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This year marks the 40th anniversary of New York City’s Studio 54 opening and the revolutionary disco craze that defined a generation.

Today Studio 54’s wild sights and sounds is at the heart of a play by local writer Renée Bang Allen working its way to Broadway.

54-The Musical is a snapshot that tells the story of two couples navigating their way through drug use, addiction, sexual liberty, interracial relationships, a changing musical paradigms, and love – at all costs.  The 70’s music, while familiar to disco and funk fans, serves as both backdrop and storyteller.

On Aug. 11 a musical version of the theater production debuts at The Asbury. The event is a fundraising preview to help bring the show to Broadway.

“As the author of the piece, I wanted to present a living installation where audiences could viscerally connect to the excitement of the era and identify with the stories of the songwriters re imagined,” Bang Allen [at right], an actress, singer and playwright, said in a written statement.

Billed as a funk-raising event, the musical showcase of Bang Allen’s play includes Broadway veterans, a drag performance, dancers, and a live band.  

The performance also marks the kickoff of the Asbury Arts Collective, a new non-profit aimed at supporting  the development of the theater arts in Asbury Park.

“I think it is high time for our city to enjoy all the benefits of having a professional theater downtown operating year-round,” Bang Allen said. “The goal is to contribute to the arts scene, create employment opportunities for area residents and start a much needed dialogue about the importance of theater as a vehicle for social change in our society.”  

The Collective’s co founder is Bob Angelini,  a past Artistic Director of ReVision Theatre of Asbury Park.

“Asbury Park is known for being on the cutting edge of the arts,” Angelini said. The Collective is a way to help artists and theater-makers bring their creativity to Asbury Park for all to enjoy. We want to help our community realize its full artistic and economic potential by having live, professional theater available for residents and visitors alike.”

Bang Allen is a Denmark native and New York City transplant who now calls Ocean Grove home. The American Musical and Dramatic Academy graduate made her theatrical debut in the international tour of Grand Hotel – The Musical, directed by 9-time Tony winner,Tommy Tune. Her Broadway debut came as Joanne and Sarah in the John Doyle directed revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Company. On television, she has appeared on CBS’ Blue Bloods and Small Miracles, a web series staring Judd Hirsch. (CBS) and recently returned from shooting a leading role in the new web series, Small Miracles, starring Judd Hirsch. 

The Asbury is not only the venue for this new production but has been the production’s behind the scenes sponsor since it debuted in June 2016 at the House of Independents. The production has since landed at The Cutting Room and other NYC venues, and was awarded the featured spot in Emerging Artists Theater’s New Work Series.  

54- The Musical will be held 8 p.m. Aug. 11 at The Asbury, located at 210 Fifth Avenue. Doors opening at 7 p.m. and $54 VIP tickets include a private post-party with the cast sponsored by Sailor Jerry. General admission tickets are $25. For tickets and more information, visit www.54themusical.com.

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