“Formidable! Aznavour” to Bring Tribute to Legendary French-Armenian Singer to Glendale’s Alex Theatre on December 5

Acclaimed Musical Production Celebrating Charles Aznavour Embarks on U.S. Tour

GLENDALE, CA — “Formidable! Aznavour,” an internationally acclaimed musical tribute to legendary French-Armenian singer and songwriter Charles Aznavour, will make its U.S. debut this December, including a performance at Glendale’s historic Alex Theatre on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

Following successful performances in France and abroad, the production will tour 11 American cities, celebrating the extraordinary life, music, and enduring legacy of one of the most beloved Armenian artists in history.

Created by Directo Productions, the team behind the international musical sensation “Piaf! The Show,” and presented by the Cherry Orchard Festival, “Formidable! Aznavour” features a live band and a repertoire of Aznavour’s most celebrated songs, including “La Bohème,” “Formidable,” “She,” and “Yesterday When I Was Young.”

Led by acclaimed performer Jules Grison, the production takes audiences on an emotional journey through Aznavour’s remarkable career, recreating the atmosphere of Parisian bohemia that inspired much of his music. Through song and storytelling, the performance traces Aznavour’s journey from humble beginnings to international stardom.

Celebrating an Armenian Cultural Icon

Born in Paris to Armenian refugee parents, Charles Aznavour rose to become one of France’s most internationally recognized entertainers while maintaining a lifelong connection to his Armenian heritage.

Despite early criticism of his unconventional voice and appearance, Aznavour captured audiences through his distinctive artistry, emotional depth, and extraordinary songwriting ability.

His career included collaborations with legendary French performers Charles Trenet and Édith Piaf, who helped introduce the young Aznavour to international audiences through tours in the United States and Canada.

Over his decades-long career, Aznavour wrote more than 800 songs, appeared in over 80 film and television productions, and became celebrated for his poignant interpretations of love, longing, and the passage of time.

His compositions have been performed by internationally renowned artists, including Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Ray Charles, Shirley Bassey, and Elvis Costello. His musical influence continues across generations and genres, with contemporary artists incorporating his work into modern recordings.

Aznavour passed away in 2018 at the age of 94, leaving behind an extraordinary artistic legacy and an enduring place in Armenian and international cultural history.

Eleven-City American Tour

The 2026 U.S. tour will include performances in the following cities:

December 1 – Seattle, WA | Edmonds Center for the Arts | 8:00 p.m.
December 2 – San Diego, CA | Balboa Theatre | 8:00 p.m.
December 3 – San Francisco, CA | Herbst Theatre | 8:00 p.m.
December 5 – Glendale/Los Angeles, CA | Alex Theatre | 7:00 p.m.
December 6 – Houston, TX | Cullen Theater at Wortham Center | 8:00 p.m.
December 7 – Tampa, FL | Straz Center for the Performing Arts | 8:00 p.m.
December 8 – Atlanta, GA | Center Stage Theater | 8:00 p.m.
December 10 – Miami, FL | Lauderhill Performing Arts Center | 8:00 p.m.
December 12 – Brooklyn, NY | Oceana Theater | 7:00 p.m.
December 13 – Boston, MA | Berklee Performance Center | 8:00 p.m.
December 15 – New York, NY | The Town Hall | 8:00 p.m.

About the Cherry Orchard Festival

Founded in 2012 by Maria Schlover and Irina Shabshis, the Cherry Orchard Festival is dedicated to bringing internationally acclaimed artists and productions to American audiences.

The festival has presented prominent performers including John Malkovich, Maxim Vengerov, Evgeny Kissin, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and others, collaborating with prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and New York City Center.

Through its programming, the organization promotes cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and greater accessibility to international performing arts.