The new musical made its world premiere at San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre and skipped its planned Boston run to head right to New York for previews, but rescheduled its start and opening when Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays extended at the Broadhurst through June 12. Lennon will open officially Aug. 4.

Billed as "A musical biography, a concert, and a celebration all in one," Lennon will take audiences "on a magical, mythical journey behind the greatest rock legacy and the boldest love story of our time — with words, images and some of the best pop songs ever written," according to show materials. "From the Beatles to the Bed-Ins, from his musical partnership with Paul to his life partnership with Yoko, Lennon will bring you back to a time when music could change your soul... and one musician could change the world."

Written and directed by Don Scardino (A Few Good Men) from Lennon's own words in interviews, songs and otherwise, Lennon features a diverse ensemble of nine actors portraying the late Beatles singer-songwriter John Lennon at various stages in his life backed by an onstage 10-piece band.

Will Chase (Aida), Chuck Cooper (Caroline, or Change), Julie Danao-Salkin (Saturday Night Fever), Mandy Gonzalez (Aida, Dance of the Vampires), Marcy Harriell (Lucky Duck, "Ed"), Chad Kimball (Into the Woods), Terrence Mann (Les Misérables), Julia Murney (The Wild Party) and Michael Potts (Twelfth Night) comprise the ensemble cast of the new Broadway musical.

The design team for Lennon features John Arnone (scenic/ projection), Jane Greenwood (costume), Natasha Katz (lighting) and Bobby Aitken (sound). Harold Wheeler provides orchestrations and Lon Hoyt is music supervisor/arranger. Choreography is by Joseph Malone. John Miller serves as music coordinator and Jeffrey Klitz is music director. Bob Eaton is credited as creative consultant. Producers Allan McKeown, Edgar Lansbury, Clear Channel Entertainment and Jeff Sine present Lennon by arrangement with Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono. Ono also gave permission for the production to use two unpublished Lennon songs "India, India" and "I Don't Want to Lose You."

The songlist includes "Mother," "Look At Me," "Money," "Twist and Shout," "Instant Karma," "India, India," " Real Love (Boys and Girls)," "Oh My Love," "Mind Games," "The Ballad of John and Yoko," "How Do You Sleep?," "God," "Give Peace a Chance," "New York City," "Power to the People," "Woman Is the Nigger of the World," "Attica State," "Gimme Some Truth," "I'm Losing You/I'm Moving On," "I'm Stepping Out," "I Don't Want to Lose You," "Whatever Gets You Through the Night," "Woman," "Beautiful Boy," "Watching the Wheels," "(Just Like) Starting Over," "Grow Old with Me" and "Imagine."

For more information, visit www.lennonthemusical.com.