Previews of "Celia," the stage musical based on Cuba's famed songstress Celia Cruz, are set to open on August 28, 2007 at New York's New World Stages in Manhattan. The opening has been scheduled for September 12th and will offer Spanish language performances Tuesday through Friday, Saturdays and Sundays and English language performances on Saturdays at 5 PM and 7 PM performances on Sundays.
 
 Xiomara Laugart, a Cuban singer with 15 albums to her name and lead vocalist for the group Yerba Buena, has been cast to play Cruz. Slated to accompany Laugart on stage are Gustavo Wons, Monica Hatter-Mayes, Nina La Farga, Rogelio Douglas, Ski Ocasio, Sunilda Caraballo and Wilson Mendieta.

Written by Carmen Rivera and Cándido Tirado, directed by Jaime Azpilicueta and produced by Henry Cardenas and David Maldonado, "Celia" is expected to tour the country after the New York run. Performances in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Washington D.C. and Boston will be the U.S. stops before the play continues on to several Latin American countries.
 
 Tickets will be available at www.telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200.