Created by Waterwell, The/King/Operetta (its street name) features direction by Tom Ridgely and will officially open at the Barrow Street Theatre July 7. The limited engagement will play through Aug. 11.

The cast of the musical, which features an original score by Lauren Cregor, includes Hanna Cheek, Rodney Gardiner, Arian Moayed and Kevin Townley.

The design team comprises Stacey Boggs (lighting design), Elizabeth Payne (costume design), Jeff Devine (sound design) and Dave Lombard (scenic design).

The/King/Operetta, according to press notes, "draws on speeches, writings and interviews to give a blistering account of King as he barnstorms the country squaring off against the most powerful forces in politics and commerce. Facing criticism on all sides and even doubts from his closest advisors, he speaks his mind fearlessly and fights to the end against war, poverty and even his own government."

Waterwell is "dedicated to the collaborative creation of new works for the theatre. . . . For each venture the actors, writers, directors, composers, musicians and designers work collectively to build the piece from the ground up." Past productions include Marco Millions (based on lies), The Persians…a comedy about war with five songs, Sweetness & Light and Fuenteovejuna. For more information visit www.waterwell.org. Show times are Thursday-Saturday evenings at 9:30 PM. Tickets, priced $25, are available by calling (212) 239-6200 or by visiting www.telecharge.com. High school students and veterans will be admitted free of charge.

The Barrow Street Theatre is located at 27 Barrow Street at Seventh Avenue South.