Broadway's N'Kenge Reprises Lead Role in the Cast of 54: THE MUSICAL

Internationally Acclaimed and Award Winning Singer N'Kenge joins the All Star Cast at the Asbury Hotel which will host a Funk-Raising evening to benefit the development of 54: the musical. The evening, featuring selections from 54, will be held August 11th at 8 PM in Asbury Park, NJ featuring a book by playwright and actress Renée Bang Allen.

N'Kenge is thrilled to reprise the role of the smokin' heartless Tonya Love after a successful performance of the show at Axelrod Performing Arts Center. Born and raised in the Bronx and Brooklyn and currently a resident of NJ, N'Kenge is happy to bring this musical experience to her home town. Known for originating the role of Mary Wells in Broadway's Smash Hit Motown, N'Kenge made her Carnegie Hall debut with The New York Pops Orchestra where NY Times called her "a classically trained diva that can stretch from Broadway, Pop Soul to Opera." Nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Leading Actress in 3 Mo'Divas, N'Kenge made her West End, London debut starring in The Genius of Ray Charles. N'Kenge recently starred in the title role in a industry reading of DOROTHY. A new musical inspired by the life and music of Legendary Singer/Actress/Dancer Dorothy Dandridge. The first African-American nominated for an Academy Award in the category of "Best Leading Actress" in a major Motion Picture for Carmen Jones.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Studio 54 in New York City, and the disco era, a revolutionary period of popular music and culture. The event is a fundraising preview to help bring the show to Broadway.

Recently seen starring in New York City Encores! production of The Golden Apple, Asbury Park residents will get a chance to hear for themselves why Baltimore Sun raved of N'Kenge... "delivering blazing vocalism". "54 - the musical" tells the story of two couples navigating their way through drug use, addiction, sexual liberty, interracial relationships, changing musical paradigms and love - at all costs. The music, while familiar to fans of disco and funk has been repurposed to serve as both backdrop and storyteller.

For more information on N'Kenge, visit www.nkengemusic.com.

"54 - the musical" VIP tickets which will include a private post-party sponsored by Sailor Jerry are $54 and general admission is $25. For tickets and more information visit www.54themusical.com or call 929-356-5454.

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