"Piaf: Love Conquers All" to be staged from October 8-11

Edith Piaf is still remembered and revered as one of the greatest singers France has ever produced. Her life was one of sharp contrasts—her fame as opposed to her tragic personal life, and her fragile figure with the resonance of her voice. Her iconic presence lingers on. Just last year, Marion Cotillard won the Oscar Best Actress trophy for her scintillating portrayal as Piaf in the film La Vie en Rose.


This year, MusicArtes Inc., the company that brought the critically acclaimed musical play, After Aida, brings to Manila a passionate musical drama by Roger Peace billed as Piaf: Love Conquers All.


This musical drama presents the tribulations and triumphs of the remarkable French chanteuse who despite her small frame, (she stood only 4'10"), became larger than life with her evocative voice and the unmatched passion she gives to her every song. Piaf's life story is an inspiring story of survival, courage and a woman's unwavering faith in love.


Born in 1915 in the streets of Paris in abject poverty, Piaf rose to international stardom. Her voice is unique and her music reaches through generations and across oceans. Though extremely successful, she struggled with morphine addiction and alcohol abuse. Rheumatism crippled her health but she never stopped singing. Ms. Emmerson, as Piaf, invites the audience to share a cocktail while she shares anecdotes of her passion for men, music, and morphine.


Through Peace's intimate and touching script, audiences will witness Piaf's life and loves, her rise from the slums of France to international stardom. All these complemented by Piaf's signature renditions of "La Vie En Rose," "Milord," "Non, Je ne Regrette Rien," to mention a few.


Naomi Emmerson is also the director, set and costume designer of Piaf, with Adam Blanshay as associate director. Supporting artist is New York based pianist Carmela Buencamino-Sinco. MusicArtes's Executive Director is Jay Valencia Glorioso.


Piaf: Love Conquers All will open in Manila on October 9, 10, and 11, 8 p.m at the BDO Francisco Santiago Hall (formerly PCI Bank), Makati City, co-presented by the Buencamino Foundation and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.


Ticket prizes are P1,500 (orchestra) and P750 (balcony). For more information on bookings and reservations, call 895-8098/751-2243 (look for Ms. Baby Castro) or write to musicartes.manila@gmail.com.