Photo Flash: In Rehearsal with Nikki M. James and More for LCT3's PRELUDES

Eisa Davis, Gabriel Ebert, Nikki M. James, Joseph Keckler, Chris Sarandon, and Or Matias, on piano, just started rehearsals for the LCT3/Lincoln Center Theater production of PRELUDES, a new musical by Dave Malloy, inspired by the music of Sergei Rachmaninov, developed with and directed by Rachel Chavkin. PRELUDES, a world premiere and the first musical to be produced by LCT3 in the Claire Tow Theater, begins performances Saturday, May 23, opens Monday, June 15, and will run through Sunday, July 19 at the Claire Tow Theater (150 West 65th Street).

Scroll down for a sneak peek at the cast in rehearsal!

From the creators of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, PRELUDES is a musical fantasia set in the hypnotized mind of Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninov. After the disastrous premiere of his first symphony, the young Rachmaninov (to be played by Gabriel Ebert) suffers from writer's block. He begins daily sessions with a therapeutic hypnotist (to be played by Eisa Davis), in an effort to overcome depression and return to composing.

PRELUDES was commissioned by LCT3 with a grant from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Paige Evans is Artistic Director/LCT3. The production will have sets by Mimi Lien, costumes by Paloma Young, lights by Bradley King, sound by Matt Hubbs, musical direction by Or Matias, and casting by Caparelliotis Casting/Henry Russell Bergstein.

Photo Credit: Jenny Anderson

Chris Sarandon, Joseph Keckler, Eisa Davis, Gabriel Ebert, Or Matias and Nikki M. James

Rachel Chavkin, Dave Malloy, Chris Sarandon, Joseph Keckler, Eisa Davis, Gabriel Ebert, Or Matias and Nikki M. James

Dave Malloy, Nikki M. James, Rachel Chavkin and Gabriel Ebert

Gabriel Ebert and Or Matias

Dave Malloy and Rachel Chavkin

Gabriel Ebert

Chris Sarandon, Eisa Davis and Joseph Keckler

Chris Sarandon

Dave Malloy, Rachel Chavkin, Gabriel Ebert, Or Matias and Nikki M. James

Nikki M. James