Speakeysie News Agency —photo credit Casey G Ford

Book and Lyrics by Stew •

Music by Stew with Heidi Rodewald

Created in Collaboration with Annie Dorsen

September 27 – October 22, 2023

LIVE ON STAGE At Balzer Theater at Herren’s
“FRESH, EXUBERANT, BRACINGLY INVENTIVE, BITINGLY FUNNY, AND FULL OF HEART” — The New York Times

ATLANTA– Theatrical Outfit is thrilled to welcome you back to the heart of Downtown Atlanta for the Atlanta Premiere of PASSING STRANGE (September 27 – October 22, 2023) at the newly renovated Balzer Theater at Herren’s. Our brand-new lobby – complete with a great new bar and seating area – awaits you as you join us for this multi award-winning night of theatre featuring an all-star Atlanta cast. The time has come to FEEL HUMAN AGAIN – laugh together, cry together, sing together.
A soulful and electrifying Broadway musical, PASSING STRANGE takes us on an odyssey in search of identity, acceptance, and the “Real”.

A young man discovers his musical calling and sets off for Europe, leaving behind his mother and comfortable suburban life. In his rebellion filled with sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, he yearns for something in life that he thinks can only be found in art. Bursting with energizing punk, blues, gospel, and jazz music, this Tony Award-winning musical radiates with humor and heart. PASSING STRANGE is by far “the freshest musical in town” (Wall Street Journal).

“What is most profound about this piece is the way the rock and roll and storytelling blend together into an exploration of what drives us as human beings, and what feeds our deepest souls,” says Matt Torney (TO Artistic Director) & Addae Moon (TO Associate Artistic Director). “Questions of faith, family, and identity are explored by an extraordinary cast of characters, from choir leaders to punk superstars, and grounded in the pathos of constant longing for home. The power and scope of the music is invigorating, and will have you dancing in your seat, while also pondering the deeper questions of your own journey. For a play about the Black experience, it stands alone, and challenges our notions and assumptions about culture and identity in America that are especially vivid in light of the last five years.”

PASSING STRANGE puts seven ATL powerhouses under one roof. Christian Magby (In the Heights), Latrice Pace (TO debut), and Brad Raymond (Unexpected Play Festival) lead an ensemble that also includes Arianna Hardaway (TO debut), Candy McLlean (Tiny Beautiful Things), Trevor Rayshay Perry (Five Guys Named Moe), and India Tyree (FLEX).

Thomas W Jones II returns to direct & choreograph while leading an extremely talented group of artists that includes Music Direction by S. Renee Clark, Scenic Design by Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay, Costume Design by Jarrod Barnes, Lighting Design by Ben Rawson, Sound Design & Engineering by Amari Hicks, and Properties Design & Scenic Decoration by Caroline Cook.

“PASSING STRANGE has been on our ‘must produce’ list ever since it opened on Broadway, and we are especially excited to be hosting the Atlanta premiere of this amazing show,” says Torney & Moon. “After a tough few years, we are delighted to host such a celebratory and human show, that celebrates the amazing talent of our beloved city. Please tell all your friends to come Downtown!”

Theatrical Outfit is thrilled to welcome audiences to the Balzer Theater at Herren’s (84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303) to tell the stories that spart conversation. Season & Single Tickets for PASSING STRANGE (September 27 – October 22, 2023) and the whole 2023-2024 Season are on sale NOW. We invite you to visit theatricaloutfit.org or call 678-528-1500 for more information.