BEND IN THE ROAD Opens at NYMF Tonight

BEND IN THE ROAD, a new musical comedy, is an official selection of the New York Musical Theatre Festival's (NYMF) 2013 Next Link Project. The production opens tonight (Thursday) at PTC Performance Space, 555 West 42nd Street (between Tenth & Eleventh Ave.)

Benjamin Endsley Klein directs a cast of 14 including Martin Vidnovic (OKLAHOMA!, THE KING AND I, GUYS AND DOLLS, BRIGADOON, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, BABY), Alison Woods (THE FANTASTICKS, "Big Love") as Anne Shirley, Jordan Barrow, Mimi Bessette (THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, BONNIE AND CLYDE), Brandon Essig, Kasie Gasparini,Justine Huxley (MAX AND RUBY), Anne Kanengeiser (RAGTIME, LITTLE WOMEN), Kevin Ligon (KISS ME, KATE, THE SECRET GARDEN), CJ Pawlikowski, Maureen Silliman (SHENANDOAH, I REMEMBER MAMA), Chelsea Stavis, Rachel Weintraub("Saturday Night Live"), and Whitney Winfield (SHREK).

BEND IN THE ROAD is based on the classic novel ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and centers on young Anne Shirley, an orphan who is mistakenly adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Although they had hoped for a boy to help with their Avonlea farm, Anne's joyous, intelligent and vivacious spirit changes the lives of all those around her, including Matthew, Marilla and nosy town gossip Mrs. Rachel Lynde. Anne finds fast friendships at school, while her rivalry with handsome classmate Gilbert Blythe changes unexpectedly as they enter adulthood.

BEND IN THE ROAD received unanimous rave reviews in its 2012 premiere at the Carrie Hamilton Theatre at the Pasadena Playhouse. Written by Benita Scheckel (book & lyrics) and Michael Upward (music & lyrics), BEND IN THE ROAD will play six performances only beginning tonight through the 28th.

Making her New York stage debut, Alison Woods was selected by director Jason Alexander to play the leading role of Luisa in his all-star production of THE FANTASTICKS at Reprise with Eric McCormack and Lucas Grabeel. Alison's film and TV credits include "Big Love," "CSI: NY," "90210," "Safe Harbor," and DETENTION. For Walt Disney Pictures, she was the animation reference for Rapunzel in the hit movie TANGLED. BEND IN THE ROAD director Benjamin Endsley Klein is currently represented on Broadway by the critically acclaimed play ANN starring Holland Taylor. Benjamin also served as Associate Director for the entire COAST OF UTOPIA trilogy, and he was Assistant Director for the hit Broadway musical DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS.

Benita Scheckel started directing and producing in 2003 for local philanthropic organizations and in 2007 began her career as a director and teacher in the Pasadena Unified School District working with middle and high school students. She has been honored for her work with children and has been recognized by the PUSD Special Education Department for her particular knack of including students with special needs both physical and emotional into performing arts programs. Michael Upward's other musicals includeDetention! The Musical and two nutrition education musicals for Network for a Healthy California which are performed over 200 times a year in school districts across Southern California.

Since publication, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES has sold over 50 million copies and has been translated into more than 20 languages. Numerous best-selling sequels followed by author Lucy Maud Montgomery. The original book is taught to students around the world.

Set design for BEND IN THE ROAD is by Lauren Helpern, with costume design by David Kaley, lighting design by Joel E. Silver, video/projection design by Andrew Lazarow, sound design by Brett Rothstein, musical staging by Nick Potenzieri, and musical direction by Andrew Gerle.

BEND IN THE ROAD is presented by the New York Musical Theatre Festival and 134 West - produced by Susan Lambert, co-produced by Sarahbeth Grossman. Performances will be Tonight July 18 at 8 PM, Saturday July 20 at 1 PM, Wednesday July 24 at 1 PM, Thursday July 25 at 1 PM, Saturday July 27 at 5 PM, and Sunday July 28 at 1 PM. Tickets are $25 and are available throughwww.nymf.org or by calling 212-352-3101. For more information, visit www.BendInTheRoadMusical.com.