ON KENTUCKY AVENUE Comes to the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 2/23

"On Kentucky Avenue" returns to the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd Street, for two performances on Saturday, February 23 at 12 Noon and 3 PM.

The musical revue is based loosely on fact and mostly fiction about the people and performers who took the stage and filled the tables at the majestic Club Harlem 'on Kentucky Avenue' in the north section of Atlantic City from the 1930s until the late 1980.

The revue, created by Jeree Wade and directed by Adam Wade, features a book by Adam Wade and Ty Stephens, and original music by Frank Owens, Ty Stephens, Adam Wade, Wilbur Bascomb and Branice McKenzie. The Musical Direction is by Frank Owens and the Musical Supervisor and Contractor is Wilbur Bascomb. The Choreography is by Ty Stephens. The Showgirl Consultant is Betty Jo. Micky Davis is the Swing Dance Consultant. The Creative Stage Play Consultant is Russ Weatherford.

The cast includes: Ty Stephens, Jeree Wade, Cheryl Freeman, Andricka Hall, Anthony Wayne, Gregory J. Hanks, Gary Vincent, Donna Clark, Renee Ternier, Mindy Haywood, Cassandra Palacio, Dorothi Fox and Lee Summers. The Musicians: Frank Owens, Wilbur Bascomb, Damon Duewhite, and Richard Cummings, Jr.

The musical revue and its internal story transports the audience back in time to the late 1960's when Club Harlem was the Mecca of entertainment and excitement in Atlantic City. It is a time when musical tastes are changing, a New Group of musical performers are emerging and the owners are seeking to revamp the production values and content of the show.

Club Harlem on Kentucky Avenue was where many dreams were fulfilled and others were shattered.... where gorgeous leggy showgirls and talented black musicians and performers from all parts of the universe came together seeking fame, success, happiness, love and adventure, and sometimes found heartache and sorrow instead. Club Harlem was the supreme nightclub where the legendary and the up and coming mingle with the wealthy and down and outers, the privileged and the under-privileged, the famous and the infamous.

"On Kentucky Avenue" captures the feel and aura of the club, based on experiences of Adam and Jeree Wade who performed there during different eras - 30 years apart -- and were witnesses to much of the backstage intrigues that took place nightly.
Songbird Unlimited Productions are the Creative Producers/Original Music. The Assistant Music Director/Archivist is Richard Cummings, Jr. The Costume Consultant is Nina Johnston and the Production Manager is PEarl Williams, who also created the Brazilian headdresses.