Axelrod presents LA CAGE AUX FOLLES with Nat Chandler

Speaking of "birds of a feather," this musical is not so much about birds, as it is about drag queens. Think Robin Williams and Nathan Lane in "The Birdcage," add a fabulous Broadway score by Jerry Herman (of "Hello, Dolly!" fame), a hilarious book by Harvey Fierstein ("Kinky Boots") and a few thousand feathers and sequins, and you have "La Cage aux Folles," the Tony-winning musical that too rarely gets a chance on stage these days!

To right that (leftist) wrong, the Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC), located in Deal Park, just five minutes from Asbury Park, is producing the extravagant musical "La Cage aux Folles" for eight performances beginning on June 2, 2017, starring Nat Chandler (whose Broadway credits include the title character in Tony-nominated "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and a 1000 performances as Rauol in "The Phantom of the Opera" directed by Hal Prince) as Georges alongside Jersey Shore theater icon Joe Necci, returning to the role of Zaza..

2017 marks the Axelrod's plunge into the world of professional theater, as the venue positions itself to become New Jersey's newest regional theater. Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco, who served as producer of APAC's hit production "In the Heights" is also serving as producer of "La Cage." "After producing community theater here for the past fiv-plus years-and winning awards for many of our productions-we are 'upping' our game. Our audiences continually demand the best possible performances, and our new production of 'La Cage' has an all-professional cast led by a Broadway vet and some terrific triple threats from New York City. We believe that we are currently offering the best entertainment value in the state. Professional theater at community theater prices!"

"La Cage aux Folles" is being directed by Kathryn Markey and choreographed by Todd LabRON UNDERWOOD, with musical direction by Joseph Elefante, leading an on-stage band.

Nat Chandler is making his APAC and Jersey Shore debut with "La Cage," returning to the role of Georges: "I am thrilled to join the Axelrod's production of 'La Cage aux Folles.' This musical has an extraordinarily brilliant script and is absolutely hilarious. I'm proud to be a part of a story about love, joy and family!" New York Times theatre critic D.J.R. Bruckner wrote, "Nat Chandler is a find...he displays rich comic gifts and he can use his fine operatic voice to express any emotion he wants to."

Joe Necci returns to what is in fact his "favorite role," the dual role of Albin and the fabulous drag star Zaza. "How amazing to be tackling the challenging role of Zaza for a third time! Each time my eyebrows grow back less and less." Necci has played many leads in musicals (from Curly in "Oklahoma!" to Billy Flynn in "Chicago" to Sweeney Todd, but he finds Zaza the most "demanding." "What I love most about this role is that at the end of the performance I'm absolutely exhausted. It takes everything out of me. I give everything I have to the audience. There's no better feeling than that."

In addition to Nat Chandler as Georges and Joe Necci as his husband Albin, the cast includes Nathan Richardson as their son Jean-Michel, Chara Kirkland as his fiancé Anne, Alex Orthwein and Alexa Poller as Anne's straight-laced parents the Dindons, Miguel Flores as the flamboyant maid Jacob, Lisa Monde as Jacqueline, and Thomas Ryan Ward as Francis, the stage manager. The Cagelles (think finalists on RuPaul's Drag Race) include Ryan Blackson, Vinny Celeiro, David Dines, James DuChateau, Atsushi Eda, Zach Letty, Dyllan Vallier and Corey Price.

The set design is by Fred Sorrentino, lighting design by Greg Soloman, sound design by Brad Zuckerman, technical direction by Gerry Gironda, stage management by Kaelyn Delcalzo-Sakosits and Dennis Tolentino, costumes by Fred Mayo and Scaramouche Costumes, properties by Susan Bloir, wigs by Don Olah and makeup design by Koren Zander and Jaina Berger.

"La Cage aux Folles" plays June 2, 3, 8, 10, 15 at 8 p.m. and June 4, 11, 18 at 3 p.m. at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center (100 Grant Ave, Deal Park section of Ocean Township, NJ). Tickets range from $31 to $36. For online purchases, visit www.axelrodartscenter.com. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: 732-531-9106, ext. 14. The theater offers ample free onsite parking and is completely handicap accessible. Group discounts available for parties of ten or more.

A special opening night reception, as a benefit for Garden State Equality, is taking place at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 2, kicking off Pride Weekend NJ. Donation is $55 per person and includes the champagne/martini reception hosted by Tito's Handmade Vodka, Banfi Wines/Bolo and Cabaret for Life. Reserve online or by phone.

As Robin Williams said in "The Birdcage": "Look, this may be a drag show, but it still has to be a good drag show, if possible a great drag show." APAC is promising all that and more!

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