NJ Native Al Blakstone to Direct & Choreograph “Annie”

Emmy-nominated director, choreographer, and educator Al Blackstone is revisiting his NJ roots to direct and choreograph the Axlerod PAC’s production of “Annie, the Musical,” starring Andrea McArdle, Broadway’s original Annie, in the role of Miss Hannigan.

Though well-known for his witty and emotional work on the hit TV show So You Think You Can Dance (seasons 12-15) Blackstone is perhaps best known for his original narrative style which blends dance and his own brand of theatrical storytelling.

A native of Brick, NJ, Blackstone is the recipient of the 2011 Capezio A.C.E. Award for Choreographic Excellence. Dance Magazine has called his work “sweet, silly, sly... infectious.”

“I am thrilled to return to the Jersey Shore to bring this beloved story to life. To share “Annie’s” message of courage and optimism with a new generation of young dreamers means the world to me, and to this world-class team of artists and performers,” said Blackstone.

Blackstone’s career started on Broadway in “Wicked.” His recent theatrical projects include the world premiere Off-Broadway musical The View Upstairs, Newsies at the Maltz Jupiter Theater (Carbonell Award), and three seasons at Music Theater Wichita. Additional choreography credits include Crazy In Love (a musical by Kooman and Dimond), Born To Dance (Princess Cruise Lines), American Dance Spectacular! (Northeast Tour), and the opening numbers for BCEFA’s Easter Bonnet (2013/14) and Gypsy of the Year (2015/16).

Blackstone is a natural teacher and choreographer. “I learned from the best, my parents! They were teachers at the Denise Daniele Dance Center in Brick for 45 years.”

He is currently on faculty at the Broadway Dance Center and STEPS on Broadway in NYC, and hosts a monthly charity dance party in Brooklyn called Sole Therapy.

Blackstone continues to tour with JUMP Dance Convention and loves coffee, disco, and old-fashioned jukeboxes.

About “Annie”

Based on Harold Gray’s popular comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” “Annie” opened on Broadway in 1977 and quickly become a worldwide hit, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The musical features a score by prolific Broadway composer Charles Strouse, with lyrics by the show’s original director Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. Strouse is also famous for his score to “Bye, Bye Birdie,” “Applause,” “Golden Boy” and two dozen other musicals.

“Annie” runs November 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 at 8 PM, November 3, 10, 11, 17 at 2 pm, November 4, 18 at 3 pm and November 11at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at www.axelrodartscenter.comor by calling the box office at 732-531-9106, ext. 14. The Axelrod PAC is located at 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park, NJ, and is completely accessible with ample free parking.