Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater (AXCBT) returns to the Axelrod PAC stage the weekend of April 8-10 with sequels to “West Side Story”, “An American in Paris”, “The Sound of Music” and more in a new show called “Something’s Happening.”
Under the direction of AXCBT director Gabriel Chajnik, “Something’s Coming” will capture iconic moments from 10 favorite musicals. The cast includes more than a dozen dancers from AXCBT Company as well as special guest dancers from Sarasota Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera, The Ailey School and others.
“We capture the most exciting moments from favorite musicals and perform the dances and songs live on stage,” Chajnik said. “My choreography pays homage to some of the great creators, like Gene Kelly and Jerome Robbins, but with a contemporary touch that reflects my own vision and passion for this music. This is real American music at its finest-George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Richard Rodgers-all the composers who have written for singers and also for dancers.”
Chajnik invited fellow Juilliard graduate tenor David Smolokoff (who played Tony in Axelrod’s production of “West Side Story”) and soprano Evy Ortiz (Maria on a nationwide tour of “West Side Story”) to sing some of those iconic Hollywood songs. The show has something for everyone, from Israeli folk dancing to salsa to classical ballet.
“Something’s Coming” is a timely celebration of the musical,” says Axelrod Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco. “The musical lay dormant for a few decades until Rob MarshallThe movie “Chicago” was released on the big screen. More recently, we saw “In the Heights” by Jon Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s “Tick, tick…BOOM!” film, not to mention this year’s Oscar-nominated “West Side Story”, directed by Steven Spielberg. This AXCBT production will evoke favorite moments from some of the greatest musicals ever filmed.”
“Something’s Coming” includes songs and sequels from “West Side Story” and “An American in Paris” as well as “Fiddler on the Roof”, “The Red Shoes”, “Brigadoon”, “Kiss Me, Kate” and ” The As.” Audiences can expect to hear their favorite songs such as Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheimis “Tonight” and “Somewhere”, George and Ira Gershwin“Our love is here to stay” Cole Porter“De-Lovely”, “The Sound of Music” by Rodgers and Hammerstein and more!
“I love how many different types of roles we can play,” says AXCBT company artist Olivia Miranda. “One moment I’m dancing in character heels and the next I’m in pointe. I think this production really speaks to our versatility as dancers.”
For an exciting dance experience, this new production from Axelrod’s own dance company is the perfect way to welcome spring!
Performances are April 8 at 8 p.m.; April 9 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and April 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets cost between $26 and $54 at www.axcbt.org or call 732-531-9106, ext. 14. Group and student discounts are available. Visit Axelrod’s main website, www.axelrodartscenter.com for the latest Covid safety instructions.
