In partnership with the Middle for the Arts at Monmouth College, the Axelrod Contemoprary Ballet Theater (AXCBT) will current the world premiere of Creative Director Gabriel Chajnik’s multi-media dance musical, The Misplaced Princess of Oz, within the Pollak Theater at Monmouth College in Lengthy Department, NJ. A particular preview efficiency will characteristic a Q&A with Chajnik and the artists following the efficiency on August 19. The manufacturing opens on Saturday, August 20 at 7:30pm, and runs over two weekends with 9 whole performances ending on Sunday, August 28.
The manufacturing serves as a sequel to The Wizard of Oz and was conceived of and directed and choreographed by Chajnik, with libretto by Shannon Hill primarily based on two L. Frank Baum classics, The Misplaced Princess of Oz and Ozma of Oz. It continues the adventures of beloved characters Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, the Lion, Glinda the Good Witch of the North and the Wizard of Ounceswhereas introducing new characters together with the Frogman, the Patchwork Woman and Tik-Tok. The Misplaced Princess of Oz follows the group as they seek for Princess Ozma to get well the magic stolen from Oz.
The solid options Asbury Park’s personal chart-topping nation duo, Reagan Richards and Gordon Brown of Williams Honor. Brown performs Frank L. Baum who sits on the stage writing the unfolding story on his typewriter because it occurs on stage. Richards narrates the story as “Billina the Speaking Hen.”
“I’m honored to convey collectively such an unbelievable crew,” Chajnik mentioned. “I’ve been envisioning making a magical story about what occurs subsequent for Dorothy and her buddies in Oz, and our proficient artists have created a present that can lead our viewers on a fascinating and exhilarating journey. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Vaune Peck, director on the Middle for the Arts, on this mission. I’m thrilled to convey this fairy story to life on the superbly renovated Pollak Theater at Monmouth College.”
The solid is comprised of AXCBT firm members and college students (ages seven and up) from native dance studios. Along with Richards and Brown, the skilled solid consists of Denzel Inexperienced because the Cowardly Lion, Paulo Gutierrez because the Scarecrow, Alyssa Harris as Caykee, Lindsey Jorgensen because the “dancing Billina,” Olivia Miranda because the Patchwork Woman, Jose Rojas because the Tin Man, whereas Tuyaya Balzhieva and Gillian Worek and can alternate within the position of Glinda the Good Witch. Scholar dancers spherical out the solid, together with Lilakoi Grover and Alina Xio, who alternate within the position of Dorothy; Scarlet Collins as Jellia Jam; and AXCBT Trainee Deshon Parkman as Frogman.
Andrew Black, who appeared in Something Goes on Broadway, created the faucet numbers for Collins (Jellia Jam).
A blue grass-infused rating composed by Chris Becker will probably be carried out stay at each efficiency by an ensemble, which incorporates musicians chosen by Maestro Jason Tramm.
“This manufacturing wouldn’t have been realized with out the large help of Axelrod Performing Arts Middle (APAC), APAC CEO Jess Levy, APAC Creative Director Andrew DePrisco and AXCBT President Elise Feldman,” mentioned Chajnik. “The sources they supply are invaluable, and so they encourage me to not solely dream ‘large’ but in addition understand my imaginative and prescient. A particular thanks additionally goes to New Music USA for funding the stay music for this work.”
Axelrod Modern Ballet Theater’s The Misplaced Princess of Oz will probably be offered at New Jersey’s Pollak Theater from August 19-28. For extra info, go to www.axcbt.org.
