The world premiere is a co-production with Berkeley Rep, where the musical just ended a pre-Public run. The show will continue to be developed at the Public through April.

Passing Strange features book and lyrics by Stew, the leader of the band The Negro Problem, with music by Stew and Heidi Rodewald. The show is directed by and was created in collaboration with Annie Dorsen.

The show 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,” according to a release.

The choreographer is Karole Armitage. The design team is David Korins (set) Annie Smart (costumes), Kevin Adams (lights) and Jake Rodriguez (sound).

Other shows on tap at the Public include King Lear starring Kevin Kline, which will begin previews Feb. 9; and the Craig Lucas play Singing Forest, which begins in March. The Public is currently showing Julia Cho's Durango. The Public Theater is at 425 Lafayette Street. For more information visit www.publictheater.org