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Tri City News
Monmouth County NJ’s News & Arts Weekly

Perfectly Timed
Theater Q Asbury Kicks Off Inaugural Season October 11-13

October 3, 2024, Vol.29 / Issue 24

"Theater Q Asbury Represents A vital continuation of the city’s legacy as a safe haven for expression and difference" - Jess Alaimo

Asbury Park has long held a place in the hearts of many as a hub for culture, music, and most 1mportantly, community. As the city experiences rapid growth and change, it's essential to preserve its rich history of embracing diversity, es­pecially the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. That's where Theater Q Asbury steps in, bringing a much-needed spotlight to queer stories with its inaugural season, starting with the timely and thought-provoking production, Zanna Don't - The Reboot!.

Theater Q's arrival in Asbury Park couldn't be more perfectly timed. As the land­scape of the city shifts with the influx of new businesses arid residents, the voic­es that have contributed to its vibrant history need to remain central to its future. Asbury has always been a sanctuary for those who felt out of place elsewhere, in­cluding the LGBTQ+ community, artists, and those looking to express themselves authentically. It is so important that we continue this legacy. That's where the importance of Theatre Q comes in. They aren't just staging plays - they're also preserving history, c1,1lture, and visibility in a time when the po­litical climate seeks to silence queer voices. John Pantozzi, the theater's founder and artistic director, understands this all too well. As someone deeply embedded in both the theater world and LGBTQ+ advocacy, he's witnessed the power of art in shaping narratives. "If we don't tell our own stories, others will tell them for us, and they will get them wrong," Pantozzi quotes from trans activist Janet Mock􀀁. This message resonates deeply with Theater Q's mission.

The company's first production, Zanna Don't - The Reboot!, is a whimsical and bold musical that flips the heteronormative world on its head, imagining a so­ciety where being queer is the standard. By presenting such a reality, the play forces audiences to confront their biases while embracing the beauty of diverse identities. This kind of theater doesn't just entertain - it educates, enlightens, and empowers. LGBTQ+ stories, often pushed to the margins, are given center stage, reminding Asbury Park that 'its identity is rooted in inclusivity and defiance of societal norms.

The upcoming season reflects this mission. From Mansa Ra's ... what the end will be, which delves into the generational experiences of Black gay men, to TL; D_R: Thelma Louise: Dyke Remix, a queer musical comedy that reimagines a cultural classic, Theater Q is committed to presenting the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ life and experiences. These productions are not just performances - they are acts of resilience in the face of erasure. By situating these works in the heart of Asbury Park, Theater Q ensures that queer voices remain a fundamental part of the city's ever-evolving narrative.

Pantozzi and his team also have their sights set on documenting the legacy of LGBTQ+ individuals who played a role in Asbury's revival. With plans to launch an oral history project, Theater Q will provide a platform for these unsung heroes, creating a permanent record of their contributions and struggles. This project not only preserves the history of Asbury Park but also serves as a reminder that the􀀅 city's future must remain intertwined with its queer roots.

Asbury Park is changing, but its commitment to diversity must en­dure. Theater Q Asbury represents a vital continuation of the city's legacy as a safe haven for expression and difference. The com­pany's inaugural season is a testament to the power of LGBTQ+ art in shaping cultural dialogue and ensuring that Asbury Park's transformation doesn't leave behind the very people who helped make it a beacon of inclusivity}'., As the city grows, Theater Q will stand as a vibrant reminder of why queer v9ices matter - and why they must continue to be heard.

 

Theater Q Asbury_ will kick off its inaugural 2024/25 season from October 10th to 13th at the House of Independents. Tickets can be obtained at the Theater Q Asbury website (theaterq.org), from House of Independents (houseofindependents.com), or in person at Rebel Supply on Cookman Avenue.

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