Created by Patrick Blute and directed by Michael Bello, the two fully staged readings function as a funder's preview with hopes to bring SPEARS to a larger audience.
The readings feature John Duff as Judas and others with Ryan Rhue, Jessica Kahkoska, Tessa Slovis, Brian Kirn, Melody Madarasz, Gilbert Sanchez, Ian Mazereck, Cassie Hohn, Blair Beasely, Alia Munsch, Jazmin Patiño and Leon Glover.
Here's how the new musical is billed: "Britney Spears has met the Bible. SPEARS is an original musical that chronicles the life of Jesus Christ, telling the story through the hit music of Britney Spears."
SPEARS includes the singer's hit songs, including "Stronger," "One More Time" and "Crazy," to describe the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to press notes, "Not one word is spoken, and not one lyric is changed, technically making the musical an opera."
SPEARS debuted in April 2012 at Columbia University's Glicker-Milstein Theater. Other members of the creative team include choreographer Courtney Laine Self, music director, arranger and conductor Max Druz, graphic designer Christopher Vazquez, producer Cori Capik and stage manager Colleen McCaughey.
For more information, visit SPEARSTheMusical.com.