THE NEW MUSICAL COMEDY BEND IN THE ROAD

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OFF BROADWAY
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Alison Woods

BEND IN THE ROAD, a new musical comedy, is an official selection of the New York Musical Theatre Festival's (NYMF) 2013 Next Link Project.

BEND IN THE ROAD is based on the classic novel ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and centers on young Anne Shirley, an orphan who is mistakenly adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Although they had hoped for a boy to help with their Avonlea farm, Anne’s joyous, intelligent and vivacious spirit changes the lives of all those around her, including Matthew, Marilla and nosy town gossip Mrs. Rachel Lynde. Anne finds fast friendships at school, while her rivalry with handsome classmate Gilbert Blythe changes unexpectedly as they enter adulthood.

BEND IN THE ROAD received unanimous rave reviews in its 2012 premiere at the Carrie Hamilton Theatre at the Pasadena Playhouse. Written by Benita Scheckel (book & lyrics) and Michael Upward (music & lyrics), BEND IN THE ROAD will play five performances only beginning July 18th through the 28th at PTC Performance Space, 555 West 42nd Street (between Tenth & Eleventh Ave.) The cast of BEND IN THE ROAD will be headed by Alison Woods as Anne Shirley, under the direction of Benjamin Endsley Klein. The entire 17-member cast and performance schedule will be announced soon.

Making her New York stage debut, Alison Woods was selected by director Jason Alexander to play the leading role of Luisa in his all-star production of THE FANTASTICKS at Reprise with Eric McCormack and Lucas Grabeel. Alison’s film and TV credits include “Big Love,” “CSI: NY,” “90210,” “Safe Harbor,” and DETENTION. For Walt Disney Pictures, she was the animation reference for Rapunzel in the hit movie TANGLED. BEND IN THE ROAD director Benjamin Endsley Klein is currently represented on Broadway by the critically acclaimed play ANN starring Holland Taylor (2013 Tony nominee, Best Actress). Benjamin also served as Associate Director for the entire COAST OF UTOPIA trilogy, and he was Resident Director for the Tony-winning Best Play WAR HORSE.

Since publication, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES has sold over 50 million copies and has been translated into more than 20 languages. Numerous best-selling sequels followed by author Lucy Maud Montgomery. The original book is taught to students around the world.

BEND IN THE ROAD is presented by the New York Musical Theatre Festival and 134 West - produced by Susan Lambert, co-produced by Sarahbeth Grossman. For more information, visit www.BendInTheRoadMusical.com.

About The New York Musical Theatre Festival

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) exists to revitalize musical theatre culture by discovering and promoting new musical theatre artists, producers and projects; nurturing a vibrant and innovative artistic community; and connecting one of America's greatest art forms with a diverse, contemporary audience. Now in its 10th year, the Festival provides an affordable platform for artists to mount professional productions that reach their peers, industry leaders and musical theater fans. Hailed as the “Sundance of Musical Theatre,” the Festival is the largest musical theatre event in America and the preeminent site for launching new musicals and discovering new talent. NYMF is the flagship program of National Music Theater Network, Inc., a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, and is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency. Major supporters include The ASCAP Foundation, BMI Foundation, Inc., The BWF Foundation, Con Edison, The Nathan Cummings Foundation with the support and encouragement of Jamie Mayer Phinney, The New Musical Development Foundation, The Jerome Robbins Foundation, The Rodgers & Hammerstein Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and The Theater League. NYMF Memberships, which combine charitable contributions with valuable, flexible ticket packages and perks like early seating, and tickets to individual events, are currently available for purchase at (212) 352-3101 or www.nymf.org.