Ahrens & Flaherty's Dessa Rose at Trafalgar Studios 2

Arion Productions presents the European Premiere of the new musical Dessa Rose, with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, which will open at Trafalgar Studios 2 on 31 Jul 2014, following previews from 29 Jul, and will continue its limited engagement through to 30 Aug 2014.

Dessa Rose is directed by Andrew Keates.

Synopsis: 'This story, set in 1846 in the ante-bellum South, follows two young women on their journey to acceptance. With elements of blues, folk, hymns and gospel, Dessa Rose blends history and fiction. Passionate and innocent Dessa Rose is a young slave faced with a barrage of hardships because of the colour of her skin. While Ruth, a young white mother, faces difficulties because of her gender. Ruth and Dessa 'hand down the story' to their grandchildren, reliving the adventure they experienced together. Through their extraordinary tale we see their deep and lasting bond and how this makes them part of a long, strong line of women.'

Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty are a Tony Award-winning duo whose Broadway credits include 'Ragtime' (1998 Tony Award for Best Original Musical Score), 'Once On This Island', 'Seussical', 'My Favorite Year' and they are currently represented on Broadway with 'Rocky The Musical', co-produced by Sylvester Stallone.