Latin Hip Hop Rock Musical KINGDOM Comes To ReVision Theater 4/16-5/3

by BroadwayWorld.Com News Desk

April 9, 2009

ReVision Theatre will present the East Coast Premiere of the new Latin Hip Hop rock musical Kingdom, to play the VFW Theatre, 701 Lake Avenue, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, April 16-May 3. Carlos Armesto will direct, with music direction by Michael Thomas Murray and choreography by Tiffany Rachelle Stewart.

Inspired by the true stories of current and former Latin Kings, the show explores the tragic impact of gangs and gang violence on a small urban community. A musical that speaks directly to today's youth through rap and hip hop music, the show is inspired by the true stories of current and former gang members of the Latin Kings. The show chronicles the journey of two kids from the barrio in a quest to belong and the power struggle that tears the two friends apart. The musical features book and lyrics by Aaron Jafferis, with music by Ian Williams.

The all-Latino cast will include Dell Howlett (Cano), Desiree Rodriguez (Marisa), Miguel Jarquin-Moreland (Andres), Christian Amaraut (Juan), Keith Antone (Hector), Jose Candleria (Danny), Andre Da Silva (King 1), Erikamarie Rumore (Queen 1), Judah Gavra (King 2), and Chelsea Zeno (Queen 2).

The creative team will include Sean Lindsey Manuel (scenic and lighting design), Kristyn R. Smith (sound design), and Sarita P. Fellows (costume design).

ReVision Theatre is adding an interactive After-Show Forum to each performance that will add context to the themes presented in the show. Each Forum will generate a dialogue between a moderator, audience members, and actors in the show. This will include a general survey of audience members, an exploration with cast members in character, and a reflection of final thoughts and collective commentary.

Kingdom was developed and will be first produced by the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California, just prior to the ReVision Theatre's East Coast Premiere production. Kingdom was the winner of the 2008 Richard Rodgers Award for stage readings, administered by the American Academy of Arts and Letters and presented at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Festival of New Musicals in 2007, the 2006 New York Musical Theatre Festival, developed by Eric Louie, The Public Theater, Queens Theatre in the Park, Weston Playhouse, John Jay College, Bregamos Community Theater, and at NYU's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program.

Tickets are available online at www.ReVisionTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 732-455-3059. Ticket prices are $25 and $35. Special $15 tickets are available for Students and Teachers at each performance. ReVision Theatre has started a Ticket Fund Campaign where ticket buyers have the opportunity to sponsor additional tickets for teenagers who cannot afford admission.

A special Open Captioning performance for the hearing impaired will be available on Thursday, April 23rd at 8 pm.

ReVision Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional regional theatre company dedicated to producing invigorating theatre with a fresh new perspective reaching the diverse community of Asbury Park and Monmouth County. ReVision Theatre's Producing Artistic Directors, Thomas Morrissey, David E. Leidholdt, and Stephen Bishop Seely, produce reinventions of previously produced classics, overlooked or forgotten work in a new way, and new work with a fresh voice. The company serves as a home for local artists and writers. ReVision Theatre also believes in the importance of theatre education and teaches children and adult theatre classes. ReVision Theatre produces readings, workshops, cabarets, concerts, and mainstage productions. ReVision Theatre's 2008-2009 Season includes a one night only benefit performance of Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl (July 11) at The Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, and the blockbuster musical, The Full Monty (August 12-September 6) at the Carousel House on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park.

Visit www.RevisionTheatre.org or call 732-455-3059 for show calendars and more information.

Three Kings

by Steven Froias TriCityNews
April 9, 2009

Here's another entry in my gay leaders series. Actually, this time around it's a trio of guys. Hey - threesomes are best!

You've already been introduced to Thomas Morrissey, Stephen Bishop Seely, and David E. Leidholdt, elsewhere in these pages in the past year. But in this column, I'd like to put their achievements and endeavors into a broader context. Because these three have swiftly assumed a leadership role in the artistic community, and they are poised to reach a new plateau next weekend when their ReVision Theatre company stages the East Coast premier of 'Kingdom" beginning next weekend.

Thomas, Stephen, and David launched ReVision Theatre here in Asbury Park over a year ago with the goal of integrating the company completely into the local community. They brought with them years of experience in theatre across the country, and more specifically from the East Village in New York City where they plied their trade for about a decade.

