![NJ Rep Presents "Surfing My DNA"](https://www.newjerseystage.com/events2019/SurfingMyDNA2.jpg "NJ Rep Presents "Surfing My DNA"")
(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company presents Surfing My DNA by actress/playwright, Jodi Long. This limited engagement runs from Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 26, 2019. Surfing My DNA is the true story of a popular husband and wife nightclub act of the '40s and '50s narrated and framed by the experiences of their daughter, Jodi. Combining a family's journey, show business history and the ravages of racism, it is a tale of humor, passion, and perseverance against insurmountable odds.
Directed by Eric Rosen, the play stars Jodi Long and features composer/musician Yukio Tsuji.
Performances are Thursdays, Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm; Sundays at 2pm. A special talk-back with Ms. Long will be presented on Thursday, May 2 following the performance. A meet-and-greet with reception will follow the Saturday, May 4th evening performance.
![NJ Rep Presents "Surfing My DNA"](https://www.newjerseystage.com/events2019/SurfingMyDNA.jpg "NJ Rep Presents "Surfing My DNA"")
Tickets are $30-$60 plus service fee and may be purchased by calling 732-229-3166 or online.
New Jersey Repertory Company, located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch
Jodi Long (Performer/Playwright) was seen last season at NJ Rep, in Michael Tucker’s FERN HILL. Jodi made her Broadway debut at age 7 in NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP directed by Sidney Lumet, the first of 5 Broadway shows: LOOSE ENDS with Kevin Kline, THE BACCHUS with Irene Papas, Stephen Sondheim’s GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER and the revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s FLOWER DRUM SONG, for which she won an Ovation Award at The Mark Taper Forum. Lincoln Center, Public Theater, Roundabout, MTC, ranging from Wasserstein to Shakespeare to originating 5 David Hwang plays. Film: BEGINNERS with Ewan McGregor, PATTY HEARST, SOUR SWEET THE HOT CHICK, STRIKING DISTANCE and ROLLOVER with Jane Fonda. TV: Okcha in SULLIVAN AND SON, Margaret Cho’s mother in ALL AMERICAN GIRL, CAFE AMERICAN, FALLING WATER. Jodi wrote and co-produced the award winning documentary LONG STORY SHORT about her vaudevillian parents. SURFING my DNA, garnered an Ovation Nomination for Best Solo Performance at East West Players in Los Angeles. Many thanks to all who helped in SURFING’S development: Chay Yew, Lisa Peterson, Celise Kalke, Tim Dang, Frank Megna, Diana Ljungaeus, Venus Christiansen, The Public Theater, and NY Theater Workshop.
Eric Rosen (Director) Eric recently concluded his decade long tenure as artistic director of Kansas City Repertory Theatre and previously was co-founder and artistic director of Chicago's About Face Theatre for 13 seasons. He recently directed the acclaimed tour of Paula Vogel's INDECENT at Arena Stage, KCRep, and Baltimore Center Stage. World premieres under his direction include VENICE (named Best Musical of 2010 by TIME), CLAY, ROOF OF THE WORLD, A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL, M. PROUST and THEATER DISTRICT. Other directing credits include Baltimore Center Stage (VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE), Goodman, Hartford Stage, Chicago Shakespeare, Melbourne Theatre Company, the O'Neill and Sundance. Highlights of his tenure at KCRep include reimagined productions of classic musicals including EVITA, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, HAIR: RETROSPECTION, and a punk rock PIPPIN, along with classics from ROMEO to DEATH OF A SALESMAN. Rosen helped develop and produced the original production of the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play I AM MY OWN WIFE. As a playwright, his work includes LOT’S WIFE, DREAM BOY, VENICE, and WINESBURG, OHIO. Rosen served on the Board of Theatre Communications Group, was inducted into Chicago's Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame and was a finalist for the Zelda Fichandler Award. He holds a doctorate in performance studies from Northwestern University and a BA in performance studies from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Yukio Tsuji (Composer/Musician/shakuhachi, percussion) has collaborated on over 200 productions and has worked with Estelle Parsons, Ellen Stewart, Jerome Robbins, Julie Taymor, Sir Peter Hall, and more. Credits: OEDIPUS, FATHER, SALOME, M.BUTTERFLY, and Estelle Parsons’ productions of MACBETH, NIGHT OVER TAOS and LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT. Yukio created original music for TRANSPOSED HEAD, “Window of The City” (Shanghai Expo), TANTALAS (9 Acts), WATERMILL (New York City Ballet), and title music for the film YEAR OF THE DRAGON. Yukio created over 25 hours of music for Kei Takei's Moving Earth Dance Company and is a founding member of the New York-based Sara Galas Band.
