Based on the award-winning book by Elizabeth Coatsworth, The Cat Who Went to Heaven features music and lyrics by Maya the Bee creator Nancy Harrow.
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 and puppeteers Jane Catherine Shaw, Amanda Maddock, Melissa Creighton, Ayako Dean, Lake Simons, Timothy Conor McKee and Sarah Provost. Will Pomerantz directs.
The creative team features Jane Catherine Shaw (puppet design and construction, puppetry direction), Amanda Maddock (costume design) and Joseph Silovsky (set design).
The Culture Project production marks the stage debut of The Cat Who Went to Heaven, which made its recording debut in 2006. The Cat Who Went to Heaven will perform Saturdays at noon at the Culture Project. 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.