According to the official Unbeatable website, Michael Barnard, artistic director of Arizona's Phoenix Theatre, will direct and choreograph the Off-Broadway production that begins performances Oct. 7 and officially opens Oct. 10. Based on the true story of creator Laurie Frey's journey through Stage 3 breast cancer, Unbeatable "explores one patient's cancer journey." The musical features a book by Eric Coble with a pop-rock score by Todd Schroeder and Kevin Fisher.

Production notes for Unbeatable state, "Tracy Boyd is a high-powered, type-A workaholic whose speed and efficiency give her superhero status—until she ignores a lump in her breast for almost a year. In the trial of her life, Tracy finally confronts her greatest fear: living. Based on the journals of a real-life breast cancer survivor, Unbeatable celebrates hope, laughter and the courage to live every moment."

Cates will star in the central role of Tracy Boyd in a cast that also includes Janet Carroll (Little Women), John Ashley Brown, Maria-Christina Oliveras (Slavey), Kathleen Conry (George M!), Brian Runbeck (Golf: The Musical), Natalie Ellis, Charity Dawson, Dion Johnson and Walter Belcher.

Originally developed as part of Phoenix Theatre's New Works Festival, Unbeatable will play the Arizona venue (Aug. 6-24), followed by Houston's Stages Repertory Theatre (Sept. 3-28), prior to its New York bow.

Tickets for Unbeatable are currently on sale through Nov. 2. For tickets phone (212) 239-6200, or visit Telecharge.

For further information visit UnbeatabletheMusical.