UNBEATABLE Musical Breaks New Ground!

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replying the story in its archived form does not constitute a re-publiccation of the story.

 Groundbreaking, Life-affirming Musical Dramedy‘UNBEATABLE!’ Makes National Debut October 15 atThe Playhouse at Westport Plaza

 Tickets on Sale Now!

CANCER SURVIVORS, CLICK HERE TO EMAIL US for a FREE TICKET to one of 6 special "Survivors Week" preview shows, October 8-14!

UNBEATABLE! is a ground-breaking new musical that seamlessly weaves moments of poignant drama and well-timed comedy. UNBEATABLE! reminds audiences that at any given moment, an unforeseen event can drastically change the course of our lives, and force us to re-evaluate our priorities.

UNBEATABLE! makes its nationwide debut October 15 at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza for a limited five-week engagement. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 2:00 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Produced by St. Louis-based Emery Entertainment, UNBEATABLE! is proudly sponsored and endorsed by the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Washington University School of Medicine.

UNBEATABLE! is an energetic new musical filled with dazzling choreography set to incredible original music and powerful vocal performances. The impact of this show will truly impress the most ardent fan of musical presentations. With a St. Louis-based cast, the actors and performers will be chosen from the best that St. Louis has to offer.

Inspired by a true story, UNBEATABLE! follows the journey of Tracy Boyd, a young business woman who learns she has stage three breast cancer. In a courtroom setting, Tracy is put “on trial” by friends and family and called to reexamine her life choices. Audiences will laugh, cry and empathize with Tracy’s quest to examine the evidence of her life priorities, redefine relationships with herself and others and set a new, meaningful course for the future.

UNBEATABLE! juxtaposes the gravity of a cancer diagnosis with optimism, hopefulness and a keen sense of humor. The message of UNBEATABLE! is universal and applies to anyone who goes through life at full speed, without realizing that in the end, it is the people we love in our lives, not the “to do” lists, that deserve our time and attention.

UNBEATABLE! is based on the experiences of co-creator Laurie Frey, who battled stage three breast cancer from 2002 to 2003 amidst the daily responsibilities of managing illusionist David Copperfield’s tour, volunteering for community organizations, running her household and caring for her special needs child. According to Frey, “UNBEATABLE! was conceived during my cancer journey, and is based on the journal I kept during that time. I told (co-creator and director) Michael Bernard the story while I was in the midst of radiation therapy. I figured the idea of a musical was one of two things; the creation of a powerful stage show or just something to help me get through the day. Michael insisted it could be an amazing show.” Frey continues, “Medically, they say that optimism and humor is integral to battling cancer. I didn’t believe it was my time to go. I believed that even in the midst of cancer and all the other stuff I was going through, if I could encourage someone else then that was a good thing.”

UNBEATABLE! started its journey as a reading at Phoenix Theatre's New Works Festival in August, 2006 under the direction of co-creator Michael Barnard. After some major changes, including welcoming the composers Todd Schroeder and Kevin Fisher, it was seen at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square Launch Series for an artist residency in June, 2007. From there it moved to New York's Barrow Group Theater during August, 2007 for a showcase that starred Jenn Colella (Broadway's High Fidelity, Urban Cowboy). After seeing the NYC showcase, Bristol Myers Squibb brought a one-act version of the show to Los Angeles (November, 2007) and Philadelphia (May, 2008) for an audience of 1,000+ medical professionals from all over the country.

In August and September, 2008, UNBEATABLE! was produced by Phoenix Theatre and Stages Repertory Theatre/Pink Ribbons Project.  The show starred Kristy Cates (Broadway’s Wicked) and played in Phoenix and Houston to standing ovations for all 45 performances. Critics and audiences in these preview cities have been overwhelmingly supportive. The Houston Chronicle called it “Funny and moving,” and the Arizona Republic simply said it was “Excellent!”

UNBEATABLE! is produced by St. Louis-based Emery Entertainment. Its team of Paul Emery, Greg Hagglund, and Sue Silverstein has produced more than 2,000 shows across the globe, including the current Blue Man Group Megastar World Tour, James Taylor and David Copperfield and the Super Bowl XXXVI Halftime show starring U2.

Tickets are $39.50 and are available through MetroTix at 314-534-1111, or www.metrotix.com, and the Playhouse box office at 314-469-PLAY. Box office hours are noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

UNBEATABLE! welcomes and encourages groups of 10 or more. Call Ellen Reichart at 636-443-9736 or EllenReichart@yahoo.com for discounts, corporate buyouts and holiday parties.

Book by Eric Coble, music and lyrics by Todd Schroeder and Kevin Fischer, conceived by Laurie Frey and developed by Michael Barnard.

Visit www.UnbeatableMusical.com for more information.

This article also has 1 video attached to it.