Deeply Rooted Productions (DRP) presents the world premiere production — based upon the 1977 musical Nefertiti — Oct. 4-7 at the Athenaeum Theatre. Directed and choreographed by DRP artistic/producing director Kevin Iega Jeff and co-artistic director Gary Abbott, the new staging features music by David Spangler, lyrics by Christopher Gore, Rick Gore and Spangler with a book by the latter two.

Nefertiti, according to press notes, "focuses on a love triangle between Nefertiti, the mystic pharaoh Akhenaten and the general Horemhab, who enabled the royal couple to lead an artistic, spiritual and cultural revolution that for 17 years changed a society locked in orthodoxy. That revolution introduced the concept of a single god—one who embraced love rather than war."

"We will incorporate most of the original elements but tell the story with more of a global, especially African, perspective," explained Jeff in a statement. "The music will be more heavily influenced by gospel, and the movement will reflect Deeply Rooted's aesthetic."

Eric Alsford serves as musical director. Vocal arrangements are provided by Roberta Carlson and A'ric Jackson.

Tickets to Nefertiti: A Concert of Music and Dance at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, are available by phone (312) 902-1500 or at the box office. For further information on the show and DRP special events, visit deeplyrootedproductions.org.