The production officially opened Oct. 2, the 39th anniversary of Hayes' escape, following previews that began Sept. 24.

Directed by Jeffrey Altshuler, the play tells the story of Hayes' arrest in Istanbul for smuggling hash as well as his escape from prison, during which he rowed 17 miles across the open sea during a nighttime storm.

He adapted the experience into a book in 1976 and a film in 1978. 

"Hayes has created a one-man show, detailing his time in prison and his daring escape," press notes state. "He reveals aspects of his experiences never before told, elaborates on many instances portrayed in the film version and he corrects some plot-lines and scenes that were fictionalized for the movie – especially the actual circumstances and incredible drama surrounding his white-knuckle escape. This is truly an epic journey of personal fortitude and spiritual discovery."

Riding the Midnight Express with Billy Hayes played the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013 and again in August 2014.  In between Fringe presentations, the show had played limited Off-Broadway engagement before being presented by the Soho Theater in London. It is preparing for an international tour in 2015. The Barrow Street Theatre is located at 27 Barrow Street at 7th Avenue South. For more information, visit barrowstreettheatre.com.