New Jersey Stage 2017: Issue 7 | Page 17

Our event last year at House of Independents was an unparal- leled success. I knew as soon as I walked in to HOI just a few months after they had opened, that my piece would be a per- fect fit in their space. ​The retract- able seating was a key element to my vision of the piece - we staged the event so that mid- way through the piece we liter- ally got the audience up out of their seats and “into” the club along with the characters. While there were naysayers to this vi- sion, I just knew it would work and, sure enough, it came off without a hitch. People loved it and I would love to see the show workshopped in that space. HOI owner, Morgan (Sackman) was very helpful and enthusiastic about not only 54 - The Musical, but also the beginning of my idea to create a theatre initiative, putting me in touch with several movers and shakers in the com- munity, one being my partner in crime Bob Angelini (President of the collective).​ ​​Bob and I were Get The Arts News That You Want! Start your day with a customized look at arts & entertainment news from around the state. Click here to sign up. brought to you by New Jersey Stage