project

Beatniks

musicals and operas · the collective beat ensemble · Ages 12+ · United States of America

About the Project

It’s 1950s Manhattan, and the Village is buzzing with creativity. Jazz music floats through the air while beat poetry adds to the rhythm of the city. “Beatniks” follows the interconnected journey of writers Diane di Prima, Joyce Glassman, Elise Cowen, Hettie Jones, Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and more as they rebel against conformity through their artistic visions. This high energy musical gives audiences a look into the lives of several literary icons who rebelled against the conformity of 1950s America. Through their revolutionary poetic expression, these writers conveyed the ideals of a generation that longed for authenticity and self-exploration.

Production Team

Davia Schendel

davia schendel *

director/writer/producer
Mina Bloom

mina bloom  *

music director/producer
Phoebe Balson

phoebe balson *

stage manager
Jared Davis

jared davis *

costume designer
Rachel Berman

rachel berman *

diane di prima
Scottie  Nevil

scottie nevil *

hettie jones
Nola Dodd

nola dodd *

elise cowen
Brady  Richards

brady richards *

jack kerouac
Kyle Frattini

kyle frattini *

neal cassady
Charles Platt

charles platt *

professor williams/peter orlovsky
Roxy Seven

roxy seven *

joyce glassman
Autumn  Sylve

autumn sylve *

audre lorde

* Fringe Veteran

beatniks