Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 04/19/2024
Roman Koster, Frankie Perez, Danubia Vilar, Samantha Egge, Holly Stefanik, Marua Ruppert, John Jesse Jeffords, and Matt Masiello. Photo by Amanda Castro-Conroy
(HARRISON, NJ) -- The West Hudson Arts & Theater Co (WHATCo) brings its Main Stage season to a close with a hilarious production of Disaster! The Musical for two weekends starting April 26th at The Theater at WHATCo. Disaster! comes to West Hudson straight from Broadway and features some of the most unforgettable songs of the '70s like “Knock on Wood," "Hooked on a Feeling," and "Hot Stuff."
The musical comedy is set in 1979 and New York’s hottest A-listers are lining up for the opening of a floating casino and discotheque. What begins as a night of boogie fever quickly changes to panic as the ship succumbs to multiple disasters, such as earthquakes, tidal waves and infernos in this homage to the era of bell-bottoms, platform shoes and the hustle.
Directed by Jessa Blackthorne, with Musical Direction by Scott Burzynski and Choreography by Bong Dizon. Cast features Frankie Perez/Chad; Roman Koster/Scott; Dylan Myers/Ted; Maria Ruppert/Marianne; John Jesse Jeffords/Tony; Samantha Egge/Jackie; Maisie Kelly/Ben-Lisa; Jessica Nelson/Sister Mary Downy; Melissa Broder/Shirley; Robert Strauch/ Maury; Lily Mayo/ Levora Verona; Matthew Masiello/Jake; Ashley “Ash” Nichols/Ensemble/US Tony; Karina Munoz/ Ensemble/US Shirley; Maggie Madere/Ensemble/US Sister Mary Downy; Amanda Regan/Ensemble; Paula Barratta/Ensemble; Danubia Vilar/Ensemble; Judy Espaillat/ Ensemble/US Levora Verona; Holly Stefanik/Ensemble/US Marianne; Gunnar Holmberg/ Ensemble/US Ted; Richard Dwyer/Ensemble/US Wealthy Man; Leo Vasile/Ensemble.
Jessica Nelson (Sister Mary Downy), Lily Mayo (Levora Verona). Photo by Amanda Castro-Conroy
Performances are April 26, 27 and May 2, 3, 4 at 7:30pm; April 28 at 2:00pm and April 27 at 1:00pm (this performance will feature understudies). Tickets are $20 Adults or $15 Seniors and Students and can be purchased at www.whatconj.org. The Theater at WHATCo is located at 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South in Harrison, New Jersey. Free parking is available in the fenced lot at the corner of Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South and Jersey Street.
The WHATCo Box Office at 15 Frank E. Rogers Blvd South will also be open for advance ticket sales; check WHATCo Instagram and Facebook pages for Box Office hours. Some tickets may also be available at the door the evenings of the performances.
Disaster! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Dylan Myers (Ted), John Jesse Jeffords (Tony), Roman Koster (Scott), Frankie Perez (Chad). Photo by Amanda Castro-Conroy
This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development, Craig Guy, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.
The mission of WHATCo is to be a cultural resource that will enrich and invigorate the West Hudson community as a whole while embracing, educating and entertaining people of all ages, cultures and abilities. Through a range of quality theatrical productions, they seek to stimulate, celebrate and enhance the understanding of theater while fostering and inspiring growth and creativity in their members. They strive to be a resource for both the residents and businesses of the greater West Hudson area and to enrich the cultural depth, education and vitality of the community at large.
Danubia Vilar (Featured Dancer), Samantha Egge (Jackie Noelle), Holly Stefanik (Featured Dancer/Marianne US). Photo by Amanda Castro-Conroy
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