Critiques
Richard (Dick) Leach
(August 24, 1927-May 29, 2001):
Dick Leach and his wife, Rosemary, spent five days in Assisi, Italy, in 1997 where they read the Life of Francis by the Franciscan friar Thomas Celano, a contemporary of Francis, and visited the holy places where St. Francis, El Poverello (“The Little Poor Man”), launched his world-changing movement in the thirteenth century. These experiences motivated Dick, who for a long time had had a deep love and admiration for Francis, to fulfill a very personal ambition to share his love for El Poverello as “our only reliable guide to the future.” Dick committed his resources to create a Broadway-quality musical based on the life of St. Francis and to share the inspiration he had gained from the story of the beloved saint. Francesco, Il Musical, which he had both helped write and produce, was based on Dick’s original treatment, the show was performed in an elaborate, 1000-seat, state-of-the-art theatre in Assisi, built by Dick’s company for the production, and fulfilled his purpose – not simply to honor the saint, but to communicate the message of St. Francis. READ MORE
Creative Artists
Vincenzo Cerami
Writer – Oscar Winner
Vincenzo Cerami has had an extensive literary career as a poet, novelist and dramatist for the past 30 years and is one of the most celebrated contemporary artists of Italy today. Mr Cerami has worked prolifically in theater, cinema and television. Mr. Cerami is perhaps best known internationally for his work on “Life is Beautiful” which garnered seven Oscar nominations and three Academy Awards.
Benoit Jutras
Composer
French-Canadian composer, Benoit Jutras, has been Music Director and Composer for the critically acclaimed Cirque de Soleil including the shows: “O,” “La Nouba,” “Mystére,” and “Quidam.” Benoit’s “Le Reve” was produced in collaboration with director Franco Dragone for Steve Wynn’s new megaresort in Las Vegas. Benoit’s extensive credits also includes film and television soundtracks, “Far Side Of The Moon” for Robert Le Page.
Dante Ferretti
Production Designer – Oscar Winner
Dante Ferretti has worked with the foremost directors of our generation including Federico Fellini, Jean Jacques Annaud, Martin Scorcese and Francis Ford Coppola. Mr Ferretti has received a number of rewards for his work including six Oscar nominations and an Academy Award for his work on “The Aviator.”
Gabriella Pescucci
Costume Designer – Oscar Winner
Gabriella Pescucci has worked on a number of acclaimed productions with a wide range of artists such as Roland Jaffe, Sergio Leone and Frederico Fellini. Ms. Pescucci has received a multitude of awards which includes an Academy Award for her work with Martin Scorcese on “The Age of Innocence.”
