A musical based on the life of one of the greatest Cuban singers, Celia Cruz, will be hitting Off-Broadway in September, 2007.

Celia Cruz: The Musical will begin its world tour in New York in September. The tour will visit Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, and Washington D.C.

The musical will be produced by David Maldonado and directed by Jaime Azpilicueta.

Henry Cardenas, the show's executive producer says the musical is "...a tribute to one of the most remarkable Latin artists that ever lived. Celia's contributions went beyond just music. Her charisma, passion and tireless energy on and off the stage inspired artists and fans alike. Her story is extraordinary, and one that deserves to be told".

Celia Cruz: The Musical "is the story of an artist's love for her country revealed through a musical life that spans for more than 60 years. Throughout her career, Ms. Cruz faces constant successes as well as challenges. As a young woman, she defies her father's opposition to become a singer and conspires with her mother to accomplish her dream. As her fame increases, so does the price of her success.

She shares her victories and disillusions with the love of her life, Pedro Knight, and dreams of one day returning to her country. However, that dream is challenged when she is denied a visa to visit her dying mother, and then realizes that she may never again return to her beloved Cuba."

I haven't found anything about who will play Celia's role. I hope they cast someone with enough talent and charisma to deliver a believable Celia Cruz. She was so unique, so full of life, energy and "latinidad", it's probably going to be pretty hard to find an actress capable of filling such big shoes.

Celia was born in Havana, Cuba, in October 1924. She died on July 16, 2003, of brain cancer. "La Reina de la Salsa" was awarded with seven Grammys during her extense singing career.

Source: Hispanic Business