The spectacular Ben Hur Live Show is finally to come to come to what producer Franz Abraham considers its rightful home: Roma.
Debutting on the 29 September at Rome Nuova Fiera (New Fair), the colossal spectacle will feature over 400 actors and 100 animals (including horses, doves and falcons) and is estimated to cost 22 million. Abrahams dream was to be able to put the show on in the Circo Massimo, the ancient Roman stadium where chariot races were once held, as in the 1959 film starring Charlton Heston and filmed at Rome Cinecittà studios. However, this proved unfeasible for logistic and conservation reasons. The spectacle needs a space of at least 2,500 sqm. Hence the choice of the New Fair, near Fiumicino airport.
Some of the most spectacular scenes include the furious chariot race between the Hebrew prince Ben Hur and his hated rival, the Roman tribune Messala, a naval battle and a frenzied dance orgy in Pontius Pilates palace.
Producer and cast will be keeping their fingers crossed that there will be no hitches. Ben Hur Live did not open in Milan in 2009 as programmed, due to technical difficulties problems involving the staging of such a colossal spectacle.
The show will run until the end of November 2011. For information: Tel. Infoline (0039)06.54220807
