The New Jersey Repertory Company stages the world premiere of the new, romantic musical, Immortal Interlude, based on the legend that inspired "Death Takes a Holiday," April 26-May 20, at the Lumia Theatre in Long Branch, NJ.

The nonprofit resident troupe devoted to new plays is calling the production its most ambitious ever — a period book musical with 20 songs and 10 actors. It's the troupe's first musical. The book and lyrics are by Gabor Barabas and SuzAnne Barabas (who run NJ Rep as producer and artistic director, respectively) and music is by composer Merek Royce Press (who penned last year's Octet at NJ Rep).

The musical is set in Newport, RI, in the summer of 1939, when a stranger enters the lives of a group of people, changing them forever. "In one magical weekend, they will experience new love, and discover new ideas that challenge their old ways — and one will face the ultimate sacrifice," SuzAnne Barabas said.

The show is inspired by an old Italian legend about death coming to earth, the same legend that inspired the movies, "Death Takes a Holiday" and "Meet Joe Black."

"It's very lush and very romantic," SuzAnne Barabas told Playbill On-Line. "It's sort of like a throwback to the musicals of the '50s, '60s and 70s." The cast includes Ian August, Tricia Burr, Clark S. Carmichael, Burt Edwards, John FitzGibbon, Michael Gabinelli, Kathleen Goldpaugh, Ted Grayson, Cristin J. Hubbard and Leslie Wheeler. SuzAnne Barabas directs. Official opening in April 27. Christopher Daniels choreographs.

Designers are Patricia Dougherty (costume), Bryan Higgason (set), Jeff Greenberg (lighting).

Tickets are $30-$40. Performances are Thursday-Sunday. Lumia Theatre is at 179 Broadway in Long Branch, NJ.

For tickets and additional information, call (732) 229-3166 or visit www.njrep.org.

— By Kenneth Jones