Bilingual Rock Show Alcestis Ascending Begins Performances Off-Broadway

Alcestis Ascending, a new play with movement and rock music, begins performances July 9 at the Clurman Theatre on Theatre Row. Told in both English and Spanish, the world premiere production combines actors and dancers from the Cuban National Office of Scenic Arts and actors from the University of Alabama. Written and directed by Seth Panitch and presented by Company HavanaBama, Alcestis Ascending will play a limited engagement through July 11.

Through text, movement and live rock-infused music, Alcestis Ascending spins a tale of fate, self-absorption, sacrifice and the redemptive power of love. A retelling of Euripides’ classic drama, King Admetus and his wife Alcestis see their picture-perfect lives shatter when news arrives that Admetus’ thread has run out on the wheel of Fate. If the king can find a willing replacement to take his place, he lives—if not, he dies.

Alcestis Ascending features Alexei Aguilar, Erich Cartaya, Randy Civico, Diana Columbie, Rayssel Cruz, Jorge Luis Curbelo, Osnel Delgado, Frank Egusquiza, Sofia Elizarde, Thaddeus Fitzpatrick, Samuel Hardy, Diana Rosa, Jeff Horger, Christina Johnson, Abigail Jones, Claudia Molinet, Mike Morin, Alianne Portuondo, Corey Rives, Miranda Rives, Joan Rodriguez, William Ruiz, John Paul Snead, Robert Salomon, Vitica Sobrino and Laura Treto.