Azria to Launch Entertainment Group Week In Review
BCBGMaxAzria Chief Executive Officer and Designer Max Azria is entering the world of theater with a new entertainment division called BCBGMaxAzria Entertainment.
For its initial project this summer, the Los Angeles–based entertainment division will produce a musical called “The Ten Commandments: The Spectacle Musical.” The biblical tale, which will feature Azriadesigned costumes, will have a six-week run beginning Sept. 18 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
The musical, which one source close to the project described as a cross between “Les Miserables” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” was originally featured on stages throughout Europe, including a venue in Paris, where Azria saw the show four years ago. He was so impressed by the musical’s score and set design that he made it a personal mission to bring the show to the United States. He teamed up with longtime friend and entertainment industry marketing consultant Charles Cohen and 7Art Productions— owned by the musical’s original creator and director, Elie Chouraqui—to form BCBGMaxAzria Entertainment.
Azria, who launched his women’s ready-towear company in 1989, said the move into entertainment is an extension of his creative side. “Producing ’The Ten Commandments’ will allow me to immerse myself deeper into the arts and to give wings to a project that is a great passion for me,” said Azria, who will serve as both producer and costume designer for the production.
Azria said he hopes the show will go on a national tour following its debut in Los Angeles.
Broadway director Robert Iscove will direct the musical, which has a cast of 50 singers and dancers. The musical’s original score was revised by music producer Patrick Leonard, who has worked with contemporary musical artists including Madonna on hit songs such as “Like a Prayer,” and lyrics are by Maribeth Derry. Creative artist Giantito Burchiellaro will be responsible for the set design. —Claudia Figueroa
