Pitfalls and Promises, a new musical written by Cary couple Al and Natalie Winters, is coming to Apex. Featuring some of the best actors and singers in the area, the one-act musical will be performed at the Halle Cultural Arts Center on Friday, March 15, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 16, at 3.p.m. Pitfalls and Promises follows the life of a woman who overcame a harsh childhood, a teacher's "stupid" label, breast cancer and a host of other daunting "pitfalls" and became a successful psychologist. "Emma," the main character, is portrayed by three women--young, middle-aged and senior. The story begins with a childhood in which Emma slept in the kitchen of a tiny apartment in the Bronx. "My parents were immigrants," she says. "We were a family of four of very modest means. Some people with that kind of background think big. I didn't." Through songs, scenes and monologues the play tells how Emma persevered and triumphed in the face of each obstacle she faced. The show's music and lyrics were written by Natalie Winters, who doesn't play an instrument or read music. "The music just seems to flow into me," she says." Then I sing them into a tape recorder and get a professional to write the sheet music and arrange it." Pitfalls and Promises played to sold-out audiences when it premiered at the Cary Cultural Arts Center last September. Its message of hope and inspiration led audiences to urge that it be shown to a wider audience. The show stars Gilly Conklin, Bonnie Roe and Rebecca Leonard, each of whom plays a phase of Emma's life. John Drymon, a prominent musician and arranger, is musical director. Tickets may be purchased at the Halle Cultural Arts Center or by calling 919.249.1120.