In choosing Asbury as their new home base, they knew what they were looking for - a community from which they could draw as well as bestow artistic inspiration. Towards that end they have mounted productions in some of the city's iconic structures, such as the Paramount Theatre and the Carousel building.

They'll be doing it again next weekend with "Kingdom" in another piece of history, the VFW building at 701 Lake Avenue. Indeed, by seizing the initiative and furthering the transformation of that building into a performing arts center, they have guaranteed themselves a place in the pantheon of movers and shakers in this town, along with the many others groups (not to mention Cmmdr. Lou Pirsisi) who have facilitated this exciting development.

In a short amount of time, Thomas Morrissey, Stephen Bishop Seely, and David E. Leidholdt have raised the cultural bar through their work with ReVision and their participation in the vibrant arts scene that Asbury Park is home too. Next weekend, though, they go for broke with a potentially history making production that could fulfill their destiny as a major professional, regional theatre company. And not coincidently, the fact that "Kingdom" is being produced here also raises the status of Asbury Park as cultural destination like no other.

Here's the back story: ReVision Theatre, as a professional, Equity-associated company, is part of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre. Once a year, they hold a Festival of New Musicals, works just at the stage of development where they warrant full productions,  just short of off-Broadway or Broadway. "Thoroughly Modern Millie,"  "The Drowsy Chaperone," and "Light in the Piazza"came to light via this route.

This year, "Kingdom" was one of those shows. But as is often the case with groundbreaking work, most theatre companies were too afraid to touch it. They were afraid that it would be impossible to market because of its theme.

"Kingdom" is a hip-hop musical. The subject matter is gang life. Other theatre companies were concerned that the term 'hip-hop' were alienate their traditional patrons, and that they also wouldn't be able to attract the younger crowd who could relate to its themes. You know - probably the same thing that was said about "West Side Story" some 50 years ago.

Only two theatre companies had the balls to snag "Kingdom" and take on the challenge of assuring loyal customers that yes, they were indeed going to see a musical, but also that yes, the boys in the hood could also find something to like up on the stage.

Those two companies were the world renowned Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, where "Kingdom" had its West Coast premier, and.

ReVision Theatre Company in Asbury Park, New Jersey where "Kingdom" will have its East Coast premier next weekend, beginning Thursday, April 16.

That's what makes these guys leaders. They move the ball forward. They inspire themselves as well as the broader community to reach higher. And they don't take the easy way out.

And as exemplified by "Kingdom," though they are of the gay community they are part of the broader community, leaders who build bridges between the many parts of a city or region and thereby strengthen the whole. As is the case with all such folks - gay or straight - they make up the unique fabric of the triCities and are indispensible to its success as a region.

So, be sure to get your tickets for "Kingdom" ASAP. As Thomas said to me, this important theatrical event is something that could have you saying years from now.

"I can't believe it happened in Asbury Park."

Believe it.

"Kingdom" will run from Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, May 3. You can purchase tickets online at ReVisionTheatre.org, Call 732-455-3059 or them in person at: Flying Saucers Retro Kitchenware, 658 Cookman Avenue (Shoppes at the Arcade - Lower Level); and Thurs, Fri, Sun & Mon 11 am to 5pm & Sat 11 am to 9 pm at The VFW Hall in Asbury Park - Theatre Box Office, 701 Lake Avenue (Entrance on Bond Street between Cookman and Lake Avenues. Monday thru Sunday 1pm to 6pm;open to 8pm on show days.

Cast Set for Latin Hip Hop Rock Musical Kingdom in Asbury Park

By: Dan Bacalzo · Apr 8, 2009  · New Jersey

TheaterMania.com

The cast of Kingdom (© Dennis Carroll)

ReVision Theatre will present the new Latin Hip Hop rock musical Kingdom, to play the VFW Theatre in Asbury Park, New Jersey, April 16-May 3. Carlos Armesto will direct, with music direction by Michael Thomas Murray and choreography by Tiffany Rachelle Stewart.

Inspired by the true stories of current and former Latin Kings, the show explores the tragic impact of gangs and gang violence on a small urban community. The musical features book and lyrics by Aaron Jafferis, with music by Ian Williams.
The all-Latino cast will include Dell Howlett (Cano), Desiree Rodriguez (Marisa), Miguel Jarquin-Moreland (Andres), Christian Amaraut (Juan), Keith Antone (Hector), Jose Candleria (Danny), Andre Da Silva (King 1), Erikamarie Rumore (Queen 1), Judah Gavra (King 2), and Chelsea Zeno (Queen 2).

