Susan Blackwell Returns to NYMF in VOLLEYGIRLS Tonight

Monica Raymund of SISU THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS, CAVE 76 PRODUCTIONS and THE NEW YORK MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL (NYMF) have announced that [title of show]'s Susan Blackwell will return to the 10th Anniversary New York Musical Theatre Festival in the world premiere production of VOLLEYGIRLS, opening tonight.

Blackwell will play a disgraced Olympian coaching an oddball team of high-school volleyball players in this new girl-powered musical with book by Rob Ackerman (Tabletop - 2001 Drama Desk), lyrics by Sam Forman (upcoming Bway Sleepless in Seattle, book for F#%king Up Everything), music by Eli Bolin (I Sing, Roller Boogie TV: Sesame Street), choreographed by Ryan Kasprazak (TV: Smash Tour: Billy Elliot) and directed by Neil Patrick Stewart (LA theatre: The Elephant Man - Ovation Award nominations). Television star Monica Raymund of NBC's Chicago Fire is making her debut as a lead produce because she believes in, and is inspired by, the show's positive message of self-acceptance and empowerment for young women.

VOLLEYGIRLS will play limited engagement at The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre (The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42nd Street, NY, NY 10036). Performances begin tonight, July 15 and continue through Saturday, July 27.

In VOLLEYGIRLS, Kim Brindell (Blackwell) was once a world-class athlete before she choked and became an Olympic joke. After years of avoiding the sport that shattered her, she finds herself in charge of a team of wide-eyed, misfit, high-school girls. With the encouragement of a headmaster who's had a crush on her since college, and the resistance of a hardline, helicopter P.T.A. mom, Kim finds a way to help the girls, to accept their help in return, and to win it all.

Raymund feels that "as an artist, I've always been interested in projects that bring women together. Young females in this country are bombarded daily by images and sentiments of questionable quality. VOLLEYGIRLS is filled with dynamic, three-dimensional female characters who learn self-acceptance and empowerment; messages that musical theatre is long overdue in sending to its largest demographic. And yet it's not a show just for teenagers -- I've never seen anything like VOLLEYGIRLS on stage before and I knew I had to be a part of such an original, positive, uniquely-told story. Fostering a strong and unified community of women is a part of my passion as an artist and producer, and the story of VOLLEYGIRLS is filled with that very same passion, which is why this is the perfect project for me."

Blackwell is "over-the-moon thrilled to join the cast of VOLLEYGIRLS, and to appear in this delightful new musical at the 10th annual New York Musical Theatre Festival! NYMF holds a very special place in my heart, since I participated in the inaugural season ten years ago with [title of show]. Like, [title
of show], I feel VOLLEYGIRLS is extremely special. It's got everything: great music, sharp writing, a gigantic heart, good humor, a fantastic cast and creative team, and, SUPERBONUS: GIRLS! Playing VOLLEYBALL!! Get into it!!!"

Tickets are $25. Advance tickets are on sale now through NYMF memberships at www.NYMF.org or by calling 866-811-4111. Individual tickets go on saleJune 17th. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the NYMF HUB after July 8th.

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