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Tuesday, February 20, 2007; Posted: 9:18 AM - by BWW News Desk

Matthew Passion, a new play with music by Phil Hall, begins previews on Thursday, March 29th Off-Broadway at American Theatre of Actors' Chernuchin Theatre. The opening will be Monday, April 2, 2007 at 8:00 pm for the limited engagement. It is directed by Steve Stringfellow with choreography by Jacob Brent. 

The cast includes Jeff Applegate, James Royce Edwards (Altar Boyz, Pippin at Goodspeed), Jimmi Kilduff, Timothy John Mandala, Chad McCallon, Craig Ramsey, Andrew Redeker, Matt Shepard, and Jay Sullivan.
 
"Matthew Passion tells the story of the passion of Christ; the story of Matthew Shepard being picked up at a bar in Laramie, Wyoming, beaten and left for dead on a hillside; and the story of a middle-aged HIV positive survivor who has outlived his life expectancy. Although the three stories take place in three different locations, and are thousands of years apart, they all reflect one another and converge in the final scene," according to press notes.

"Matthew Passion is the story of one man's journey to overcome his fear, and live his life in the fullness and beauty of who he was born to be. While it centers around one man's story, it's a play with universal themes--renewal, regeneration and hope. Matthew Passion addresses the fear and shame many still feel of being: gay, HIV+, and passive as we watch friends and loved ones being persecuted for their beliefs, race or sexuality."

Phil Hall (Author, Composer/Lyricist, Musical Director) for the better part of his career has been a conductor and musical director. He composed the score for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Paper Mill Playhouse). He vocally arranged Sophisticated Ellington, at Carnegie Hall for Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. He was a vocal arranger for Some Enchanted Evening—a revue of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs. His arrangements have been published by Warner Brothers' Music and others. On Broadway, he conducted Play Me A Country Song and was associate conductor for the Broadway revival of Mame, starring Angela Lansbury.

The scenic design for Matthew Passion is by Michael Anania, with costume design by Jimmy Johansmeyer, lighting design by Jerome J. Hoppe, Jr., and sound design by David Ferdinand / One Dream Sound Corporation.
 
Matthew Passion opens at the American Theatre of Actors' Chernuchin Theatre at 314 West 54th Street (Between 8th and 9th). Performances of the limited engagement through April 8th are: Wednesday – Saturday at 8:00 pm; Sunday at 3:00 pm. There are special performances: Sunday, April 1 at 7:30 pm and for the opening night, Monday, April 2, at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $18 and are available through SmartTix: (212) 868-4444. For more information, visit www.matthewpassion.com.

Photo of James Royce Edwards by Linda Lenzi

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