New Songs Released on 'Passing Strange' Website Launch

Two newly-recorded tracks to Passing Strange - the new musical that will begin previews on Broadway February 8 prior to its official opening February 28 at the Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street) - are featured on the show's website, www.PassingStrangeOnBroadway.com.

The preliminary launch of the Passing Strange website - to be followed with a full web launch at a date TBA - will feature the musical numbers "Keys" and "Come Down Now," in both streaming audio and download-able formats, along with background about the musical, press notes, etc.

"Key" is performed by actress de'Adre Aziza, Passing Strange creators Stew and Heidi Rodewald and the ensemble, while "Come Down Now" is performed by actress Rebecca Naomi Jones, Stew, Ms. Rodewald and the musical's ensemble.

Additional musical tracks from Passing Strange will be released in coming weeks.

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."

Passing Strange will move uptown from The Public Theater -- where it enjoyed great critical and popular success last summer, and extended its engagement -- 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 and Stew.

Passing Strange will be produced on Broadway by The Shubert Organization, Inc., Elizabeth Ireland McCann and the Public Theater. Passing Strange was originally produced by the Berkeley Repertory Theater and The Public Theater.

Passing Strange has choreography by Karole Armitage, scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Elizabeth Hope Clancy, and lighting design by Kevin Adams.

Performance schedule for Passing Strange to be announced. Tickets will be on sale through Tele-charge 212 239-6200.