A provocative, eclectic and heralded theatrical creation rarely seen since its inception decades ago, innovator, activist and theatre icon Elizabeth Swados’ 1977 breakout sensation Nightclub Cantata is a joyful song cycle of world literature about survival: what compels us back to life and to living as one. Based on texts by Sylvia Plath, Pablo Neruda and other poets, the eclectic evening of sound, literature, poetry, and bold physicality melds to intrigue, provoke, and engage the listener. Whimsical, intense, insightful and singular, Nightclub Cantata combines what Swados called “the seriousness of a cantata with the frivolousness of a nightclub.” The ground-breaking work premiered at The Village Gate in 1977 and has not been seen on the NYC stage for over 40 years! It is born of the avant-garde tradition of the 1960s and 70s, yet it is fresh, vital and relevant to our lives today.

Bill Castellino directs and choreographs the cast of seven, including Noreen Crayton (Nat. Tour: Rent), Sarah Nandola, Pearl Rhein (B’way: Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812), Noah Ruebeck, Hansel Tan, and Miles Whitaker, with understudy Victoria Casillo.

Twenty-five performances will be staged from April 23 – May 22, 2022, at Nancy Manocherian’s the cell theatre, 338 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 11201.

“I want to find words for music, words that will not make either bad poetry or easy emotions. I’ve been trying to make the form of the song more theatrical,” said Swados. “I am first and foremost interested in language, whether it’s English or not. I’m interested in getting to emotions through sound, stories and pictures.”

Preview performances are April 23-May 1, 2022 – Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. (plus Sunday, April 24 at 8:00 p.m.). Opening Night is Monday, May 2, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Regular Performances are May 5-May 22, 2022 – Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.