The music and arts scene is about to flourish on the Jersey Shore, and it's all thanks to a group of friends who saw a need to create "a unique theater for a unique city." It all started when Robert W. Allison, Shareholder of HFA, along with friends Bill Whitefield, former Executive Director of the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, Bob Angelini, Founding Board President and Past Artistic Director of ReVision Theater in Asbury Park, and Jeremy Grunin, President of the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation in Toms River, had an idea that could change the future of Asbury Park. "This is a fascinating city for creativity and many art forms such as rock n roll, but we realized Asbury Park was missing something extremely important – great theater," said Allison. That night, Asbury Park Theater Company (APTCo) was born.
Allison, Whitefield, Angelini and Grunin soon became the founding board members of the non-profit and committed to bringing people and communities together through art. Dedicated to creating powerful, invigorating and transformative professional theater that inspires, APTCo celebrates and enriches the community. From new works, reimagined classics to provocative high-energy musical performances, APTCo is home to established, emerging and local professional theater artists. APTCo is currently looking for a temporary or permanent location in Asbury Park. "We hope to announce our 2020 location and show calendar soon," said Allison. To support these efforts, APTCo held its first fundraiser this summer, A Little Musical Night, at The Asbury Hotel in Asbury Park. The benefit concert was hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe-winning TV, Film and Broadway Actress Sally Struthers featuring musical performances by Broadway's Carter Calvert, James Alexander and Jim Newman. The event marked the official launch of APTCo and featured songs and stories by some of Broadway's best talent. Allison's passion for community doesn't stop at APTCo.
