In celebration of National Dance Day, the cast of the Pennington Players’ production of “13 The Musical,” in cooperation with Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College, will host a National Dance Day Event on the West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.
This dance event is open to the public. It is one of many being organized throughout the country that day.
National Dance Day was created by Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer and judge for the “So You Think You Can Dance” television series. District of Columbia representative Eleanor Holmes Norton, a longtime proponent of healthy lifestyles, first introduced a National Dance Day resolution to promote dance education and physical fitness across the U.S. An annual event on the last Saturday of July, this grassroots initiative encourages Americans, young and old, to get up and move.
Participants are encouraged to check out the Master Class routine, choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon, posted on the “So You Think You Can Dance”-National Dance Day website. At 5 p.m., interested dancers should gather at Kelsey Theatre, where they will learn and review the routine as a group. “13” choreographer John Buccanfuso, along with selected cast members and other dancers and choreographers from the Kelsey community, will be on hand to instruct and assist.
Following a rehearsal period, the organizers will film a video of the performance and submit it along with the hundreds of others taking place across the country.
According to the “13” cast and crew, the goal is not to perform the perfect routine, but to enjoy the process of learning and dancing together. They are excited to share this celebration of dance and hope that many of those who participate will stay and see that evening’s show at 7:30 p.m.
”13” is a grown-up story about growing up, featuring an all-teenage cast. The show follows 13-year-old Evan Goldman, who moves from New York City to Indiana in the wake of his parents’ divorce. Evan just wants to make friends and survive the school year, which proves easier said than done. The star quarterback is threatening to ruin his life and his only friend, Patrice, won’t talk to him. The school freak sees an opportunity for blackmail and someone is spreading the nastiest rumors. With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, “13” is a hilarious, high-energy musical for all ages.
”13 the Musical” will be presented at Kelsey Theatre Fridays and Saturdays, July 29, July 30 and Aug. 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays, July 31 and Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college’s West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.
Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students and children.
Order tickets online at www.kelseytheatre.net or call the Kelsey Theatre Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible; free parking is available next to the theater.
— Michael Redmond
