Union, NJ Debuts Regional Premiere Of SIMPLY SIMONE

The Mayor and Committee of the Township of Union present their third annual black history month celebration, featuring the regional premiere of Simply Simone, a musical about the life of Nina Simone. The celebration will take place on Sunday, February 24th at 2:00 p.m. at Jefferson School, located at 155 Hilton Ave, Vauxhall, NJ 07088.

"I'm proud that Union can serve as the backdrop for the regional premiere of this riveting musical." said Michele Delisfort, Mayor. "We can learn a lot of lessons from the life of Nina Simone, and we're happy to make it the center piece of our Black History Celebration."

Simply Simone is an electric musical revue based on the turbulent life and rich artistic legacy of American musical icon, Nina Simone. She was a child prodigy, jazz superstar, civil rights activist, and moreover, one of the true genuine musical powerhouses of the 20th century.

The production is being directed and choreographed by Vauxhall native Daryl Stewart. Stewart is an actor, director, performing and teaching artist, and arts advocate. He is a theater teaching artist at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey. There he has collaborated with several dozen schools, groups and arts organizations teaching, curating and creating musical theater, dance and drama programs. He also serves as a lead teaching artist for the internationally recognized Disney Musicals in Schools program.

His theater credits include memorable roles in Five Guys Named Moe, My One and Only, Ragtime, Little Shop of Horrors, The Wild Party, Leader of the Pack, Carousel, Into the Woods, Oliver Twist, and Disney's Aida. TV/Film credits include Lipstick Jungle (NBC), School Spirits (SYFY) and 106 & Park (BET).Stewart's self-produced original one man show "Fully Versatile" premiered Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizon, NYC.

Tickets for Simply Simone are now on sale and can be purchased at Town Hall, 1976 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083. The cost is $8 regular admission and $5 for senior citizens. Limited tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information on the Township of Union Black History Month Celebration, or to reserve tickets, contact the Administration Office at 908-851-8500 or via email at publicinfo@uniontownship.com.