NEW YORK— Following its debut performances in Los Angeles, a bio-musical on legendary world singer Charles Aznavour will mark its New York City presentation on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at Symphony Space, in an event hosted by the Tekeyan Cultural Association of Greater New York.
“Charles” fuses the extraordinary life story of Aznavour with the live performances of his most famous songs, from La Boheme to Hier Encore to Les Deux Guitares. The production, written and directed by Taleen Babayan, highlights the professional and personal challenges of the acclaimed and beloved entertainer throughout his storied career, while showcasing the musical talents of Los Angeles-based performers Maurice Soudjian, Bernard C. Bayer, Mariette Soudjian, Harout Soghomonian and Levon Ghanimian.
“Charles” is based on Aznavour’s two autobiographies that comes to life on stage and recounts the influence his rich heritage had on him as he grew up in Paris, France, the son of Armenian Genocide survivors. His song dedicated to the 1.5 million martyrs, Ils Sont Tombes, is one of the 15 compositions that are part of the production.
Austrian-born pianist and actor Bernard C. Bayer listened to Aznavour with his father as a youngster and was enthusiastic to “embody him and explore his life, artistry and music more in depth.”
“During our previous performances at The Hotel Cafe and El Portal Theatre, I could feel the audience’s love of Aznavour radiating towards me,” said Bayer. “It’s an honor to carry on his legacy.”
Opening up Aznavour’s music to a new generation, singer and actress Mariette Soudjian performs a Franco-English duet for Take Me Away (Emmenez-Moi) and She, while making a guest appearance as Edith Piaf, who was an early supporter of Aznavour, and singing her infamous song La Vie En Rose.
