Asbury Park Theater Company was founded when a group of professional theater makers living in the area came together to ask the question, “Why doesn’t the Jersey Shore town know for entertainment have a professional theater company?” For decades, Asbury Park has been celebrated for its vibrant music, art and culture scenes, so this group of artists set out to form the non-profit which launched in May of 2019. Founders William Whitefield, Bob Angelini and Robert Allison began searching for a board of directors to head the non-profit theater company that would champion a mission to create and provide powerful, invigorating, and transformative professional theater and theater arts education that would inspire, celebrate, and enrich the local community. From new works, reimagined classics to provocative high-energy musical performances, the Asbury Park Theater Company would strive to be home to established, emerging and local professional theater artists.
In August 2019, the company produced its first event, A Little Musical Night at The Asbury Hotel’s grand ballroom. The evening was hosted by Emmy Award-winning actress, Sally Struthers with performances by Broadway actors Carter Calvert, James Alexander and Jim Newman. The evening was a resounding success, and the board excitedly began planning the 2020 Season that was set to feature 2 fully staged shows, 2 summer SODA (School of Dramatic Arts) intensives and the launch of APTCo’s Cabaret Project. However, in March of 2020, all plans were halted due to the Covid 19 epidemic, and the newly launched theater company was at risk of closing its doors.
From September of 2020 to December of 2021, the theater company struggled to produce events, but managed to hold 2 summer SODA programs in 2021 for local students, several of whom were able to attend for free thanks to the kind support of Jules L. Plangere, Jr. Family Foundation and Pat Thecker, a private donor. In addition, 3 cabarets were presented and APTCo began to regain its footing.
In Summer of 2022, APTCo was finally able to produce its first professional main stage musical at The Berkeley Hotel in Asbury Park. Green Day’s American Idiot was presented in full production and the show featured 4 professional actor/singers from the area and 20 local young high school and college- aged emerging actor/singers, the latter of which participating as paid apprentices. In addition, several designers such as the lighting designer, sound designer and other technical positions were staffed by paid apprentices. This program was funded once again by the Jules L. Plangere, Jr. Family Foundation and holds the sole mission to give emerging artists the opportunity to work with seasoned artists in a safe, professional environment. In addition to this show, APTCo was able to hold 3 summer SODA classes that, once again, opened its doors to several local students who were able to attend free of charge.
In December of 2022, APTCo produced its second professional main stage production, this time at The Jersey Shore Arts Center which sits right at the border of Ocean Grove and Asbury Park. Million Dollar Quartet was presented in full production with a cast of professional artists and 3 paid apprentices. The success of the 2022 season cannot be overstated. Finally, as the world was returning to normal, APTCo was beginning to emerge as a powerhouse theater company able to produce professional level theater and theater arts education for the citizens of the Asbury Park area and surrounding communities.
In the Spring of 2023, APTCo was able to produce the poignant play, American Son, a four-person drama that depicts an estranged bi-racial couple who must confront their feelings about race and bias after their son is detained by the local police following a traffic stop.
Bringing relevant subject matter that encourages powerful discussion and perspective is an important way to bring folks of all nationalities and cultures together. On the heels of this production, The Bikinis was presented to celebrate the music of past generations in the Summer of 2023 while APTCo held yet another successful summer SODA session that allowed more deserving local students to attend free of charge.
In December of 2023, APTCo called on its dear pal, Sally Struthers to play the role of Louise Seger, the Texas housewife who befriends Patsy Cline in a Houston honkytonk on the brink of the singer’s stardom. Always… Patsy Cline played for 9 performances at The Jersey Shore Arts Center and employed a handful of APTCo’s paid apprentices, some of whom had become fully paid staff, in such positions as lighting designer and sound designer. Imagine being 19 years old and designing sound for a show that features Emmy-winning actress Sally Struthers.
To produce theater that has historical relevance and celebrates the African American community, APTCo presented the drama, The Mountaintop by African American and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall in May of 2024. This captivating play delved into the final night of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his mysterious encounter with Camae, one of the hotel’s chamber maids. Set in room 306 of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee on April 3, 1968, the eve of King's assassination, this production of The Mountaintop offered a poignant exploration of humanity, legacy, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
Currently, APTCo is preparing for its upcoming summer production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a musical romp for adults that explores love, relationships, and the mating game. Cast with some professional and some paid apprentices, this show will run for five performances in July of 2024. APTCo is also readying themselves to hold 2 summer SODA classes in sketch comedy and musical theater, and will, once again, encourage several local students to attend free of charge.
APTCo is also currently in talks with the high school principal and the Superintendent of the Asbury Park School District to reinstate a much-needed afterschool drama program to begin in the Fall of 2024.
