In partnership with the Center for the Arts at Monmouth University, the Axelrod Contemoprary Ballet Theater (AXCBT) will current the world premiere of Artistic Director Gabriel Chajnik’s multi-media dance musical, The Lost Princess of Oz, within the Pollak Theater at Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ. A particular preview efficiency will function 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 Lost 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 Oz whereas introducing new characters together with the Frogman, the Patchwork Girl and Tik-Tok. The Lost Princess of Oz follows the group as they seek for Princess Ozma to recuperate the magic stolen from Oz.
The forged 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 Talking Hen.”
“I am honored to bring together such an incredible team,” Chajnik stated. “I have been envisioning creating a magical story about what happens next for Dorothy and her friends in Oz, and our talented artists have created a show that will lead our audience on an enchanting and exhilarating journey. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Vaune Peck, director at the Center for the Arts, on this project. I am thrilled to bring this fairy tale to life at the beautifully renovated Pollak Theater at Monmouth University.”
The forged is comprised of AXCBT firm members and college students (ages seven and up) from native dance studios. In addition to Richards and Brown, the skilled forged consists of Denzel Green because the Cowardly Lion, Paulo Gutierrez because the Scarecrow, Alyssa Harris as Caykee, Lindsey Jorgensen because the “dancing Billina,” Olivia Miranda because the Patchwork Girl, Jose Rojas because the Tin Man, whereas Tuyaya Balzhieva and Gillian Worek and can alternate within the function of Glinda the Good Witch. Student dancers spherical out the forged, together with Lilakoi Grover and Alina Xio, who alternate within the function of Dorothy; Scarlet Collins as Jellia Jam; and AXCBT Trainee Deshon Parkman as Frogman.
Andrew Black, who appeared in Anything Goes on Broadway, created the faucet numbers for Collins (Jellia Jam).
A blue grass-infused rating composed by Chris Becker might be carried out stay at each efficiency by an ensemble, which incorporates musicians chosen by Maestro Jason Tramm.
“This production would not have been realized without the tremendous support of Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC), APAC CEO Jess Levy, APAC Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco and AXCBT President Elise Feldman,” stated Chajnik. “The resources they provide are invaluable, and they inspire me to not only dream ‘big’ but also realize my vision. A special thanks also goes to New Music USA for funding the live music for this work.”
Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater’s The Lost Princess of Oz might be offered at New Jersey’s Pollak Theater from August 19-28. For extra data, go to www.axcbt.org.
