'Passing Strange' Begins Previews Feb.8; Launches Interactive Website

The new Broadway musical Passing Strange began previews Friday February 8, 2008 at the Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street) and will officially open Thursday February 28, 2008. "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 earned a number of honors in 2007, including a designation as one of the Top 10 in The New York Times, New York Magazine and The Star Ledger, along with the "10 Best Plays, Theater Yearbook 2006-2007," and four Audelco Awards, including Musical Production of the Year. The musical began rehearsals on January 7, 2008 in preparation for its Broadway bow.

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.

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.

At noon February 7, Passing Strange will also launch an interactive section on the official show website, www.PassingStrangeonBroadway.com, which will offer unique features that allow visitors to join the musical's central character, known as Youth, at key stops on the journey he undertakes in search of his musical voice, and himself.   Beginning at his family's Baptist Church in Los Angeles and continuing through Amsterdam and Berlin, website visitors can be introduced to some of the vivid and colorful friends and lovers Youth meets along the way:  Franklin, pianist, choir director and son of Rev. Jones; the warm and welcoming neo-hippie Marianna in Amsterdam; and the provocative performance artist Mr. Venus in Berlin.

The Passing Strange website will feature free downloads of songs from the musical:  "Arlington Hill," "Keys," "Come Down Now" and "Amsterdam," along with a 45-second music-video clip, shot during rehearsals in New York last month.

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 perform Tuesdays at 7pm; Wednesdays - Saturdays at 8pm; Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2pm; and Sundays at 3pm at the Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street) on Broadway. Tickets are priced $111.50 - $66.50 - $36.50 - $26.50, and are available through Tele-charge at www.TeleCharge.com, or by calling 212-239-6200. For additional information on Passing Strange, visit www.passingstrangeonbroadway.com