Groundbreaking, Life-affirming Musical Dramedy UNBEATABLE! Makes National Debut October 15 at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza

Groundbreaking, life-affirming musical dramedy UNBEATABLE! makes its national debut October 15th, at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza. A cancer survivor's tale plays out through original music and utilizes a local cast. Tickets are on sale now for this ground-breaking new musical that seamlessly weaves moments of poignant drama and well-timed comedy. UNBEATABLE! reminds us and audiences that at any given moment, an unforeseen event can drastically change the course of our lives, and force us to re-evaluate our priorities.

UNBEATABLE! makes its nationwide debut October 15 at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza for a limited five-week engagement. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 2:00 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Proudly produced by St. Louis-based Emery Entertainment (Blue Man Group Megastar World Tour, James Taylor, David Copperfield and the Super Bowl xxVI Halftime show starring U2), UNBEATABLE! is whole-heartedly endorsed by and partnered with the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Washington University School of Medicine.

With a primarily St. Louis-based cast, the actors and performers have been chosen from the best that St. Louis has to offer. Six UNBEATABLE! cast members call St. Louis home, including Michele Burdette Elmore (Ruthie/Dr. Louis), John Flack (James), Mark Kelley (Steven/Technician/Franklin), Pamela Reckamp (Natalie/Dr. Ossman), Landon Shaw (Brad) and Stellie Siteman (Mom). Charity Dawson (Ally) and Kristy Cates (Tracy) reside in New York City.

Inspired by a true story, UNBEATABLE! follows the journey of Tracy Boyd (played by Kristy Cates, original Broadway cast of Wicked), a young business woman who learns she has stage three breast cancer. In a courtroom setting, Tracy is put "on trial" by friends and family and called to reexamine her life choices. Audiences will laugh, cry and empathize with Tracy's quest to examine the evidence of her life priorities, redefine relationships with herself and others and set a new, meaningful course for the future.

UNBEATABLE! juxtaposes the gravity of a cancer diagnosis with optimism, hopefulness and a keen sense of humor. With incredible original music and powerful vocal performances, the message of UNBEATABLE! is universal and applies to anyone who goes through life at full speed, without realizing that in the end, it is the people we love in our lives, not the "to do" lists, that deserve our time and attention.

UNBEATABLE! is based on the experiences of co-creator Laurie Frey, who battled stage three breast cancer from 2002 to 2003 amidst the daily responsibilities of managing illusionist David Copperfield's tour, volunteering for community organizations and running her household. UNBEATABLE! was conceived during my cancer journey and is based on the journal I kept during that time," Frey said. "I told (co-creator and director) Michael Bernard the story while I was in the midst of radiation therapy. I figured the idea of a musical was one of two things: the creation of a powerful stage show or just something to help me get through the day. Michael insisted it could be an amazing show." Frey continues, "Medically, they say that optimism and humor is integral to battling cancer. I didn't believe it was my time to go. I believed that even in the midst of cancer and all the other stuff I was going through, if I could encourage someone else, then that was a good thing."

UNBEATABLE! started as a reading at Phoenix Theatre's New Works Festival in August 2006 under the direction of co-creator Michael Barnard, and in August and September 2008, UNBEATABLE! was produced by Phoenix Theatre and Stages Repertory Theatre/Pink Ribbons Project. The show starred Kristy Cates and played in Phoenix and Houston to standing ovations for all 45 performances. Critics and audiences in these preview cities have been overwhelmingly supportive. The Houston Chronicle called it "Funny and moving," and the Arizona Republic simply said it was "Excellent!"

Tickets are $39.50 and are available through MetroTix at 314-534-1111, or www.metrotix.com, and The Playhouse box office at 314-469-PLAY. Box office hours are noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

UNBEATABLE! loves groups of 10 or more. Call Ellen Reichart at 636-443-9736 or EllenReichart@yahoo.com for discounts and corporate buyouts.

Visit www.UnbeatableMusical.com for more information.

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