Waterwell to Present Rock Operetta on Martin Luther King

Waterwell, the acclaimed downtown New York theater troupe will premiere their newest musical this summer at the Barrow Street Theatre: The Last Year in the Life of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as Devised by Waterwell: A Rock Operetta.  Created by Waterwell, and directed by Tom Ridgely, The/King/Operetta will begin performances on Thursday, June 21, with an official Opening Night set for Saturday, July 7.  Performances continue through August 11.

"From the spirited, anarchic company that created last summer's 2007 Drama Desk nominated Marco Millions (based on lies) and The Persians…a comedy about war with five songs comes an all new theatrical event about one of America's most loved and misunderstood figures.  Featuring an exuberant score of hard-edged rock, blues and funk, The/King/Operetta draws on speeches, writings and interviews to give a blistering account of King as he barnstorms the country squaring off against the most powerful forces in politics and commerce.  Facing criticism on all sides and even doubts from his closest advisors, he speaks his mind fearlessly and fights to the end against war, poverty and even his own government," as press notes describe.

The cast of The/King/Operetta includes Hanna Cheek, Rodney Gardiner, Arian Moayed and Kevin Townley.

Waterwell is "the New York-based company of artists dedicated to the collaborative creation of new works for the theatre.  Its continually evolving body of work encompasses original plays, adaptations of classic texts, solo shows and performance pieces.  For each venture the actors, writers, directors, composers, musicians and designers work collectively to build the piece from the ground up.  The company's past works include Marco Millions (based on lies), The Persians…a comedy about war with five songs, Sweetness & Light and Fuenteovejuna." 

The/King/Operetta is produced by Waterwell and features an original score by Lauren Cregor.  Lighting Design is by Stacey Boggs, Costume Design is by Elizabeth Payne, Sound Design is by Jeff Devine, Scenic Design is by Dave Lombard and the Stage Manager is Taylor James. 

Performances are Thursday – Saturday at 9:30 p.m.  Tickets are $25 and are available through Telecharge at (212) 239-6200 or by visiting www.Telecharge.com.  High school students and veterans are admitted free.  Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the Barrow Street Theatre and patrons are encouraged to enjoy such beverages at their seats.

The air-conditioned Barrow Street Theatre is located at 27 Barrow Street at 7th Avenue South in the heart of Greenwich Village.  Nearby subway stops are the 1 at Christopher Street (walk 1 block South on 7th Avenue to Barrow) and the A, C, E, B, D, F and V at West 4th (walk West on 4th Street, left on Barrow).  For more information, visit www.barrowstreettheatre.com. For more information, visit www.waterwell.org.