Envisioned as a story told by two women, Ruth and Dessa Rose, this powerful tale of an unlikely friendship takes place in 1847. Variety called it "An absorbing story of two strong women in the pre-Civil War South. Played with grit and conviction … beautiful songs, strongly etched characters and soaring emotions — in the story of these proud independent women." The London Financial Times said, "The work … achieves overwhelming power." Based on both fact and fiction, the musical weaves together the stories of two real women who struggled for different kinds of freedom in an era defined by men. Ruth Sutton is a white woman abandoned by her husband and living on an isolated farm. Dessa Rose is an escaped slave with a newborn infant to protect, who seeks refuge on Ruth’s farm. Hidden in this Alabama backwater, the two women’s uneasy alliance ultimately transcends any racial barriers as they find the strength to confront the world on their own terms. Their dangerous journey to freedom and self-realization makes for a musical that is by turns comic, tragic, uplifting and inspired.

Featuring a stellar company of performers, the cast is led by Vanessa Robinson, Betsy Jilka, Xavier Rice, Debra Thais Evans and KJ. The show also features Chris Budinich, Jewel M. Crenshaw, John Zisa, Jeffrey Dopson, Kate Hoover of Montclair, Uton Evan, and Rasha Jay.

Gregory Allen, artistic director of 4th Wall, directs; Deborah Martin serves as musical director, with Morgiana Celeste Varricchio as choreographer. Kathi Iannacone is the production manager, and Martha Thalheimer is the stage manager.

"I could not be happier with the cast we have assembled to tell this amazing story," stated Director Gregory Allen. "These actors are putting their heart and soul into the work as they realize not only will they be entertaining the audience with the beautiful lyrics and lush melodies; but they are reliving history on stage each night … a history that was brutal, yet still full of courage and ultimately hope."

4th Wall has distinguished itself as one of New Jersey’s most cutting-edge musical theater companies. The group is known for tackling lesser-known, but critically acclaimed pieces. Past productions have included: "Das Barbecü," "Nine," "Assassins," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Violet" and "A New Brain." In an effort to share this musical with as wide an audience as possible, the group has reached out to local schools and has created a study guide for the show with offers of a talk-back session after performances.

"As an African-American, I am proud to lead a group that embraces the opportunity to present works such as this for the messages it teaches all of us," stated 4th Wall Executive Director Gwen Ricks-Spencer. "It is important that we make sure we, and those that follow us, never forget where this nation has come from. This musical is an opportunity to share a piece of that experience and it comes at such an exciting time in our nation’s history as we look back on the recent presidential primaries and now the upcoming general election. We’ve come a long way since 1847."

"Dessa Rose" will play at the Westminster Center for the Arts on the campus of Bloomfield College in Bloomfield and runs Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct., 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 with discount tickets available for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-748-9008, ext. 279. Tickets may also be purchased online and additional information is available at www.4thwalltheatre.org.

4th Wall’s 2008-2009 season continues with "I Do! I Do!" a valentine of a musical, just in time for Valentine’s Day, by the writing team of Schmidt and Jones who also penned "The Fantasticks" (Jan. 30-Feb. 8). This will be followed by the group’s first production of a play, "Avow," by Bill C. Davis (April 2-4). 4th Wall closes the season with a main stage production of Tony Award-nominated musical, "The Wild Party" (June 6-21).