Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater presents “Dancing in the Dark” in October, an immersive theatrical dance performance celebrating the “world of the afterlife”. AXCBT invites theatergoers and Halloween lovers to a spellbinding dance party, inspired by popular horror classics.
Each performance will include dance-theater works inspired by Marie shelley‘s “Frankenstein,” Bram stoker‘s “Dracula”, Alfred hitchcock‘s “The Birds”, and a new interpretation of the ballet “Giselle”. Performances will take place at the Theater at Bell Works on October 30, 2021 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and October 31, 2021 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
“I wanted to celebrate Halloween from a different perspective,” said AXCBT art director Gabriel Chajnik. “What is connected with this world is the darkness and the fear that accompanies the absence of light. At night is when our monsters come out to play and all of our fears are revealed.”
Directed by Chajnik, “Dancing in the Dark” will be narrated by a special guest actor William the King. Faculty of Theater of the Academy of Performing Arts Chajnik and Axelrod (APAA) Jason cohen wrote the performance script.
Chajnik enjoys telling timeless folk stories, especially from a unique perspective. His Marie shelleyShelley’s “Frankenstein” will follow the inspiration and creation of Shelley’s iconic monster, instead of focusing on the monster itself. His “Dracula” will highlight the novel’s illumination on the relationship between religion and reason, East and West, the modern era against the old world and how love can transcend space and the weather. With video mapping, he will bring Hitchcock’s “The Birds” to life, plunging audiences and performers into the urgency of no longer taking nature for granted. His “Giselle” will point out that despite death and the darkness of the human soul, love above all else can liberate from death.
Following the professional production, APAA students will perform, with live music by the New Jersey State Youth Orchestra (NJSYO), conducted by Leo Soeda.
“Witness the wonder of the performing arts [of AXCBT last winter] during the pandemic was both haunting and humiliating, ”said NJSYO President Lakshmi Nadiminti. “Although we performed in our separate productions, the prospect of collaboration had already set in. Over time, the powers to come came together and we began this collaborative journey of music and dance together at Bell Works. We are delighted that our students have this opportunity. “
For performance, pre-professional students will perform at Johann Sebastian Bach“Toccata and Fugue in D minor, arranged by Soeda. APAA elementary school students will also perform an Addams family inspired number at the event.
Spectators are invited to come in costume! AXCBT will be offering prizes to the best costumes, including free tickets to “The Nutcracker Rocks”. Chajnik’s original and magical tale of the classic family vacation. “The Nutcracker Rocks” will be AXCBT’s first performance on stage at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center since 2019.
Learn more about https://www.axcbt.org/projects
Tickets are on sale for “The Nutcracker Rocks” here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35486/production/1075480