Susan Blackwell to Play Washed-Up Volleyball Player in New Volleygirls Musical

Bump, set, spike! [title of show] alum and Broadway.com correspondent Susan Blackwell will lead the world premiere production of Volleygirls, a new musical at off-Broadway’s Pershing Square Signature Center. Directed by Neil Patrick Stewart, the New York Musical Theatre Festival production will begin performances July 15, and is scheduled to play a limited engagement through July 27. No additional casting has been announced.

Featuring a book by Rob Ackerman (Tabletop), lyrics by Sam Forman (Sleepless in Seattle) and music by Eli Bolin (I Sing), Volleygirls tells the story of Kim Brindell (Blackwell), who was once a world-class athlete before she choked and became an Olympic joke. After years of avoiding the sport that shattered her, she finds herself in charge of a team of wide-eyed, misfit high-school girls. With the encouragement of a headmaster who’s had a crush on her since college, and the resistance of a hardline, helicopter P.T.A. mom, Kim finds a way to help the girls, to accept their help in return, and to win it all.

“NYMF holds a very special place in my heart, since I participated in the inaugural season ten years ago with [title of show],” Blackwell said in a statement. “Like [title of show], I feel Volleygirls is extremely special. It's got everything: great music, sharp writing, a gigantic heart, good humor, a fantastic cast and creative team, and, SUPERBONUS: GIRLS! Playing VOLLEYBALL!! Get into it!!!"

Blackwell is currently the host of the hit Broadway.com web series Side by Side by Susan Blackwell. She starred in [title of show], at off-Broadway’s Vineyard Theatre, then made her Broadway debut in the production when it transferred to the Lyceum Theatre. Blackwell reunited with [title of show] alums Hunter Bell, Heidi Blickenstaff, and Jeff Bowen in Now. Here. This. off-Broadway in 2012. Her film and TV credits include Margot at the Wedding, Margin Call, Changing Lanes, P.S. I Love You and Smash.

Click below to see the latest episode of Side by Side by Susan Blackwell!