By: Lily Charles
Amid the historic walls of The Sanctuary at St. Paul & St. Andrew on New York’s Upper West Side, Dina Fanai is set to unveil her deeply personal and universally resonant production, AVALONA: A Musical Legend. This immersive experience, featuring an all-star cast including Broadway’s Jenna Rubaii, Constantine Maroulis, and Maya Days, will take the stage for a limited engagement from January 14-17, 2025. This developmental presentation invites audiences to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing through an immersive blend of music, storytelling, dance, and 3D projections.
Fanai describes AVALONA as the culmination of a lifetime’s journey in an interview. “The inspiration for AVALONA came during a pivotal moment in my life when I was battling an illness and came close to losing everything. At that moment, I felt a profound sense of clarity. I imagined a powerful, almost otherworldly female presence offering me a choice: to live, to love myself, and to see beyond the illusions that obscured my true essence,” Fanai shares.
This profound experience planted the seeds for AVALONA, a production she describes as “an original spiritual parable for adults,” Blending the lyrical depth of Rumi’s poetry with the timeless narrative structure found in Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth.
Unlike traditional musicals, AVALONA defies easy categorization. It combines multiple genres—song, sacred storytelling, dance, and cutting-edge 3D projections—to awaken the senses and transport the audience into a magical realm.
“The multi-genre approach was essential,” Fanai explains. “Each element stands on its own, but together, they create a fully immersive experience that draws you deeper into the story.”
This approach, brought to life with the help of director Dodd Loomis and choreographer Natalie Lomonte, allows AVALONA to deliver its powerful messages of courage, transformation, and self-love in a way that resonates on both personal and spiritual levels.
At the heart of AVALONA is its titular character, a woman confronting her inner demons on a journey of self-discovery. Guided by archetypal figures like the Mentor and the Keeper of Time, Avalona confronts her Shadow and inner child, integrating these aspects into her journey.
“This is a universal story told from a deeply personal point of view,” Fanai notes. “As audiences follow Avalona’s journey, they are invited to reflect on their paths, facing their fears and discovering the light within.”
The music of AVALONA is a powerful fusion of “inspirational pop” and sacred expression, crafted to resonate deeply with audiences on both an emotional and spiritual level. Each song is a transformative moment within the narrative, weaving universal themes of courage, love, and self-discovery. From the uplifting anthem “Be Your Own Beautiful” to the empowering call-to-action “Fight For Your Destiny,” the music channels the essence of Avalona’s journey. With melodies that soar and lyrics that inspire, Dina Fanai’s compositions guide audiences through a mystical and transformative experience, blending heartfelt storytelling with a dynamic and immersive musical landscape, emphasizing themes of the importance of self-love, courage, and interconnectedness.
AVALONA has evolved significantly since its inception, thanks to the contributions of an exceptional creative team. Executive producer and musical director Bob Kinkel, known for his work with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, has been instrumental in shaping the show’s musical direction.
“Bob has been involved from the start, and his talent and vision have been invaluable,” Fanai says. “Bringing Dodd Loomis on board as director and Natalie Lomonte as choreographer has elevated the production to heights beyond my wildest dreams.”
The cast features Broadway stars Jenna Rubaii (Groundhog Day), Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages), and Maya Days (RENT), whose performances promise to bring depth and brilliance to the narrative.
Photo Courtesy: Avalona / Dina Fanai
The upcoming presentation is both a milestone and a stepping stone. “We’re using this opportunity to explore the full potential of this version of AVALONA and to share it with a live audience,” says Fanai. “We’re also seeking aligned production partnerships and opportunities to expand the show’s reach.”
Fanai envisions AVALONA becoming a permanent fixture in New York’s theater scene while exploring multi-genre outlets, extending its message beyond the stage.
For Fanai, AVALONA is more than a production; it’s a sacred expression. “Music has always been my medicine,” she says. “Through AVALONA, I hope to inspire audiences to move past the challenges that hold them back and recognize the infinite love and wisdom within themselves. This is a journey of healing, connection, and transformation—and one I’m honored to share.”
As audiences prepare to enter the world of AVALONA, they are not just attending a show but embarking on a journey to rediscover the magic within themselves.
For tickets and more information, visit AvalonaImmersive.com.
Published by Mark V.
