Based on the Newbery Award-winning book by Elizabeth Coatsworth, The Cat Who Went to Heaven features music and lyrics by Maya the Bee creator Nancy Harrow. The musical is directed by Will Pomerantz.

The story centers on "a struggling Japanese artist, his housekeeper, a Buddhist priest from the local temple and an inspirational cat. When the cat unexpectedly appears in the starving artist's studio, his fortune begins to change," according to press notes.

In addition to penning the score, Harrow will lend her voice as the cat, with a cast that also includes Grady Tate, Daryl Sherman and Anton Krukowski, with a cast of puppeteers including Matt Brooks, Melissa Creighton, Ulysses Jones, Amanda Maddock, Megan McNerney, Sarah Provost and Anna Sobel.

The creative team features Jane Catherine Shaw (puppet design and construction, puppetry direction), Amanda Maddock (puppet and costume design) and Joseph Silovsky (set design).

The Culture Project production marks the stage premiere of The Cat Who Went to Heaven, which made its recording debut in 2005. The Cat Who Went to Heaven will perform Tuesdays and Sundays at 7 PM and Saturdays at 10 AM through April 12. The musical is recommended for audiences ages six and up. Tickets are available by calling (212) 352-3101 or by visiting www.cultureproject.org.

The Culture Project is located at 55 Mercer Street in Manhattan.