New Rock Tuner 'Passing Strange' Opens at the Belasco Feb. 28

The new Broadway musical Passing Strange officially opens at the Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street) on Thursday February 28, 2008.

Passing Strange, which made its New York premiere at The Public Theater last summer, opens with its original cast intact: de'Adre Aziza, Daniel Breaker, Eisa Davis, Colman Domingo, Chad Goodridge, Rebecca Naomi Jones and Stew, himself. A band of consummate musicians joins the cast on stage, including co-creator Heidi Rodewald, along with Jon Spurney, Christian Cassan, Christian Gibbs and Stew.

"With a score that has some of the most tuneful, soulful rock songs, and witty, thought-provoking lyrics in recent memory, Passing Strange is the moving and hilarious tale of a young black bohemian on a journey of escape and exploration: leaving the confines of his middle-class, church-reared youth in south central L.A., the further he travels the more he discovers the journey within is the one that counts," explain press notes.

Passing Strange has choreography by Karole Armitage, the noted choreographer making her debut on Broadway.   Scenic design for Passing Strange is by David Korins, costume design by Elizabeth Hope Clancy, and lighting design by Kevin Adams.

With book and lyrics by the popular singer/songwriter Stew, and with music by Stew and his longtime musical partner Heidi Rodewald, Passing Strange is directed by and created in collaboration with Annie Dorsen. Passing Strange is the first musical by Stew and Heidi Rodewald, best-known for the Afro-baroque sound they have patented since 2000 when they formed the band Stew, promptly winning two Album of the Year Awards from Entertainment Weekly for their acclaimed works "Guest Host" and "The Naked Dutch Painter."