Axelrod Holds Funk-Raising Benefit For 54-The Musical at House Of Independents

This year Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) has begun a new works initiative and has been seeking new musicals and plays for possible production. The first work selected for development is a unique musical theatrical called “54—the musical,” set in the legendary New York nightclub. On Friday, June 17, 2016, APAC will be hosting a “Funk-Raising” benefit for the show at The House of Independents (HOI) in Asbury Park, NJ.

“The recently resurrected Asbury Park is the ideal NJ city to be launching this musical about the ‘hustling’ night life of the 1970s. The disco era was pretty much the last night life in Asbury until this century,” says APAC Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco, a life-long resident of the area. This new show with a book by New York City-transplant playwright and actress Renée Bang Allen (Ocean Grove) is a hybrid theatrical that is a combination of a book musical, environmental/immersive theater event and juke box show. “In my opinion, ‘54 – the musical’ reinvents the musical genre…it’s a completely new twist on a dance musical,” says company general manager Bob Angelini, the founding Board President and former Artistic Director of ReVision Theater in Asbury Park. “This new show is revolutionary in many ways: it’s not only an engaging story with a familiar, authentic, ‘funky’ score, it’s also an immersive audience event that engages and encourages real participation …unlike traditional outside-looking-in theatre.”

The ”Funk-Raiser” on June 17 will feature scenes and songs from “54 –the musical,” featuring a professional cast of New York actors and a full company of dancers. One of the most talked about new venues in Asbury Park, HOI can seat about 250 guests (with standing room capacity about twice that). With the unique advantage of HOI's retractable stadium seating, the audience of “54” will literally become part of the show, come through the red velvet ropes and “gain entry into the club.”

The “54” cast for the “Funk-Raiser” includes both well known and up and coming entertainment professionals from Broadway, film and television, including
Ace Young as restless rocker Brian Cherry (TV’s “American Idol” and “Bones,” “Grease” and “Hair” on Broadway and the national tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), N’Kenge as the hot but heartless Tonya Love (“Motown: The Musical” and “Sondheim on Sondheim” on Broadway),
Terence Archie (Apollo Creed in Broadway’s “Rocky”) as funk-band front man Cliff Knight and Renée Bang Allen as privileged and precocious one-hit wonder Robyn Connors (“Company” on Broadway and the First International tour of “Grand Hotel”) and Frankie Grande as drag queen chanteuse "Coco de Grand Prix" (TV's Big Brother, ROCK OF AGES and MAMMA MIA on Broadway.)
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The production is being directed by Rachel Klein, whose “bracing vision” was praised by the New York Times and whom the New York Post called “endlessly clever.” Ms. Klein has been involved in developing many new works in the past, both as special commission and as Fringe Fest entries. The choreography is the work of Liz Piccoli, whose recent credits include- “Erotic Broadway” and “Spandex: The Musical” Off-Broadway.

The APAC creative team is seeking sponsors to help develop “54—the musical” and other new works. The June 17 benefit is by invitation only, and parties can call the APAC box office at 732-531-9106 to reserve or visit axelrodartscenter.com. The bid is $54 per person. Sponsorship tables (4 people) also available. Fabulous VIP experiences will be up for bid at a silent auction throughout the evening, in addition to an exclusive VIP room where attendees will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the cast.