BYU’s Performing Arts will lift the stage curtains with the U.S. premiere of the musical “The Count of Monte Cristo” in the Harris Fine Arts Center Jan. 22–30.
The U.S. premiere means composer Frank Wildhorn has selected BYU to release his musical for the first time in the United States.
Student Preston Yates plays the lead and said, “It’s amazing to work with somebody of that caliber when you’re still in college … to learn from Frank Wildhorn, who’s done so much — I didn’t expect to get this opportunity while at school.”
Three of Wildhorn’s shows have been running on Broadway simultaneously; he is the only living composer with that statistic. His track record involves composing the music for Broadway shows such as “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” “Jekyll and Hyde” and “Bonnie and Clyde.”
The New York Daily News has knighted Wildhorn as “theater’s hottest composer.” He has been nominated for five Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Original Score. He even wrote a No. 1 international hit song for Whitney Houston.
Wildhorn told Deseret News he chose BYU for his release because he “thought it would be a fun way to get (‘The Count of Monte Cristo’) started here in the U.S. with my great relationship with BYU, and I’m excited to see what will happen now. The show has enjoyed incredible success in Europe and Asia, and I wanted to establish the piece there before bringing the piece to American audiences.”
This musical will be an adaptation of the timeless novel of one man’s story of betrayal, revenge and redemption.
Tickets can be purchased online from the HFAC website, or general admission tickets will be offered five minutes prior to the event if seats are still available. Tickets are $21–$28 each, with a BYU student or senior citizen discount of $2.
