The show, based on a true story, "centers around a young, homeless and abused girl, exploited by a system of greed and power and rescued by a woman whose need to love overpowers her need for success."

The title refers to the real-life name of an at-risk girl (Africa) and the woman (Susan Plumbridge) who rescues her from an institution. The show was created by Sue Carey, who lived the story and later collaborated with Karena Mendoza, Carson Grace Becker and Jim Brochu.

The production will be seen at the New York International Fringe Festival Aug. 19-29, following the Midwest run. Jim Brochu directs and Mark Janas musical directs. Ken Gasch is choreographer. Designers are Elizabeth Shaffer (costume), Tina Salamone (lighting), Victoria DeIorio (sound).

Richard White is familiar to audiences as the voice of the villain, Gaston, in the animated feature film, "Beauty and the Beast." His credits also include 1776, South Pacific and more.

The cast includes Susan Powell (Miss America 1981 and host of "Home Matters" on the Discovery Channel); Janeece Aisha Freeman (Broadway's Urinetown); Chipper Cooke (national tour of Rent); Eric Anthony (Broadway's The Lion King); Charissa Armon (Pegasus Players' Anyone Can Whistle); with Folin Ponce De Leon, Sharyon Culberson, Rachel Cerrone, Lepolion Henderson Jr., Jasmine Randle, Gerald Richardson, Giselle Vaughn Ruecking and Monique. For more information about Africa & Plumbridge visit www.africaplumbridge.com or www.TheatreBuildingChicago.org.

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In the NYC Fringe, Africa & Plumbridge will play at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street, just south of West Third Street in Manhattan.