(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents Psycho Beach Party by Charles Busch presented as part of OUT IN MAPSO PRIDE 2026 with two performances June 19-20 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts.
The play takes place in 1962 where 15-year old Chicklet Forrest just wants to learn how to surf, but a dangerous maniac is terrorizing Malibu Beach! PBP blends the beach party fun of "Gidget*" with the psychological mystery of "The Three Faces of Eve*" along with the camp of "Mommie Dearest*". (*note these are all old movies)
Come hang ten with a surfer girl with a mulitiple personality disorder, horny, hunky surfer boys, hidden secrets, a movie star looking to hide out, a bit of drag and a whole lot of sun tan lotion. COME HIT THE BEACH!
Directed by George Seylaz, the cast includes David Sierra (Chicklet), Joseph Jones (Kanaka), Michael Banza (Marvel Ann), Brandon Lima (Star Cat), Sarah Stirling (Berdine), Jeremy Bischak (Provoloney), Miguel Barreto (Yoyo), Kamirah Owens (Bettina Barnes), and Nancy Levine (Mrs. Forrest).
Performances take place Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm each night. Tickets are available for purchase online. The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts is located at 10 Durand Rd., Maplewood, New Jersey.
The production team includes Producers - Amanda Castro-Conroy, Erica Vieira; Stage Manager - Jose Rivera; Fight Director - Matt Massiello; Intimacy Coordinator - Amanda Castro-Conroy; Choreographer - Efrain Cortez; Asst Stage Manager - Jordyn Chaite; Asst Stage Manager - Isabella Bento; Costumer - Leila Tai Brown; Set Construction Managers - Brendan O'Donnel, Alex Martynetz; Scenic Artist - Taylor Madden; Make-Up Artist - Maggie Rose; Program Design - Mark Aquilino; Props Directors - Lisa Tasch; Social Media Director - Sabrina Santoro; and Box Office Manager - Dawilla Madsen.
interACT Theatre Productions is an award-winning 501(c)(3) non-profit theatre of the community in SOMa, NJ that was founded in 2009. It is their mission to be an inclusive, accessible, true theatre of the Community, creating opportunities for those who wish to be involved, novice or veteran, and explore works that create conversation, challenge the status quo, and embrace diversity, while maintaining high-quality productions.
interACT's projects include main stage productions, ranging from well-known, well-loved titles to brand new or experimental original works and adaptations by local playwrights; pocket theater productions including smaller scale benefit productions and small-budget or short-run considerations for main stage performances; and pop-up productions, employing seated and semi-staged readings of new plays with talkbacks with the playwright. interACT's education aspect includes fully produced youth productions, summer theater camps, masterclasses with broadway stars, and instruction in various aspects of the performing arts.
For those interested in the production side of the performance, interACT offers mentorships and internships in Directing, Stage Managing, Lighting Design, Costuming, and several other areas of the creative staff. In the ever-changing world of theater, all of their participants are encouraged to be adventurous and explore the reaches of their imaginations both on and off the stage.
interACT is committed to building strong ties within the community by producing thought-provoking plays and musicals that entertain, challenge stereotypes and prejudices, create opportunities or view the betterment of life through art. Their mission of inclusivity and accessibility is a cornerstone of each and every activity in which we engage. They draw people together from different towns, different backgrounds, and different ages to be part of this exciting endeavor. On the production side, they reach out to the broadest possible array of performers and strive to create as many opportunities as possible for community members to take part in live theater, whether it be a Wall Street worker exploring their creative outlet or a determined performer looking to hone their skills.
