AVALONA, an original musical conceived and created by award-winning recording artist, songwriter, producer, storyteller, and lifelong Upper West Sider Dina Fanai, will be presented in a special four-day concert from February 20-March 29 at The Sanctuary at the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew (263 West 86th Street). Inspired by Fanai’s profound personal journey of self-discovery and transformation, this production promises an intimate, immersive experience for all.
Dina Fanai
The production—an original spiritual parable and fairytale for adults—offers a multi-genre immersive experience, blending song, sacred storytelling, dance, and stunning 3D digital projections. Fanai is thrilled to bring the off-Broadway musical to her home turf, telling us there’s nothing quite this theatrical in the neighborhood.
Set in a mystical realm, AVALONA follows a woman on a spiritual journey from darkness to light and fear to freedom. Guided by The Shaman and The Weaver of Time, Avalona must confront her inner demons and answer three life-altering questions: Will she choose to live, love herself, and see beyond illusion? As the clock unveils hidden aspects of her soul—her past, her shadow, and her truth—Avalona learns to find balance between light and dark, unlocking the power of love and transformation. Audience members are invited to join this sacred journey and make the choice to live, love, and see.
In her late teens, Fanai experienced a life-altering illness that brought her close to losing her life. During this time, she encountered what she could only describe as a “beautiful, other-worldly female presence,” offering her the choice to live or die. Choosing life, Dina embarked on a “deep, beautiful and challenging” journey of self-discovery and recovery,” a turning point that led her to transition from ballet to music (she attended both the School of American Ballet and LaGuardia High School). This shift became her life’s passion: using her personal story to inspire others to overcome challenges and embrace their own paths of transformation.
Directed by Dodd Loomis (Spiderman, Turn Off The Dark), with executive production and musical direction by Bob Kinkel (co-creator of Trans-Siberian Orchestra), the workshop also features choreography by Natalie Lomonte (Parsons Dance), casting by Chloe Lowery, and assistant direction by Grace Cutler, and promises an unforgettable artistic experience.
For this development run, the cast includes acclaimed performers Jenna Rubaii (Broadway: Groundhog Day, Jesus Christ Superstar), Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages, Tony Award nominee), Maya Days (Broadway: RENT, Aida), Madeline Serrano (Regional: Evita), and Dina Fanai (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Foreigner).
Ensemble members include Lavy Cavaliere, Morgan Andrews, Alyssa Rose Bulin, Jamal Shuriah, Jordann Stoute, Kaori Hiwasa, and Cooper Stanton. Understudies are Kalie Kaimann, JaQuita May, Dan Domenech, and Danielle Bowen.
Pre-recorded tracks, produced by Dina Fanai and Bob Kinkel, will be paired with live performances by distinguished musicians Dave Eggar (cello) and Chuck Palmer (percussion).
The performance runs 90 minutes with no intermission. To learn more, please visit avalonaimmersive.com. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Learn more about the music at avalonamusic.com
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