DEAL PARK – In response to the overwhelming reception the Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) received for its winter production of “Dreamgirls,” the leading performers from the cast, joined by Broadway diva N’Kenge, will be reuniting for a special “One Night Only” concert, featuring some favorite songs from “Dreamgirls” along with songs from the Motown, gospel, soul, R&B and pop worlds. The concert takes place at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2016. with musical direction by pianist David Manning, conducting a live band onstage.
Taking the role of Deena Jones in the “Dreamgirls” selections, N’Kenge will be making her APAC stage debut. Her most recent Broadway appearance was as Mary Wells in “Motown: The Musical,” which The New York Post called “Electrifying.” Her Broadway debut, alongside theater legend Barbara Cook and Vanessa Williams, was in “Sondheim on Sondheim,” directed by Pulitzer Prize winner James Lapine. The New York Times described N’Kenge as “a classically trained diva that can stretch from Broadway, pop, soul to opera.” She also starred in the Michael Jackson tribute show world tour and recently made her Carnegie Hall debut as a soloist with the NY Pops Orchestra. She also performed for President Obama at the Commander-in-Chief’s Inaugural Ball. She was seen in Asbury Park in June in “54—the musical,” an APAC production at The House of Independents.
The cast is excited to be working with N’Kenge and to be performing songs made famous by the some of their own musical icons, including Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Whitney Houston, Donny Hathaway, Gladys Knight, Toni Braxton, Al Jareau and other contemporary artists.
Tickets for “One Night Only” are $32 – $38 and can be purchased online at www.axelrodartscenter.com or by phone 732-531-9106, ext. 14. Located at 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park (Ocean Township), APAC provides ample, free parking and is completely handicap accessible. Hearing devices available.