BOB ANGELINI (Co-Founder, Managing Director, Actor and Director) is a professional director, singer and actor and so happy to bring professional theater back to the Jersey Shore. The founding Board President and past Artistic Director of ReVision Theater, Bob teamed up with Bill Whitefield and Board President Robert Allison to fill this huge void of theater arts in the greater Asbury Park area. Bob is a member of the Stage Director's & Choreographer's Society, Actor's Equity Association and the Screen Actor's Guild/AFTRA. Bob has acted in and directed theatrical productions locally and is best known for his work with students at the Ocean Township and Neptune High Schools in New Jersey for close to 20 years. He is married to former NJ D-11 Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini. Bob has two grown children Toni (Wall, NJ) and Robert, Jr. (NYC)
WILLIAM WHITEFIELD (Co-Founder, Producing Artistic Director, Actor and Director)
is a professional director, singer, actor, composer and voice instructor. Currently, he is the Producing Artistic Director for Asbury Park Theater Company where he has directed and/or produced over 7 main stage productions and several concerts. He is the former Executive Director for Algonquin Arts Theatre where he produced more than 35 Broadway style shows. He is the Composer and Co-Lyricist with Ray Bradbury for The Day It Rained Forever, Composer and Co-Lyricist for Mary Higgins Clark’s The Magical Christmas Horse, Queen Esther, Crash Club and The 13 Hallucinations of Julio Rivera.
As an actor he has been seen in the lead role of Giuseppe in The Gondoliers, the role of Florian in Princess Ida, the role of Bill Bobstay in H.M.S. Pinafore and as a pirate in The Pirates of Penzance starring Hal Linden, all at City Center in New York City. He was featured in The Presidents starring Rich Little, first at the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center and then at TheatreFest in Montclair, NJ. The show was later taped for TV at The Paris Theatre, Las Vegas and subsequently aired on PBS.
In various regional theatres, he was seen as Detlef in Paper Mill Playhouse's production of The Student Prince directed by Robert Johanson, as well as the American in Paper Mill’s production of Rags. He played the role of John in Shenandoah at Goodspeed Opera House. He has performed at other regional theatres such as Tennessee Repertory Theatre, American Stage Company, Northshore Music Theatre, Monomoy Theatre and Algonquin Arts Theatre where he played Mitch Albom in the gripping drama, Tuesdays with Morrie and Sir Robin in Spamalot.
From 2001 to 2019 he appeared as the Construction Worker in the World famous disco group Village People and since 2019 has been performing with The Kings of Disco, Former Members of Disco. He is a proud member of Actors Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, Dramatist Guild and ASCAP. He earned his BA in Theatre at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA.
We believe in the power of theater to inspire and educate young people. That's why we offer a variety of education programs, including after-school programs, summer camps, and workshops. Our experienced instructors provide a supportive and creative environment for students to explore their talents and develop their skills. Visit our SODA page to learn more!
As a non-profit organization, we rely on the support of our community to continue bringing great theater to our audiences. Visit our 'Donate' page to learn more about how you can make a donation, become a sponsor, or volunteer your time. Want to become a sponsor? We have many levels of sponsorships from which to choose. No donation is too small and great big donations are greatly appreciated also! Generally, thousands of arts patrons attend any single production so the benefits to your local business are exponential.
The importance of the arts is paramount to a productive and sustainable business community. The average arts patron spends upwards to $43 within a community while attending a show. Restaurants, bars, retail stores, gas stations, etc. all benefit from the arts.
In other words, your donations not only help us thrive but also help others in and around our community! So...THANK YOU (in advance) FOR THAT!!!
Interested in performing, designing, or volunteering with us? We are always looking for talented and passionate individuals to join our team. Visit our 'Jobs' page to learn more about our opportunities and how you can get involved.
Have a question or comment? We'd love to hear from you! Visit our 'Contact Us' page to send us a message, give us a call, or connect with us on social media. We're always happy to chat with our audience and supporters.
CONTACT US
Mailing Address: PO Box 1086, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Our offices are located at 66. South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756.
Tel. 732.455.2296
eMail:info@AsburyParkTheaterCompany.org
William Whitefield, Producing Artistic Director: William@AsburyParkTheaterCompany.org
Bob Angelini, Managing Director: Bob@AsburyParkTheaterCompany.org
IG: @APTHEATERCO
Twitter: @APTHEATERCO
Venmo:@APTHEATERCO
Facebook: /APTHEATERCO
Also, you can visit our 'Contact Us' page to send us a message, give us a call, or connect with us on social media. We're always happy to chat with our audience and supporters.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Asbury Park Theater Company Presents: “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”
Ocean Grove, New Jersey — July 6, 2024 The Asbury Park Theater Company is delighted to announce its summer production of the beloved musical comedy, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!” This timeless musical, originally the longest-running off-Broadway revue, has been reimagined for the 21st century.
The show delves into the truths and myths surrounding that delightful enigma we call “the relationship.”
● Show Dates: July 13-21, 2024
● Venue: Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 S Main St, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
In Act I, we follow the journey from dating butterflies to the sweet melodies of love and marriage. Act II unveils the hilarious trials and triumphs of in-laws, newborns, family road trips, and even the geriatric set’s unconventional pickup techniques. Through sketches and songs, we pay tribute to those who’ve loved, lost, and dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?”
This ticket is hotter than sunburn! Grab yours at Asbury Park Theater Company before they vanish like last season’s spray tan. Opening night tickets are being sold at a special price of only $25.00. It’s a steal for an evening of laughter, romance, and theatrical magic.
For press inquiries, interviews, or high-resolution images, please contact: Producing Artistic Director William Whitefield Email: William@asburyparktheatercompany.org Phone: (732) 455-2296
About Asbury Park Theater Company: We’re not just a theater company; we’re a love affair with the stage. Our mission? To make you laugh, cry, and maybe even dance in the aisles.
To learn more at Asbury Park Theater Company, follow us on social media:
●Facebook: APTheaterCo
● X & Instagram: @AptheaterCo
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