Opening night for the much-anticipated Matt Gould and Carson Kretzer production of "Lempicka" finally came for Longacre Theatre on Broadway's 8th Avenue on Sunday, April 14, following previews held last March 19.
Helmed by Tony-winning director Rachel Chavkin, the new biographical musical follows the life of the titular queer artist and exiled Polish aristocrat: Tamara de Lempicka, in a goosebump-inducing series of art-world-infused musical numbers.
About the New Broadway Bio-Musical: 'Lempicka'
Eden Espinosa headlines the production as the illustrious Lempicka, a young aristocrat-turned-artist, who fled with her husband away from the rising contentions of the Russian Revolution at the time and into Paris.
After arriving, the artist then meets Rafaele, who eventually becomes her new muse, and helps Lempicka begin her ascent to success in the art world.
The book and lyrics, along with the original concept, are all credited to Kreitzer, while Gould is recognized for co-writing the book and composing the music.
As per the latter's interview with Playbill on the opening night of the show, the musical is the result of 14 grueling years of work, which is why Gould could not prevent himself from being emotional and expressing amazement on behalf of their production.
"It's a childhood dream come true to get to be here on Broadway doing a show about a queer artist," he said, voice subtly breaking. "This is the stuff we dream about as kids, making art here in this space."
Also present in the red carpet showing of the production are other cast members who starred opposite Espinosa, including Amber Iman, Beth Leavel, and Andrew Samonsky as Rafaela, The Baroness, and Tadeusz Lempicki, respectively.
They are joined by George Abud as Marinetti, Natalie Joy Johnson as Suzy Solidor, Zoe Glick as Kizette, and Nathaniel Stampley as the Baron.
For the full list of the cast and more information on the musical, click here. You can also sample what 'Lempicka' has to offer in the official music video of "Woman Is" right below.
