TV: Watch Highlights from SHIDA!

Click Here to Play the Video!

The new musical SHIDA, written and performed by Jeannette Bayardelle -- whose Broadway appearances include leading roles in THE COLOR PURPLE and HAIR -- will receive its world-premiere this summer Off-Broadway as an Ars Nova Summer Fling (511 W. 54 St. in Manhattan). Previews began July 19 and SHIDA's official opening night was this Wednesday, July 31. Check out highlights below!

Directed by Andy Sandberg, SHIDA has book, music, and lyrics by Jeannette Bayardelle, winner of the NAACP Theater Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical for her performance in THE COLOR PURPLE.

Set to a soulful score of rock, jazz, R&B, and gospel music, SHIDA is based on the true story of a young African-American girl who aspires to become a writer, tracing the ups and downs of her family, friendships, and love life - from the double-dutch court at St. Mary's Catholic School in the Bronx to a scholarship at NYU. Her dreams become sidetracked by hardship and loss until her faith and those closest to her combine to restore Shida's hope and give her a second chance. SHIDA is a tour-de-force for Ms. Bayardelle, who takes us through Shida's powerful, funny, and inspirational story, portraying multiple roles.

SHIDA performs Mondays at 7 pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm, Fridays at 5 and 8 pm and Saturdays at 3 and 8 pm. SHIDA will perform added matinees at 3 pm on Wednesdays August 21 and 28 and a 10pm performance on August 26th. (No Friday 5 pm performances on July 19 and 26). SHIDA's running time is 70 minutes (no intermission). Tickets are $25 and $40 and are available for purchase by phone at 866-811-4111 or online at www.ShidaTheMusical.com.