Arsht Center. From Jun 2nd through 28th, 2009. 
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County hosts the return of the hit musical Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz. From June 2nd through 28th, 2009, South Florida audiences will witness the amazing story of how the marvelous “queen of salsa” rose to musical fame over the course of 60 years.
From a modest childhood in Cuba to performing on a global scale for millions of fans, CELIA magically tells the legend’s tale of rising to international superstardom from the point of view of her beloved husband, Pedro Knight. Showcasing a superb ensemble of 18 astounding singers, incredible dancers and talented musicians, this grand encore performance highlights Celia Cruz’s journey to becoming one of the most significant Hispanic singers the world has ever known. Presentations include captivating song performances, dazzling storytelling, heartfelt dialogue, electrifying dance choreography and many of the glamorous costumes worn by the stylish salsa icon. The show is performed in Spanish with select performances each week containing bilingual dialogue (English and Spanish). All songs, however, are sung in Spanish during every performance.
“Celia’s music lives on in the hearts of many and her many powerful messages remind us of what is important in life,” said M. John Richard, President and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. He continued, “Celia lives on at the Adrienne Arsht Center this summer.”
Music director Isidro Infante (who performed with the real Cruz) brings his genius to the stage by leading a seven-piece band and complementing the incomparable Anissa Gathers who returns in the role of Celia along with a talented ensemble. Audiences will be thrilled to hear live renditions of dozens of Celia Cruz’s beloved songs, including “Guantanamera,” “Químbara,” “Toro Mata,” and “La Vida es un Carnaval.” A fan favorite highlights the encore performance – “La Bomba” – the salsa queen’s revolutionary musical collaboration with salsa legend Tito Puente in the 70’s, which pioneered salsa music as we know it today.
Spanning a journey of 60 successful years in music, Celia shares the salsa star’s tale of challenge, defiance, aspiration, courage, fame, adversity, grief – and ultimately, an undying love of her husband, country, music, and fans. Celia is co-written by husband and wife team Carmen Rivera and Candido Tirado. Henry Cardenas, Gerry Fojo and Daddy Yankee produced Celia (the same duo behind the well known musical, Who Killed Hector Lavoe?). One of Spain’s highly accomplished theatre and television directors, Jaime Azpilicueta, joins the cast of talent once again.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
1300 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33132
305.949.6722
www.arshtcenter.org
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County will host the Miami premiere and international tour launch of the hit New York musical Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz. From June 18th through July 6th, audiences will be taken on a 60-year journey through the life and music of the sensational salsa diva, from her humble beginnings in Cuba to the international superstardom that made her one of the most remarkable Hispanic artists who has ever lived. Told through the eyes of her beloved husband Pedro Knight, Celia features a magnificent cast of 16 singers, dancers and musicians in a live performance that highlights the global music icon’s most beloved hits. 
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