THE CAVE: A FOLK OPERA to Make NYC Debut at Access Theater This Spring

In an opium den at the turn of the 20th century, Willow sacrifices her life to pay off her father's debt by working in an occult underground society called "The Cave." In this musical exploration of fairy tales, myths, and spiritualism, Willow fights to find light not only in the grim and strange shadow-world around her, but also within herself.

Following the sold-out, award-winning production at the 2014 Hollywood Fringe Festival, THE CAVE: A FOLK OPERA, by Melanie Rose Thomas with direction by Christopher D. Betts, musical direction by Aaron Lindenberg and choreography by Amanda Pinto, will have its New York City debut on March 31st. The production runs through April 10, 2016 at Access Theater (380 Broadway, NYC).

With workshop productions at Sarah Lawrence College, Vassar College, and in London at The British American Drama Academy, THE CAVE: A FOLK OPERA has generated a following of emerging artists and received acclaim for its unique and hypnotic form of storytelling and enchanting original music. THE CAVE is a new story inspired by the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, and told entirely through original folk music.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION: Winner of "Encore Producer Awards - Best of Fringe" (with 2 month extension); Winner of "Best First Play" for exceptional writing by Melanie Rose Thomas; 2014 Bitter Lemons' Lemon Lounge "Potluck Pick of The Fringe"; and 2014 Bitter Lemons' "Encore Award's Pick".

In the cast are: Ashley Coia (Willow), Mark Taylor (The Master), Bronwyn Whittle (Ondine/Leila), Nikhil Saboo (Edwin), Alyssa Florio (The Mother/Margarita), Jenisa De Castro (Celestina/Charlotte), and Paris Marcel (The Father). The band features Zach Baker (Upright Bass), Lily Desmond (Violin), Aaron Lindenberg (Keyboard, Guitar, Autoharp), & Sam Monaco (Drums).

On the creative team are: Kate Pincus-Whitney (scenic designer), Jahise LeBouef (costume designer), and Elizabeth M. Stewart (lighting designer).

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

MELANIE ROSE THOMAS (composer/lyricist/creator) is a Brooklyn-based composer/lyricist, poet, and performer. Other developing projects include The Skeleton Woman and The Hollow Man (inspired by Inuit mythology), The Juniper Tree (inspired by the homonymous Brothers Grimm tale), and The Island (inspired by folklore of the sea). Education: Sarah Lawrence College (BA: Folklore, Poetry, and Musical Theater); Idyllwild Arts Academy (High School: Musical Theater).

CHRISTOPHER D. BETTS (director) is a director, writer, and actor based in New York City. Recent collaborations include CARRIE The Musical (Peregrine Theatre, & NYU), Barbecue at The Public Theatre, and the 2016 Fire This Time Festival. 2015 BroadwayWorld.com "Best Musical" Nominee for CARRIE at Peregrine.

MARIAH BAILEY (producer) is a recent grad from Tisch School of the Arts at NYU and is currently working on The Maury Show with NBC. She has worked with independent artists, as well as companies such as Ars Nova Theater, Conde Nast Entertainment, Above Average Productions, Eye On It Studios, TWELVE18 Media, Nan Fisher Entertainment, Bungalow Media & Entertainment, HIPZEE, and Red Shirt Entertainment. In addition to producing within the NYU community, Off-Off Broadway, festivals and showcases, she has experience in TV, Digital Media, Online-Based Content and Branded Entertainment.

AARON LINDENBERG (musical director) is a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and arranger. After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College, he released his debut EP, Ugly Things. He has been part of THE CAVE since its first workshop production in 2013; this production will be his second time as musical director. He can currently be seen playing his original music around New York City.

For more information, visit TheCaveFolkOpera.com/cast.

Run time is 120 minutes with an intermission. Performances at the Access Theater, 380 Broadway, New York, NY. Recommended for ages 16 and older. Tickets begin at $25. Purchase online at TheCaveFolkOpera.com or thecavefolkopera.yapsody.com (Tickets on sale March 7th).