BWW Interviews: ASHLEY KATE ADAMS Stars in 'The Anthem'

The Anthem opens on May 29th with a limited run through July 6th at the Culture Project's Lynn Redgrave Theatre at 45 Bleecker Street in New York City. Ashley Kate Adams plays Athena, The Queen of the Forest opposite Jason Gotay. The cast is also led by Remy Zaken Jenna Leigh Green and Randy Jones . The show is directed, choreographed and designed by Rachel Klein and produced by JJJ Productions in association with The Culture Project and Aaron Grant Theatrical, Inc. We had a chance to interview Ashley Kate Adams just prior to the show's opening.

Adams brings a wealthy of theatrical experience to her role in The Anthem having appeared in the Broadway and first national tour of La Cage Aux Folles. She was recently seen in the role of Miss Dorothy in Paper Mill Playhouse's Thoroughly Modern Mille and has credits in regional theater, television and film. She is also the Executive Producer of AKA Studio Productions that has several current projects.

Adams describes her role as Athena as "a fighter and a survivor." She relates well to the part as she feels that she has had a challenging and rewarding journey this year with her own production company.

Adams is delighted to be working with the cast and creative team of The Anthem. She said," I get to play opposite Jason Gotay. It doesn't get much better than that. I'm also under the direction of the brilliant and fearless Rachel Klein, it's been a dream. She is this generation's Julie Taymor and is so encouraging to her artists. She has become my partner in crime on many projects and I'm so grateful for her existence."

Adams feels that the play will appeal to a broad audience. She commented," I think this show will appeal to everyone. New Yorkers I guess in particular because they appreciate new and brave theatre. I keep saying its Xanadu and Starlight Express meets the Hunger Games. This is truly the craziest but one of the most exciting shows I've been a part of. If you enjoy any aspects of Cirque de Soleil, contemporary Broadway vocals, breathtaking choreography, video games, Ayn Rand or gorgeous half naked people- this show is for you."

Adams spoke a little bit about her production company and how it enhances her role as an actress. She said that the company has helped her to learn to communicate in a productive way. As she said, "We are all in this together." She also spoke about the company's future plans. "I joined forces with David Eck on producing THANKSKILLING The Musical. It's a musical by one of my main composer men Jeff Thomson and with lyrics by Jordan Mann based off the hit cult film. It was just featured in New York's "Festival of the Offensive" this past month and we won Best Musical. Rules of Cool is our original web series created with Lacey Jeka and Caitlin Cooke. It will be released for all to see this summer. We are so excited to share Season 1 with everyone. There are many theatre faces you will recognize in it including Ravi Roth, Bryan Langlitz, Angel Reda, me and you will even hear some music by Rachel Potter"

The future looks bright for Ashley Kate Adams who calls herself a "little producer" in addition to being a dedicated performer. Her advice for others in the business is to "Go for it." She feels that her recent experiences and opportunity to perform in The Anthem has made her life "sweeter."

For more information on The Anthem, visit the Culture Project web site at http://cultureproject.org/. For more information on Ashley Kate Adams and her production company visit, ashleykateadams.com and akastudioproductions.com or follow her on twitter@kitkatadams

Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Kate Adams

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