The creative team will include Sean Lindsey Manuel (scenic and lighting design), Kristyn R. Smith (sound design), and Sarita P. Fellows (costume design).

Following each performance, there will be an "After Show Forum" where actors stay in character and take questions from the audience.

For more information, visit www.revisiontheatre.org.

Announcing Kingdom Cast

Kingdom Event, March 19th 7-9pm

ReVision Theatre Reacts to Gang Violence

RVT Reaches Out to Community Offering Gang Related Forums and Events
Hopes to draw large audience to new Hip Hop rock musical, KINGDOM

Asbury Park, New Jersey – ReVision Theatre is hitting the streets with a new show that exposes the impact of gang violence on the local community. The East Coast Premiere of Kingdom, a new Hip Hop Rock musical about the gang, the Latin Kings, will open in April, but the theatre company is already working hard to educate Asbury Park and surrounding communities about the growing number of gang members in Monmouth County. Events include a Kingdom Kick Off Party on March 7th, a Kingdom Exploration Symposium on March 19th, a Ticket Fund Campaign, and a cutting-edge interactive forum after every performance.

Kingdom will run Thursdays through Sunday, April 16th through May 3rd, at the VFW Theatre, 701 Lake Avenue in Asbury Park. A musical that speaks directly to today's youth through rap and hip hop music, the show is inspired by the true stories of current and former gang members of the Latin Kings. The show chronicles the journey of two kids from the barrio in a quest to belong and the power struggle that tears the two friends apart. Music by Ian Williams and book and lyrics by Aaron Jafferis, Kingdom will be directed by Carlos Armesto.

The public is invited to a Kingdom Kick-Off Party at 6:00 pm on Saturday, March 7th at the VFW Theatre, 701 Lake Avenue in Asbury Park. RVT staff, audiences, and sponsors will come together to generate support and enthusiasm for Kingdom and create a united stand against gang violence. This free event is open to the public and will include food, drink, and a live preview performance of Kingdom. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by calling 732-455-3059.

On Thursday, March 19th, ReVision Theatre will sponsor a Kingdom Exploration Symposium at the VFW Theatre, 701 Lake Avenue, in Asbury Park that is open to the public. Teachers, community leaders, and parents are encouraged to attend. This symposium will feature gang experts as moderators that will discuss the affect of gangs in Monmouth County and how parents and leaders can take action to prevent gang violence.

ReVision Theatre is adding an interactive After-Show Forum to each performance that will add context to the themes presented in the show. Each Forum will generate a dialogue between a moderator, audience members, and actors in the show. This will include a general survey of audience members, an exploration with cast members in character, and a reflection of final thoughts and collective commentary.

Kingdom was developed and will be first produced by the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California, just prior to the ReVision Theatre's East Coast Premiere production. Kingdom was the winner of the 2008 Richard Rodgers Award for stage readings, administered by the American Academy of Arts and Letters and presented at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Festival of New Musicals in 2007, the 2006 New York Musical Theatre Festival, developed by Eric Louie, The Public Theater, Queens Theatre in the Park, Weston Playhouse, John Jay College, Bregamos Community Theater, and at NYU's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program.

Tickets are available online at www.ReVisionTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 732-455-3059. Ticket prices are $25 and $35. Special $15 tickets are available for Students and Teachers at each performance. ReVision Theatre has started a Ticket Fund Campaign where ticket buyers have the opportunity to sponsor additional tickets for teenagers who cannot afford admission.

A special Open Captioning performance for the hearing impaired will be available on Thursday, April 23rd at 8 pm.

ReVision Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional regional theatre company dedicated to producing invigorating theatre with a fresh new perspective reaching the diverse community of Asbury Park and Monmouth County. ReVision Theatre's Producing Artistic Directors, Thomas Morrissey, David E. Leidholdt, and Stephen Bishop Seely, produce reinventions of previously produced classics, overlooked or forgotten work in a new way, and new work with a fresh voice. The company serves as a home for local artists and writers. ReVision Theatre also believes in the importance of theatre education and teaches children and adult theatre classes. ReVision Theatre produces readings, workshops, cabarets, concerts, and mainstage productions. ReVision Theatre's 2008-2009 Season includes a one night only benefit performance of Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl (July 11) at The Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, and the blockbuster musical, The Full Monty (August 12-September 6) at the Carousel House on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park.

Visit www.RevisionTheatre.org or call 732-455-3059 for show calendars and more information.