A new musical beach party has hit the Jersey Shore with the opening of The Bikinis at the Revision Theatre at the Carousel House in Asbury Park. The Bikinis reunites four 50-something women to reminisce about their glory days as the Shore’s reigning girl vocal group. Singing their favorite hits: “Under the Boardwalk,” “Danny Boy,” “Polka Dot Bikini,” “These Boots are made for Walking,” “In My Bikini,” and more, this musical is sure to bring theater goers down memory lane. Created and written by Ray Roderick and James Hindman with music and lyrics by Joseph Baker, this show promises to get everyone dancing in the aisles.
Veteran Broadway and off-Broadway actresses Cheryl Freeman, (Barbara) Annie Golden, (Annie,) Kathy Morath (Jodi) and Karyn Quackenbush (Karla) re-live their heyday and beyond, beginning with the summer these girls got their name by winning the Belmar Beach Talent Contest wearing nothing but their bikinis, of course.
In keeping with the play’s theme, the ‘retro’ bikinis for the show were designed by local Jersey girls and Eatontown based Swimwear Company, “Passport to Peru Imports. ” Owner and mom/daughters team Bev, Melissa and Brittany Beveridge studied the show and characters of the cast for months to deliver suits that reflect each of the character’s distinct personalities. These suits are actually available for sale after each show throughout the tour. Melissa Beveridge admits to “watching a lot of Gidget” to create the brightly colored, polka-dot looks and beachy cover ups. Photo shoots took place in early spring in both Avon and at the Carousel House in Asbury Park with all actresses and their younger counterparts.
(from left to right)Katie Kutchler (Karla), Jess Wright (Annie), Yasonia Yankannah (Barbara) and Melissa Beveridge (Jodi)
“The cast, crew and Jersey Girl swimsuit style shows the positive side of the Jersey Shore – which is all about family and celebrating life.” says Roderick. It’s a little hush-hush whether you will see the Bikinis strut the Passport to Peru suits on stage, but both Morath and Roderick hinted at a surprise ending.
The Bikinis runs August 12-22 with perormance Wednesday-Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 7 pm. for tickets ($15.00-$40.00) call ReVision Theatre at 732-245-3059 or visit revisiontheatre.org. Please note the show was extended three nights before even opening!
Going for dinner before the show, be sure to review our reviews of some local hot spots in Asbury Park.
www.revisiontheatre.org
www.passporttoperu.net
the bikinismusical.com/passport.html
