Celebration Theatre Presents BASH'D, Opening June 10

Sean Bradford (Original Cast of The Scottsboro Boys, The Lion King) and Chris Ferro ("All My Children") will explore the effects of homophobic violence in the West Coast Premiere of BASH'D! - A GAY RAP OPERA. Presented by the award-winning Celebration Theatre, this re-imagining of the critically-acclaimed show is directed and choreographed by Ameenah Kaplan, with musical direction and additional beatz by Emmy Award-winning DJ Jedi.

Written by Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow, with additional music by Aaron Macri, BASH'D received rave reviews from critic's during its' New York run, praised as "potent and artistically sastifying" by Variety Magazine and "furious, fast moving hip-hop entertainment" by the Associated Press.

This limited engagement of BASH'D! will begin previews on Wednesday, June 7 and will open on Friday, June 10, which will coincide with PRIDE weekend in Los Angeles. The piece is scheduled to run through Saturday, July 22 at Celebration Theatre, 7051B Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood.

Sean Bradford, making his West Coast debut, most recently originated the role of Ozie Powell/Ruby Bates in The Scottsboro Boys, and is featured on the show's cast album. He made his Broadway Debut as a Simba Cover in The Lion King. Bradford, is also the Executive Director of Broadway in South Africa, which uses the arts to empower disadvantaged youth.

Chris Ferro was most recently seen on stage regionally as Garry/Roger in Noises Off, and originating the role of Farron Chenies Off-Off-Bway in OnlyThing East. He has appeared on ABC's "All My Children," and A&E's "The Fugitive Chronicles," and was editorially published in Harpers Bazaar Malaysia chronicling his travels throughout the country.

Director Ameenah Kaplan is a LA Weekly Award winner for choreography, an Ovation nominee and the recipient of the 2007 Richard E. Sherwood Award from Center Theater Group. Emmy Award-winner DJ JEDI has toured the globe as the resident music maestro for Russell Simmons' Tony Award-winning Def Poetry Jam, and later, with Grammy Award-winning hip hop pioneers, DIGABLE PLANETS.

BASH'D! - A GAY RAP OPERA is loosely based on the real life spike in hate crimes in Alberta, Canada during the national debate on equal marriage for gays and lesbians. Though the topic is serious, the play itself is funny, clever, and poignant.

BASH'D! - A GAY RAP OPERA will preview on Tuesday, June 7; Wednesday, June 8 & Thursday, June 9 and will open on FRIDAY, JUNE 10 at 8:00pm and run through Saturday, July 22, 2011.

Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. Ticket prices are $30.00 for all performances. Opening Night Gala on Saturday, June11 is $35.

BASH'D! - A GAY RAP OPERA is performed at Celebration Theatre, 7051B Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood. For Tickets, please call 323-957-1884 or visit the Celebration Theatre website at www.celebrationtheatre.com.