French Equestrian Theatre Troupe's Production "Triptyk" Will Headline Eclectic Orange Festival in Costa Mesa, Calif.

Tickets Go On Sale March 1st for ZINGARO's Exclusive U.S. Engagement

Costa Mesa, Calif., Feb. 12, 2002 -- Only twice before has Théâter Zingaro touched down on U.S. shores, a massive undertaking requiring a chartered 747 just to transport its 23 stage-savvy horses across the Atlantic. Both times, the acclaimed French equestrian theater troupe performed at Brooklyn Academy of Music's Next Wave Festival in New York, most recently in 1998. Among those in the audience was Dean Corey, executive director for the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, Calif. and mastermind behind the Society's innovative Eclectic Orange Festival.

The native Texan returned from New York so impressed, he set the wheels in motion for the troupe's first-ever West Coast appearance this fall and the exclusive U.S. engagement of Zingaro's newest production "Triptyk." The production has already toured throughout France and to Belgium, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, and Russia since its European debut in 2000. Opening Oct. 12 for a limited run of 20 performances through Nov. 8, "Triptyk" will be the centerpiece of the Philharmonic Society's fourth annual Eclectic Orange Festival in Costa Mesa.

Tickets for "Triptyk" go on sale to the general public March 1 and are expected to sell out fast. American Express Gold card holders will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets in prime locations through a special Ticketmaster Zingaro hotline. Pre-sales are also open to groups of 20 or more, who receive a 20 percent discount on tickets. Tickets are $45-$75. For additional information call (949) 553-2422.

Choreographed to music by Igor Stravinsky and Pierre Boulez, the dramatic 90-minute production unfolds atop an earthen stage of Sedona-red footing. Featuring a cast of 23 horses (half of them stallions) the 30 human performers include dancers from southern India performing kalaripayatt, an ancient martial art.

In the first of three parts, "Triptyk" opens to Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring," depicting the awakening of earth with bay Andalusians, bare-chested men, and a trio of memorable blue-eyed steeds. Boulez's "Dialogue de l'ombre double (The Dialogue of the Double Shadow)" which follows, features a live solo clarinetist. Stravinsky's "Symphony of Psalms," the final segment, gains an added ethereal element as long-haired women astride Lusitano horses emerge from Avalon-like mist.

This month a delegation from the Zingaro Council, a glamorous, horse-loving committee responsible for organizing the gala Opening Night celebration, made a special trip to France just to preview the show. Co-chairing the Zingaro Council are avid horsewomen Catherine Thyen and Elizabeth Tierney of Corona del Mar.

Founded in 1984 by Bartabas, an internationally acclaimed director, choreographer and horseman who was born and raised in France, Théâter Zingaro is based in the Paris suburb of Aubervilliers, where the troupe lives on site with its horses in a quasi-nomadic village when not touring. "Triptyk" marks the seventh Zingaro production created by Bartabas portraying the mystical relationship of man and horse.

"It's really a spiritual experience," remarks Corey. "Our mission with the Philharmonic Society is to foster the appreciation of music through the presentation of international performances and educational programs. This fits perfectly."

The journey begins in October, when Mersant International Ltd., official agents for the Breeders Cup and Dubai World Cup, will transport the equine cast from Paris to Los Angeles International Airport.

Following quarantine, the horses will be stabled in Zingaro Village, a specially constructed gypsy-like encampment being created by film industry veteran Roger Wadham. Located on the future expansion site of the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, Zingaro Village will include a 1,500-person capacity performance tent and stables (flown in from France), training facilities, dressing rooms, and guest amenities, including a full-service kitchen. VIP dinners for sponsors and guests will be prepared by Chef Pascal Olhats, owner of Orange County's top-rated restaurant.

Eclectic Orange Festival 2002 is a project of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. Every fall the Festival offers an extensive array of world-class music, dance, opera and theater, blending treasured classics with contemporary visions. For more information on Eclectic Orange Festival, visit www.EclecticOrange.org.

South Coast Plaza, Southern California's premier shopping destination, is the presenting sponsor of Théâter Zingaro. Additional support comes from the Costa Mesa Conference and Visitor Bureau, Orange County Register and Orange County Performing Arts Center.

For information on additional sponsorship opportunities including a unique "Adopt-a-Horse" program, call Sandy Robertson at the Philharmonic Society at (949) 553-2422.

For out of town visitors, the Westin South Coast Plaza hotel is offering a special rate of $109 per night, which includes complimentary breakfast and a South Coast Plaza VIP Passport, which entitles the holder to exclusive gifts with purchase and discounts at area restaurants and retailers. Call (800) WESTIN-1 and ask for the Zingaro/Eclectic Orange Festival rate.