Photo Flash: Jessica Grove and More in Rehearsals for Choral Chameleon and NY Theatre Barn's TAMAR OF THE RIVER

The award-winning New York Theatre Barn is partnering with Brooklyn-based choral ensemble Choral Chameleon to produce the world premiere production of Tamar of the River Oratorio for two nights only in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn on March 9-10, 2013 starring Broadway's Jessica Grovéin the title role, and the 12 singers of Choral Chameleon embodying the River. Scroll below for photos of the cast in rehearsal!

The Tamar of the River Oratorio is a site-specific, hour-long choral-theatrical event that fuses the best of the choral and theatrical worlds to create a new hybrid form of immersive, explosive, visually spectacular, and emotional live storytelling. It is based on the Jonathan Larson Award winning musical Tamar of the River, written by Marisa Michelson and Joshua H. Cohen. The creative team is led by NYTB's Artistic Director Joe Barros as the director-choreographer and Choral Chameleon's Artistic Director Vince Peterson as the music director.

This compelling new work, an adult fable, follows young Tamar on her quest for peace in times of war, as she journeys to the River's source to hear the voice of God. Young Tamar believes she has been chosen by the River God to bring peace. As she transforms into the Prophet, she makes decisions she later struggles to justify and accept - and when she goes head to head with Judah, commander of the opposition forces and father of two sons who fight to win Tamar's love, it is hard to know who is the cause of greater bloodshed. When everybody is certain only they know what God wants, who will have the final say?

Puppetry is designed by Elizabeth Ostler, with actor-manipulated lighting by Michael Megliola, and costumes by Rachel Guilfoyle. The stage manager is Mackenzie Meeks, with casting by Jason Najjoum.

Following this world premiere event, the New York Theatre Barn and Choral Chameleon will be looking to have the Oratorio licensed for choirs.

For tickets visit www.nytheatrebarn.tumblr.com/tamar, or call Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Purchase tickets early as this is a strictly limited engagement.

Josh Kelley (Assistant Director), Jessica Grove ("Tamar"), Joe Barros (Director/Choreographer), Michael Megliola (Lighting Designer), and Mackenzie Meeks (Stage Manager) discuss design logistics. Photo credit: Michael Bonasio.

Director Joe Barros collaborates with Jessica Grove ("Tamar") on a scene from Tamar of the River Oratorio Photo credit: Michael Bonasio.

Joseph Bellino (with puppet head of "Judah") and the cast in rehearsal. Photo credit: Michael Bonasio.

Jessica Grove ("Tamar") Photo credit: Michael Bonasio.

The cast illuminates Jessica Grove in a scene from the show. Photo credit: Michael Bonasio.

Joe Barros and the cast explore Michael Megliola's actor-manipulated lighting concept. Photo credit: Michael Bonasio.

Mi Na Shin, Jessica Grove, Kelly Baxter Golding, Joe Barros explore a light look at St. Paul's Church in Carroll Gardens. Photo credit: Michael Bonasio.

Michael Gullo ("Onan") and the cast of Tamar of the River Oratorio. Photo credit: Michael Bonasio.

Jessica Grove discusses the intricate role of Tamar with Joe Barros (R) and Josh Kelley (L) Photo credit: Michael Bonasio.

Cameron Bernard Jones (Papa) Photo credit: Elizabeth Ostler.

Erika Lloyd (River Angel) Photo credit: Elizabeth Ostler.

Josh Kelley (Assistant Director) watches as Joe Barros (Director/Choreographer) and Vince Peterson (Music Director) discuss a song moment with intricate rhythms. Photo credit: Elizabeth Ostler.