The new musical inspired by the cult genre of women-in-prison films, Slammer!, will make its world premiere Aug. 20 as part of the New York Fringe Festival.

With book, music and lyrics by Steve Adams and Chan Chandler, Slammer! centers on "Tabitha, a sheltered and naïve girl [who] is wrongfully thrown into a women's prison for a drug deal she did not commit. There she must learn to survive through her wits as she deals with two rival gangs of inmates as well as the evil Warden Eva Danka and Smiley, the predatory prison guard. Discovering her inner strength, Tabitha gains power and stature with the inmates until finally she leads them in revolt," according to press notes.

In the Slammer! will be cast members Saverio Guerra, Sandra Reaves-Phillips, Merrill Grant, Tammi Cubilette, Tess Paras, Ariela Morgenstern, Courtney Wissinger, Lannyl Stephens, Ben Nowell, Heather Adair, Gisela Adisa and Juson Williams.

Rod Caspers will direct, with choreography by Ann Presley. The creative team also includes Casey McClellan (lighting), Kim Chandler (scenery), Jacob Climer (costumes) and Thomas Bergeron (sound). Chip Dolan serves as musical director and has arranged the score.

Slammer! will run Aug. 20–25 at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, located at 566 LaGuardia Place (Washington Square South) in Manhattan. For tickets and information call (212) 279-4488 or visit www.fringenyc.com. For further information visit www.slammerthemusical.com.