The Scottsboro Boys: new musical by Kander and Ebb

Vineyard Theatre will present the world-premiere of the new musical The Scottsboro Boys - with music and lyrics by Tony Award-winners John Kander and Fred Ebb, book by David Thompson and directed by Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman with musical direction by David Loud - opening at the Vineyard Theatre on 10 Mar 2010, following previews from 12 Feb 2010.

The Scottsboro Boys explores the infamous "Scottsboro" case of the 1930's when a group of African American teenagers were unjustly accused of attacking two white women -- and the boys' attempts to prove their innocence. The new work depicts one of the most memorable and notorious chapters in the history of race in America.

Following a series of readings and workshops at the Vineyard in 2008 and 2009, The Scottsboro Boys - previously announced for a developmental Lab Production during The Vineyard Theatre's 2009-10 season - will instead be given this fully-staged production.

Casting and additional members of the creative team for The Scottsboro Boys is to be announced.

The musical reunites The Vineyard Theater with John Kander, David Thompson and Susan Stroman - who along with the late Fred Ebb - previously collaborated on The Vineyard's revival of 'Flora, The Red Menace' in 1987.

The legendary collaboration of John Kander and Fred Ebb over four decades resulted in some of the most beloved and enduring musicals in theater history: from 'Flora, The Red Menace' to 'CAbaret' (two Tony Awards - Best Musical and Best Composer and Lyricist); 'Zorba,' 'Chicago' and 'Woman of the Year' (Tony Award, Best Original Score); to 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' (Tony Award, Best Original Score), 'Curtains,' 'The Visit' and 'Skin of Our Teeth.' They also collaborated for film and television on such memorable works as 'Liza with A Z' (Emmy Award); HBO's 'Liza Minnelli's Stepping Out' (Emmy Award); the films 'Funny Lady' (Oscar nominated for "How Lucky Can You Get"); 'Lucky Lady,' 'New York, New York,' 'Stepping Out' and 'Chicago'.

David Thompson is a Tony Award nominee for Best Book of a Musical for 'Steel Pier.' His other credits include the script adaptation for 'Chicago' and the musical 'The World Goes 'Round', a musical revue of the songs of Kander and Ebb (New York Drama Desk and Outer Critics Awards). Thompson is an Emmy nominee for 'Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall.'

Susan Stroman won two Tony Awards as director and choreographer of 'The Producers.' She co-created, directed and choreographed the groundbreaking musical 'Contact' for Lincoln Center Theater, winning the 2000 Tony Award for Best Choreography. Other Broadway credits include 'Young Frankenstein,' 'Oklahoma!' 'The Music Man,' Steel Pier,' 'Show Boat' (Tony Award) and 'Crazy For You.' (Tony). Stroman is the recipient of the George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Theatre and the winner of a record four Astaire Awards.