PAssing Strange to close on 20 Jul

The new Broadway musical Passing Strange has posted early closing notices and will play its final performance on 20 Jul 2008 - the musical had been booking through to 16 Nov 2008.

When the show closes it will have played 165 regular performances and 20 previews.

With book and lyrics by Stew, music by Stew and Heidi Rodewald, directed by and created in collaboration with Annie Dorsen, Passing Strange opened at the Belasco Theatre on 28 Feb 2008, following previews from 8 Feb 2008.

The musical received 2008 Best Musical Awards from the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Village Voice Obie Awards. As well, Stew received the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical.

Film director Spike Lee will make a film of the musical, shooting two performances of the show in front of live audiences on 19 Jul 2008.

In announcing the closing of Passing Strange, producer Gerald Schoenfeld of The Shubert Organization says, "We are extremely proud of Passing Strange and its many accomplishments on Broadway. That Spike Lee will film the show is a crowning achievement and represents a milestone in the American musical theatre. We appreciate the support of the show's many ardent fans that have helped keep it running."

Producer Elizabeth Ireland McCann adds, "Passing Strange has been an unparalleled experience for me as a lifelong theatre lover. I cannot express how genuinely proud I am of the show, the brilliant creators, the fantastic cast, the band and every member of the Passing Strange family. We brought a show to Broadway and, at the very least, shook things up a bit."

Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director of The Public Theater where Passing Strange had its NY debut last year notes, "Passing Strange is a risky, thrilling American Musical that has introduced an exciting new voice to the American Theater. The Public is proud to have given it birth; and we will be forever grateful to Jerry Schoenfeld and Liz McCann, the lion and lioness of Broadway, who were willing to support Stew, Heidi and Annie's vision."

The musical opened to mostly excellent reviews: "A dynamic musical that vibrates right to your heart. (New YOrk Theatre Guide); "It is far richer in wit, feeling and sheer personality than most of what is classified as musical theater." (New York Times); "One smart and extremely hip musical." (Star-Ledger); "A hell of a good time." (New York Sun).

In Passing Strange a young black bohemian in search of self and home, charts a course for 'the real' through sex, drugs, and rock and roll.

Directed by Annie Dorsen, Passing Strange features De'adre Aziza, Daniel Breaker, Eisa Davis, Colman Domingo, Chad Goodridge, Rebecca Naomi Jones and Stew.

The creative team features David Korins (set design), Elizabeth Hope Clancy (costumes) and Kevin Adams (lighting).

Passing Strange is being produced on Broadway by The Shubert Organization, Elizabeth Ireland McCann and The Public Theater.