New Off-Bway musical [title of show] Begins Previews February 15 at Vineyard

The Vineyard Theatre (108 East 15th Street) will continue its 24th season with [title of show], the much buzzed-about new musical by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell. Previews begin February 15; prior to an official opening on February 26, it has been announced by Vineyard Theatre Artistic Director Douglas Aibel.

[title of show] is the hilarious and bittersweet tale of two struggling writers named Jeff and Hunter who race to write and submit a show to the theatre festival -- with the deadline just weeks away. When they enlist two of their friends to be in it, all four embark on a breathless, sweat-drenched journey. Will they finish in time? Will their show be selected? Will they keep their beloved project -- and their friendships intact? Chronicling the story of its own creation, [title of show] is a completely original backstage glimpse into just what it takes to get a new musical from conception to opening night.

The Vineyard production of [title of show] follows the show's breakout debut at the 2004 New York Musical Theatre Festival.

Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell star. Tony-nominee Michael Berresse (Broadway's THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, KISS ME KATE, CHICAGO, DAMN YANKEES, CAROUSEL, GUYS & DOLLS, and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF) directs and choreographs, with musical arrangements and direction by Larry Pressgrove (Broadway's CATS, National tours of LES MISERABLES, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Off-Broadway's CHILDREN'S LETTERS TO GOD). Rounding out the cast is Susan Blackwell (The Sopranos, Law & Order, Third Watch, and Off-Broadway productions of THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, VILNA'S GOT A GOLEM, MUSEUM, and Working Title) and Heidi Blickenstaff (THE FULL MONTY, JEKYLL AND HYDE, STEEL PIER, TOMMY).

Jeff Bowen (Music and Lyrics) has composed music for the Avant Garde-Arama series at PS 122, Sparklefest 2000 at Dixon Place, and the film, Boat Mime. On stage credits include THE WHO'S TOMMY, THE DIVINERS, and THE DOCTOR IN SPITE OF HIMSELF, among others. Hunter Bell (Book) was a 2003 finalist in Warner Brother's Comedy Writers' Workshop. He has helped develop new works at the Dramatists Guild, Irish Rep, PS 122, Goodspeed/Chester, and MTC. As an actor, he has performed at the St. Louis Rep, Cincinnati Playhouse, The MUNY, ALLIANCE THEATRE, Coconut Grove, and Papermill Playhouse.

[title of show] features set design by Neil Patel; costume design by Chase Tyler; lighting design by Ken Billington and Jason Kantrowitz; and sound design by ACME Sound Partners.

Now in its 24th season, the Vineyard Theatre won its first Tony Awards with AVENUE Q, winner of three 2004 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Other past productions of note at the Vineyard include Paula Vogel's Pulitzer Prize-winning HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE and THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME, Craig Lucas' THE DYING GAUL (newly released as a motion picture), Becky Mode's FULLY COMMITTED, as well as premieres of new works by Nicky Silver, Polly Pen, Cornelius Eady and Doug Wright.

The Vineyard Theatre -- which opened its 2005-2006 season with the world-premiere of Kirsten Childs' musical MIRACLE BROTHERS -- received three OBIE Awards last season for its productions of AFTER ASHLEY by Gina Gionfriddo and WHERE DO WE LIVE by Christopher Shinn.

Douglas Aibel is the Artistic Director of the Vineyard Theatre; Jennifer Garvey-Blackwell is Executive Director.

Performances of [title of show] run through March 26; Mondays at 8pm; Wednesdays-Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 5 and 9pm; and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, January 17; tickets are $55. For reservations, please call the box office at 212-353-0303 or log on to www.vineyardtheatre.org