NYMF Takes a Buddhist 'Journey to the West,' 9/25-10/1

New Voice Theatre, a non-profit theatre company in Cinncinati, Ohio will present Journey to the West, an epic story set to premiere at the New York Musical Theatre Festival this fall.  Presented as part of the Next Link series, it will play the 37 Arts Theatre (450 W. 37th St.) from September 25th through October 1st.

"Journey to the West is adapted from the novel, Xi Yu Chi (Journey to the West), the sixteenth-century, four-volume, one-hundred chapter, masterpiece, depicting the mythological legend of a monk from the Tang Dynasty traveling the Asian continent to transport original Buddhist scriptures to China," according to press notes.

"Co-writer Robert Taylor, after living in China for three years and reading it in its original text, collaborated with writer and Cirque du Soleil conductor, Richard Oberacker, to bring the story into an inclusive, universal context.  The salvation of mankind hinges on the monk's challenge and mission of battling and overcoming harrowing trials and tribulations. The drama is relayed within a lush and grand sensory experience.  Journey is the only musical theatre production to incorporate elements of Peking Opera, Kabuki Theater, puppetry, masks, and Martial Arts while mixing traditional ethnic and world musical traditions with modern rock, pop and techno sounds in its storytelling.  In addition to salvation, themes of purpose, love, and redemption are at the core of this epic reinterpretation."

"Journey welcomes and invites the audience to witness a grand and all-encompassing experience.  The most urgent of quests is at the core of the production and one that does not limit itself to any ideology, culture, or theology.  If an individual discovers that his/her life purpose is to save mankind, what stakes could be higher?" laughs co-writer, Richard Oberacker. "Journey takes the audience on a ride by nodding to cinema's blockbuster style of entertainment, while giving room for introspection and awareness.  The process of creating the show, for all involved, has been a journey in and of itself.  It is with great humility and absolute joy that we hope the audience is not only entertained, but also embarks on a journey within."

"The New York Musical Theatre Festival, now in its third year, is a three-week event in NYC that has premiered over 70 musicals in its first two years, becoming the largest musical theatre event in American history. Hailed as 'the Sundance of Musical Theatre,' it is now widely regarded among the entertainment industry as the key source for new material and talent discovery."

The performance schedule is: September 25th, 8:00PM; September 27th, 5:00PM; September 29th, 1:00PM and 5:00PM; September 30th, 9:00PM; and October 1st, 1:00PM.

For tickets, visit www.nymf.org or call 212-352-3101.  For more information and entire cast recording available for download, please visit: www.journeytothewestthemusical.com.