The co-production with Berkeley Rep, where the work first played, began previews in New York May 1 at the Public's Anspacher Theater for a run scheduled through June 3.

Co-commissioned by the two theatres and developed at the Sundance Theatre Lab, Passing Strange tells the story "of a young black bohemian in search of self and home who charts a course for 'the real' through sex, drugs, and rock and roll" and journeys "from black, middle-class America to Amsterdam, Berlin, and beyond," according to press notes.

The cast includes the jazz and hip-hop vocalist de'Adre Aziza, Daniel Breaker (Well, Fabulation), Eisa Davis ("Soul Food"), Colman Domingo (Henry V), Chad Goodridge (The Debate Over Courtney O'Connell) and Rebecca Naomi Jones (Caroline, or Change).

The new rock musical features music by singer-songwriter-performance artist Stew and Heidi Rodewald with a book and lyrics by Stew. The production is directed by (and created in collaboration with) Annie Dorsen.

The musicians, led by Stew and Rodewald, include guitarist, keyboardist and musical supervisor Jon Spurney (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Marc Doten (bassist for Double Naught Spy Car) on keyboards and guitar and Christian Cassan (ABC's "Spin City") on drums.

The design team includes David Korins (scenic), Elizabeth Hope Clancy (costume), Kevin Adams (lighting) and Tony Smolenski IV (sound designer). Rodewald serves as musical director. Jon Spurney is musical supervisor. Movement coordination is by Karole Armitage.

Tickets to Passing Strange at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street, are available by calling (212) 967-7555 or online at publictheater.org.