of one’s seat…The swelling chorale singing thrillingly of “Bliss” creates a final frisson than many another ambitious musical would envy. But the sheer act of breaking through visually, musically and emotionally becomes a blissful victory in and of itself.” – Daily Variety

“Fascinating…the singing is gorgeous.” – LA City Beat

“The elements combine to share a high tech, yet timeless mythology. It’s a winning combination…[Callaway and Plitman] both display strong operatic voices well suited to the pop score. The athletic supporting cast is note- perfect. Michael Michetti directs the cast with a sensitive hand that allows the audience to believe in the whimsical proceedings. Eric Whitacre’s accessible compositions never falter.” – Hollywood News Calendar

“A thrillingly original creation that defies pat categorization. That this visceral experience supports a stimulating cerebral narrative—Beckett meets Euripides—is all the more impressive.” -Backstage West
“Stunning imagery supported by beautiful and inventive music…full of brilliant sound and fury.” – TalkinBoradway.com

“Post-modern heaven! It will be a very long time (if at all) that another production such as this one will ever make its appearance on any stage at any theater anywhere!” – Accessibly Live Off-Line

“An undeniably impressive achievement.” – LA Times

“Arresting…As heavy on performance talent as it is chockablock with visual bells and whistles usually reserved for larger arenas…grand and frequently astonishing.” – LA Daily News

“On rare occasions a reviewer gets to encounter the truly extraordinary…that vital ‘something’ which is the reason for live performance and the foundation of great theatrical art. Such a thing…is Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings…impressive indeed, and certainly worth going out of your way to encounter.” – Pasadena Star

“Extraordinary… epic scope of storytelling, mythological, religious and fantastical heritage, and multi-musical form…Paradise Lost takes wing and soars to breathtaking heights.” – TheatreMania

“The most dazzling musical of the year…gorgeous, amazing and [reaches] a rare level of creativity.” – Curtain Up

awards

Winner of three Los Angeles Stage Alliance Ovation Awards:
Set Design
Lighting Design
Sound Design

Winner of LA Weekly Award

Winner of seven Garland Awards

Nominated for seven Ovation Awards:
Franklin R. Levy Memorial Award for Musical Intimate Theatre
World Premiere Musical
Direction of a Musical
Choreography
Musical Direction
Lead Actress in a Musical
Costume Design

Nominated for one Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award:
Lighting Design