A production of the Perry Street Theatre Company, the new work by playwright Sallie Bingham (Milk of Paradise, In the Presence) is helmed by Martin Platt and focuses on the life of the controversial Russian-born spiritualist/philosopher Helena Blavatsky. Blavatsky, according to press notes, "explored Tibet, fought with Garibaldi, rode across India on the back of an elephant, was friends with Thomas Edison – a terror to the establishment, and a nightmare to the British Raj. Blavatsky lived everywhere from London to India to Hell's Kitchen – and was (and remains) one of the most controversial figures in world religion. With her colleague, Henry Steele Olcott, she created Theosophy – the science of religion, The Secret Doctrine – Christ without the Church. Her ideas are still as timely and thought provoking as then. Her life was lived on a colossal scale, and now Sallie Bingham's play brings this extraordinary woman, and her story to the stage."

The cast features the talents of Nancy Anderson, Lisa Bostnar, Steve Brady, Sheffield Chastain and Graeme Malcolm, with Jodie Lynne McClintock as Helena Blavatsky.

The production continues through July 20. Tickets, priced $37.50-$52.50, are available by visiting www.telecharge.com or calling (212) 239-6200.

Here are a few photos from the opening-night celebration held at famed theatre-district eatery Angus McIndoe's:

Playwright Sallie Bingham and director Martin Platt		Cast member Jodie Lynne McClintock

Cast members Sheffield Chastain and Nancy Anderson		Cast member Steve Brady

Cast members Graeme Malcolm and Lisa Bostnar		Guests Catherine Curtin and Mary Bacon