Sandberg, who authored the book, will also direct the reading of the musical that centers on a young female singer-songwriter on the rise. Downs, who has composed for Wynona Judd and earned an Emmy for original music for "General Hospital" and "One Life to Live," co-authored music and lyrics with actress/writer Kahanovitz.

The cast will include Donna Bullock (Ragtime, A Class Act), Andy Kelso (Mamma Mia!), Emily Padgett (Rock of Ages, Grease), Barry Pearl (Baby It's You), Saycon Sengbloh (Hair, Fela), Nick Spangler (the Book of Mormon), Eric Anderson (South Pacific), Shelby Bartelstein, Jarid Faubel (Perfect Harmony), David McDonald (Mamma Mia!), Kathleen Rooney, Laura L. Thomas, Barrett Wilbert Weed and Alex Wyse (Lysistrata Jones).

Fred Lassen will musical direct.

Beyond the Music, according to the creators, "follows the journey of Casey, a fast-rising singer/songwriter, as she struggles to make her way in the music business. Sacrificing her personal life for her career, Casey is finally making the right connections and paving her way to the top. She is on the verge of her big break – or so she thinks. When she is betrayed by those she trusts most in the music industry, Casey finds herself on a downward spiral. Now, in order to get back on track, she must reconnect with those she left behind – recognizing the value of her relationships."

In addition to the Tony Award-winning revival of Hair, which he also co-produced in London, Sandberg produced the New York premiere of A Perfect Future and the world premieres of Tony nominee Bill Russell's The Last Smoker in America and the Hal Prince musical Paradise Found in London. Sandberg has also directed readings of Summer Schlock and the NYMF production of Bernice Bobs Her Mullet.