Featuring music by Pascal Stive; original book and lyrics by Jean Michel Beriat and Raymond Jeannot; with English lyrics by Elaine Rowan, and English book by Bruce Lumpkin and Bill Van Horn, this show is as unique as Picasso’s art itself. With a lush romantic score, this evocative work transforms the Walnut stage into a stunning canvass in which a remarkable portrait of the legendary Picasso, the most influential figure in twentieth century art, is painted.

Capturing colorful Parisian and Spanish imagery, this exceptional musical follows Picasso from his early years as an artist in an atmospheric bohemian Paris through his renowned innovative periods to his creation of the monumental “Guernica.” Along the way, Pablo befriends such noted figures as Gertrude Stein, Erik Satie, Jean Cocteau and Sergei Diaghilev, and romances ravishing women who willingly become his models, muses and mistresses.

“La Vie En Bleu” originally premiered in the Monaco Principality and was performed with the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the program celebrating the 700th Anniversary of the Grimaldi dynasty. That highly praised production transferred to the Mogador Theatre in Paris.

The American premiere of “La Vie En Bleu” features a flavorful and original staging, not seen in the Paris and Monte Carlo engagements, conceived exclusively for the Walnut by Bruce Lumpkin who won acclaim for the theatre’s productions of “Evita,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Cabaret” and “Grand Hotel.“ Collaborating with Lumpkin on his vision for Picasso’s world is choreographer Richard Stafford who has staged the dances and movement for the Walnut’s “Evita,” “Camila,” “Grand Hotel,” “Cabaret” and “La Cage Aux Folles.” New to the Walnut is the show’s musical director and dance arranger Faser Hardin whose Broadway credits include “A Chorus Line” and “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and Off-Broadway productions of “Menopause,” “Summer ’69” and “Brel - Life Dance.” Shaping the visual elements are set designer John Farrell, costume designer Colleen McMillan and lighting designer Jack Jacobs with sound design by Matt Callahan.

Guaranteed to be a highlight of the Philadelphia theatrical 2003-04 season, “La Vie En Bleu” is one reason to subscribe to the Walnut. For further information about subscribing to America’s most popular theatre, please call 215-574-3550, ext. 6, (Monday through Friday, 10am – 4pm).