APAC's ALLEGRO Extends Through 5/24

The Award-Winning Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) and Artistic Director Tom Wojtunik are pleased to announce the one-week extension of Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II's ALLEGRO, choreographed by Christine O'Grady, musical directed by Julianne B. Merrill and directed by Wojtunik, as his last production as Artistic Director. ALLEGRO, of which Theatermania says, Wojtunik brings "to elegant life," will extend a week at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 30-44 Crescent St (@30th Rd), in Astoria, Queens. began Thursday, May 1 and will now continue through Saturday, May 24. Opening Night was Saturday, May 3 (8 p.m.).

Life - a set of circumstances, a series of choices, leading to this moment in time. Are you where you thought you'd be? Are you proud of the decisions you've made? Allegro follows the journey of Joseph Taylor, Jr., the son of a small-town doctor, from birth to age 35 - from the tranquility of his small Midwestern hometown to the hectic din of big city life. When he loses sight of his goals, he struggles to avoid compromising his principles in this rarely seen musical from the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein.

APAC's production stars Mark Banik* ("Mythos" web series) as Joseph Taylor, Jr., Daniella Dalli* (Showboat, Asolo Rep) as Marjorie Taylor, Marcie Henderson* (APAC's The Human Comedy & Ragtime) as Mrs. Lansdale, Crystal Kellogg* (Because of Winn Dixie, Arkansas Rep) as Jennie Brinker, Kelly King* ("Boardwalk Empire") as Brook Lansdale, Andy Lebon* (Oklahoma!, Nat'l Tour) as Dr. Joseph Taylor, Jean Liuzzi* (APAC's The Human Comedy) as Grandma Taylor, Christopher Milo (Gypsy, CMPAC) as Young Joe, Manna Nichols* (Miss Saigon, Kansas City Starlight) as Emily West, Jan-Peter Pedross* (APAC's Blood Brothers & The Human Comedy) Dr. Bigby Denby, Tony Perry* (Martin: A New Musical, Negro Ensemble Co) as Ned Brinker, Fiona Shea (APAC's Summer Stars) as Young Jennie and Joshua Stenseth (NBC's "Grimm") as Charlie Townsend. Ensemble members include Laura Stracko Franks (Damn Yankees, Nat'l Tour), Julia Freyer* (A Chorus Line, Paper Mill/Nat'l Tour), Carl James* (HAIR, Nat'l Tour), Matthew LaBanca* (APAC's Blood Brothers), Alyssa Malgeri* (APAC's The Human Comedy; Hairspray, Nat'l Tour), Gilbert Sanchez (Showgirls: The Musical!), and Toni Elizabeth White* (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn).

Julianne Katz* (Fiddler on the Roof, Nat'l Tour) will be assuming the role of "Jennie Brinker" (replacing Crystal Kellogg) for closing weekend 5/22-5/24.

The production features scenic design by Stephen K. Dobay, costume design by Summer Lee Jack, and lighting design by Dan Jobbins. David A. Thomas is the sound designer, Katie K. White is the props designer, Ben Coleman is the dramaturg, Michael Cassara is the casting director, and Kristine Schlachter* is the production stage manager.

*These Actors are appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association. AEA approved showcase.

ALLEGRO plays the following regular schedule through Saturday, May 24:
Thursdays & Fridays at 8 p.m.
Saturdays at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Tickets are $18, ($15 student/senior) available at www.apacny.org or 888-596-1027. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Theatre Box Office, 30 minutes prior to the performance.

Photo by Paul Fox