Premier Theatre Company sets up in VFW
'It's not a bingo hall anymore, that's for sure'
A local non-profit live theatre group will soon embark on its 26th season, this year operating out of a new location in Asbury Park.
The Premier Theatre Company has signed a long-term lease with the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars [VFW] and is the midst of making enhancements to the VFW building’s main hall.
Improvements include a coat of new paint, the addition of several wall sconces, new window treatments and, will soon include burgundy cloth draping to cover sound mitigation panels for the north wall of the hall [shown above].
A proscenium arch and stage extension will will be erected for this year’s main stage shows, which include “Carousel”, “Hairspray” and “Godspell.”
“It’s not a bingo hall anymore, that’s for sure — and the veterans are very proud of the building,” said founder Mark Fleming, who also produces and directs shows [pictured above, at right].
The Premier Theatre Company has operated out of various Asbury Park venues since 1990, including the Berkeley Carteret Hotel, The Paramount Theatre and an art gallery on downtown Cookman Avenue, Fleming said.
For the past five years, Premier has staged the musical “Scrooge” in the Paramount and will continue to do so this Christmas, but they found themselves in need of a space for smaller productions.
“We have a great relationship with the city, but we needed a space for smaller shows,” he said. “We finally have a place where we can build a following, develop new works, and bring new shows to the area.”
Capacity in the main hall can be adjusted to accommodate seating for 150, 250 or 350 people, Fleming said.
The company’s first production in the updated hall, “Kids Sing the Darndest Things” is set for Sat., March 22 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 23 and 1 p.m.
From producing Scrooge and other shows, Fleming saw a pool of young, local talent forming and set out to start the season with the kids, some of which are from Asbury Park and Neptune schools, he said.
As part of the group’s mission, the kids are exposed to professional actors and talent from the tri-state are so that the two can encourage and learn from one another.
On a lark, Asbury Park resident Joyce Grant [above, center] walked into the Paramount Theater with one of her friends to audition for Scrooge a few years ago, got a small bit part and has been involved with the company ever since, working her way up to larger speaking parts.
“I got to dance and I got this incredible costume and from then on, I was a devotee — mostly because of the way [Mark] deals with the kids.”
Future plans for the hall include a gallery and exhibition space in the lobby where local artists can show their work, along with a space to hold lectures and classes.
For tickets and information, call 732 774-7827 or go to PremierTheatre.com
The Asbury Park VFW is located at 701 Lake Avenue in Asbury Park.
The Premier Theatre Company is a non-profit theatre and education program that works to bring the gift of visual and performing arts to the people of New Jersey. By fostering new playwrights and combining professional knowledge with amateur talent, they aim to encourage physical, mental and emotional growth in the hearts of the persons involved in their endeavors.
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