New York - In its inaugural production for the Broadway stage, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures (Gregg Maday, Executive Vice President) presents “Lestat,” to premiere on Broadway in spring 2006. Inspired by Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, “Lestat” is the first theatrical score from the legendary songwriting team of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and has a book by Linda Woolverton. Directed by Robert Jess Roth with musical staging by Matt West, “Lestat” stars Hugh Panaro in the title role, Carolee Carmello as Gabrielle, Jack Noseworthy as Armand, Jim Stanek as Louis, Roderick Hill as Nicolas, Michael Genet as Marius and Allison Fischer as Claudia.

Lestat, Anne Rice’s most celebrated and beloved literary character is being brought to life on the stage with a score by Grammy and Academy Award winning composer Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin in their first theatrical collaboration. “Lestat” is the romantic and heartbreaking story of the extraordinary journey of one man who escapes the tyranny of his oppressive family only to have his life taken from him. Thrust into the seductive and sensual world of an immortal vampire, Lestat sets out on a road of adventures in a quest for everlasting love and companionship but is forced to reconcile his innate sense of good with his primal need to exist.

“This musical is the fulfillment of my deepest dreams,” said author Anne Rice. “Elton's music and Bernie's lyrics have captured the pain and the passion of the characters perfectly, and the entire adaptation has re-created the very essence of the books. Working with the whole team -- Rob Roth, Linda Woolverton, and of course Elton and Bernie -- has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire career. The talent, the brilliance, and the generosity of these folks is beyond belief. I'm humbled; I'm grateful; and I'm so excited that I can hardly stand it. Lestat, Louis and Claudia are about to be reborn.”

“‘Interview with the Vampire’ is one of my favorite books and Anne Rice is one of my favorite authors,” commented composer Elton John. “‘Lestat’ is the first stage musical that I’ve written with Bernie which makes it even more special for me.”

“Anne had always loved the idea of seeing her Vampire Chronicles set in some sort of serious and seductive musical setting and for all of the parties involved this is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said lyricist Bernie Taupin. “Elton and I have threatened for years to work together on something for Broadway but until now had never found anything that appealed to both of us collectively or suited my own personal writing style. We have unified these books into a linear storyline and our intention is to make a stylish, sexy, intelligent and richly hypnotic show that is stripped of gothic clichés and that shows the vampire dealing with his damnation on a more realistic and human level. Please let me make this clear this is NOT a rock opera.”

“Lestat” has a cast of sixteen which features Rachel Coloff, Nikki Renee Daniels, Joseph Dellger, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Megan Reinking, Drew Sarich, Will Swenson, Steve Wilson and Tommar Wilson.

“Lestat” has a scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Tony Award-winner Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, sound design by Jonathan Deans, visual concept design by David McKean, and hair design by Tom Watson. “Lestat” has orchestrations by Steve Margoshes and Guy Babylon, with musical supervision by Guy Babylon, musical direction by Brad Haak, and vocal arrangements by Todd Ellison.

“Lestat” is scheduled to arrive on Broadway in the spring of 2006, following a pre-Broadway world premiere at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre from Saturday, December 17, 2005 through Sunday, January 29, 2006. Broadway theater, first Broadway preview, Broadway opening night and Broadway ticket information to be announced soon.