"There are state-of-the-art visual and sound effects, and no expense has been spared by Warner Bros in the area of production values," he said.

Clifford also said he has the extreme good fortune to have the song "As Time Goes By," the musical theme which runs through the entire film, and will be the love theme of the live-stage version.

"I hope the Chinese audiences will enjoy all of our efforts and I have every confidence that the basic message of 'Casablanca,' which is love, honour, forgiveness, and sacrifice, will be easily understood by all," he said.

But whether or not the stage version succeeds has yet to be seen.For some, "Casa-blanca" without Bogart and Bergman can never be "Casablanca."

But Clifford is also confident of his performers - Giuseppe Picone, the principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, as Rick and Simona Noja, principal dancer with Vienna State Opera Ballet, playing Ilsa.

"Noja and Picone are international stars who are also fantastic, beautiful actors. This is why I chose them," said the director and choreographer.

"You will see that it is by their actions, not just their dancing, that this love story will be made crystal clear."

Both dancers admire Bogart and Bergman, but will attempt to stamp their own mark on the work.

"I will certainly interpret the role inspired by Bogart and try to be as good as him. But at the same time I will also give my tips to the new role," said Picone, a strikingly handsome Italian.

The principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre will be a classically dashing Rick - very different to the rough-hewn Bogart.

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