Passing Strange to open on Broadway

The musical, Passing Strange, which had its New York premiere earlier this year at Off-Broadway's Public Anspacher Theater, is to have its Broadway premiere at the Belasco Theatre on 28 Feb 2008, following previews from 8 Feb.

Passing Strange, book and lyrics by Stew Rodewald, music & lyrics by Stew & Heidi Rodewald, was created in collaboration with Annie Dorsen.

Stew Rodewald, is both a singer and songwriter, and the founder of the Band 'The Negro Problem', a pop rock combo from Los Angeles. The group's albums include "Post Minstrel Syndrome "and "Joys & Concerns."

In 2002 he and his partner Heidi founded 'STEW,' a multidisciplinary ensemble. The pair have been working on the musical Passing Strange, with the support of the Sundance Institute.

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.

Like the Off-Broadway production Passing Strange will be directed Annie Dorsen, with choreography by Karole Armitage, and feature 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.

Passing Strange had its world premiere in San Francisco, at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, where it ran from 19 Oct - 3 Dec 2006. It then premiere in New York, at the Public's Anspacher Theater, where the show ran from 14 May - 1 Jul 2007.