Road Less Traveled Productions, which has produced more than a dozen new plays by local writers since its founding in 2002, will toss its hat into the musical theater ring for the first time tonight. “American Deal,” a new musical by Tom Naples and Jon Elston, explores the Great Depression through song, images and oral histories. The opening words of its synopsis: “A crippled economy. A desperate nation. A new president. Is it 2009 . . . or 1933?” The show marks the first musical project for Elston, who, as the company’s resident playwright, is known to audiences for his frenetic dramas (“Interrogation Room,” “Private Viewing”) and comedies (“Buffalo Movie,” “The Elliptical”). “American Deal” stars Phil Knoerzer, Mary McMahon, Diane Curley and Gordon Tashjian (a newcomer, recently seen in Buffalo United Artists production of “Beautiful Thing”) under the direction of Kyle LoConti. The show runs through Nov. 22. Tickets are $30; $25 for seniors and $15 for students. Call 683-1260 or visit

www.roadlesstraveledproductions.org

. —Colin Dabkowski