Santa Clara Aquamaids' ''Spirit of the Stage'' Water Show Inspires the Soul and the Supernatural.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Olympic and national champion synchronized swimmers from the Santa Clara Aquamaids will perform an original water theater production called "Spirit of the Stage" September 30 and October 1, 2, 7 and 8 at the Santa Clara International Swim Center.

The "Spirit of the Stage" production features a young heroine, Layla, who learns the secrets -- and the spirit -- of success through messages played out in medleys from famous Broadway musicals. Magnificent floating sets, such as giant masks adorned with sequined swimmers in the "Phantom of the Opera" Masquerade Party, will punctuate the show's vibrant score and world class synchronized swimming routines.

Layla is guided not only by the music, but also by the spirits that dwell in the theater. Broadway icons such as George M. Cohan, who wrote "The Yankee Doodle Boy" and "Give My Regards to Broadway," lend a hand when Layla has lost her way. Ensembles from "Swan Lake," "Cats," "Chicago" and many other well-known theatrical productions will feature dozens of synchronized swimmers, thematic costumes and floating props -- all designed to pass along important messages to Layla and the audience at large.

"Spirit of the Stage" was choreographed by Chris Carver, head coach of the Santa Clara Aquamaids and the U.S. Olympic team, which won bronze in duet and team events at the 2004 Olympic Games.

"In our sport, you compete within a set of rules. But with water theater productions, there are no boundaries -- it's a chance for us to take our creativity to the next level," said Carver. "Water theater turns synchronized swimming into mainstream entertainment. In fact, many of our former team members now perform in Cirque du Soleil's 'O' production in Las Vegas."

"Spirit of the Stage" will feature internationally-recognized Aquamaids, including the 2004 Olympic Duet, members of the 2004 Olympic team and the 2005 U.S. National Championship team from the Aquamaids. In all, 70 swimmers will perform in the production. The show's leading man is played by Merrick McMahon, formerly in the touring company of "Rent," who falls in love with Layla. The production includes live singing and dancing on "land" while dozens of swimmers portray cats, swans and flappers in synchronized swimming routines.

"Spirit of the Stage" starts at 8 p.m. each night. Admission is as follows:

--Children: 4 & Under = Free; 5-13 = $10

--Adults: Fridays, Sundays = $20; Saturdays = $25

--VIP Seating: Front/Center Seating = $50

For ticket information, call 408-988-9936 or go to www.aquamaids.org. Also, open the following link in Internet Explorer (turn off pop-up blocker) to see a video of the caliber of entertainment to expect in "Spirit of the Stage" -- and remember, they're in 13 ft. of water. http://www.qrelease.com/Aquamaids/video.htm

About the Santa Clara Aquamaids

The Santa Clara Aquamaids Synchronized Swimming Club was founded in 1964. The club's 80-plus swimmers range in age from seven to 31. Santa Clara has earned more Senior National sweeps than any club in the history of the sport, medaled in every major national and international competition and has placed more swimmers on national and Olympic teams than any other synchronized swimming organization.