“La Cage Aux Folles” at the Axelrod

A gaggle of drag queens are taking over the Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) for gay pride month. “La Cage Aux Folles”—that’s the same “birds of a feather” from the film “The Birdcage” starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. The musical opens on Friday, June 2, at 8 PM, to kick off Jersey’s 25th annual Pride weekend. Over 20,000 LBGTQ attendees are expected in Asbury Park for the weekend. APAC is five
minutes from downtown Asbury Park.

To benefit Garden State Equality, APAC is hosting an opening night reception in the theatre lobby—with pink
martinis by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and rosé Bolla by Banfi Winery plus hors d’oeuvres---at 7 PM.

Executive Director of Garden State Equality, Christian Fuscarino, has been instrumental in this upcoming Pride event: “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Axelrod PAC on this exciting night that will benefit the local LGBT community. ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ is a show that has empowered LGBT people for decades, so it is
particularly meaningful to tie this show into a fundraiser for New Jersey's largest LGBT organization.”

The musical features a score by Jerry Herman (“Hello, Dolly!”), which includes the gay national anthem “I Am What I Am,” and a hilarious book by Harvey Fierstein (“Torch Song Trilogy,” “Kinky Boots”).

As Robin Williams said in “The Birdcage”: “Look, this may be a drag show, but it still has to be a good drag
show, if possible a great drag show.” The APAC cast includes eight stunning drag performers as the fabulous
Cagelles (think “RuPaul’s Drag Race” with actually singing and dancing abilities).

The show stars Broadway veteran Nat Chandler (“The Scarlet Pimpernel,” “Phantom of the Opera”) as Geroges and one of the Jersey Shore’s most sought-afer singers Joe Necci returning for the third time as the divine Zaza. Nat Chandler is making his Jersey Shore debut, having been seen on Broadway and in regional theaters around the country: “I am thrilled to join the Axelrod's production of ‘La Cage aux Folles.’ This musical has an extraordinarily brilliant script and is absolutely hilarious. I'm proud to be a part of a story about love, joy and family!” New York Times theatre critic D.J.R. Bruckner wrote, “Nat Chandler is a find...he displays rich comic gifts and he can use his fine operatic voice to express any emotion he wants to.”

A $55 donation includes the reception and a premium ticket for the opening night performance of the show.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka will be matching donations dollar for dollar! This event is co-hosted by Cabaret for
Life, Inc., the nonprofit arts organization that has been supported local HIV/AIDS and other charities in NJ since 1995.

“La Cage aux Folles” is being produced by Andrew DePrisco and Jess Levy, directed by Kathryn Markey and
choreographed by Todd Labron Underwood, with musical direction by Joseph Elefante, leading an on-stage
band.

“La Cage aux Folles” plays June 2, 3, 8, 10, 15 at 8 p.m. and June 4, 11, 18 at 3 p.m. at the Axelrod Performing
Arts Center (100 Grant Ave, Deal Park secZon of Ocean Township, NJ). Tickets range from $31 to $36. For
online purchases, visit www.axelrodartscenter.com. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10
a.m. to 3 p.m.: 732-531-9106, ext. 14. The theater offers ample free onsite parking and is completely handicap
accessible. Group discounts available for parties of ten or more.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Axelrod Performing Arts Center (100 Grant Ave, Deal Park, NJ)
WHEN: 7 PM, June 2, 2017

WHAT: Opening Night of La Cage aux Folles

WHY: Reception to benefit Garden State Equality

HOW MUCH: $55 (includes reception and show); regular tickets from $31 to $36