The show is conceived and performed by Billy Porter, with Tazewell Thompson as a creative consultant. The associate director is Schele Williams. Porter is the talent behind the solo show Ghetto Superstar, which is based on Porter's experience as a gay black artist. Porter has performed on Broadway (Five Guys Named Moe, Grease!, Miss Saigon), Off-Broadway (The Merchant of Venice, Radiant Baby), and at regional theatres and concert halls across the country. He also released a CD, "Untitled," on A & M Records.

Joining Porter on stage will be Natalie Belcon, Terry Burell, Tony-winner Chuck Cooper (The Life), Nathan Lee Graham, Patina Miller, Nyjah Moore-Westbrooks and Ken Robinson.

The show, to run July 28-29, is said to marry Sondheim's music with Porter's soulful, emotional vocal style, and will include other performers and snatches of Shakespeare's poetry. Sondheim's many musicals include Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods.

Tazewell Thompson is the artistic director of Westport Country Playhouse.