The world premiere of The Total Bent, featuring Stew and Heidi Rodewald performing live onstage, officially opens May 25 at the Public Theater. The duo, who wrote the Tony-winning Passing Strange, are joined by a band for the debut production about a young black musical prodigy who is the son of a gospel star.

The Total Bent began performances May 10 and is scheduled to continue through June 19. The new work features music by Stew and Rodewald and text by Stew. Direction is by Joanna Settle.

The Total Bent is billed by The Public as a show about “the passions that divide a father and son as they make their music and make their choice between salvation and selling out.” It follows the tumultuous upbringing and life of Marty Roy, who spent his childhood writing the songs that made his father famous.

The cast also includes Marty Beller, Ato Blankson-Wood, John Blevins, Kenny Brawner, David Cale, Vondie Curtis Hall, Damian Lemar Hudson, Jahi Kearse, Brad Mulholland and Curtis Wiley.

The production features scenic design by Andrew Lieberman, costume design by Gabriel Berry, lighting design by Thom Weaver, sound design by Obadiah Eaves and Sten Severson and choreography by David Neumann.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (212) 967-7555, online at publictheater.org, or in person at the Taub Box Office at The Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street.

(Updated May 25)