Lilli Cooper, who is scheduled to play the female lead role of Sandy Cheeks in the upcoming Broadway musical SpongeBob Squarepants, has joined the cast of Chemical Drive, a musical that will get its world premiere public hearing September 1 at Feinstein’s/54 Below cabaret in New York.

Also performing Janet Krupin’s score at the 9:30 PM show will be Ari Groover of Broadway’s Holler If Ya Hear Me, plus Tyler Milliron and co-composers Brian Ripps and Gabe Cummins.

According to production notes, Chemical Drive is inspired by the “stranger-than-fiction nuclear history” of Krupin’s hometown, and the music is described as “Cabaret meets Fleetwood Mac.” The evening will feature Krupin and a cast of her Broadway friends portraying “what life might be like if the government were to hire a rock ’n’ roll band to distract from its top-secret operations.”

The performance also features guitarist Brian Ripps and multi-instrumentalist Gabe Cummins. Chris Fink directs, with music direction by Joey Nelan. The concert is being produced by Michael Gioia and AnLi Kelly-Durham.

Feinstein’s/54 Below is located at 254 West 54th Street) in Manhattan. There is a $25-$65 cover charge and a $25 food and beverage minimum. For one week only, August 1–7, a limited number of 35-percent-off discount tickets are available using the code JKRUCD35. Tickets and information can be ordered at 54Below.com.

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