For Immediate Release: June 26, 2006
Media Contact: Jessica Sentak, The Academy Theatre, 609.291.9000

The Academy Theatre presents a spoof on the Frankie and Annette/Gidget beach blanket epics, Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party. Psycho Beach Party will run from July 13th through July 22nd at The Academy Theatre, located at 146 Route 130 in Bordentown, New Jersey. The show stars Lesley Berkowitz, Katrina O'Toole, Melissa Rittmann, Tina Mallon, Brett Macminn, Tyler Horn, Michael D. DeShields, and Academy newcomers, Mark Parker, Chris Banker, and Kate Sheehan. The witty adult comedy will be running in tandem with the World Premier of a new 10 minute piece, An Act of Faith written by Bryan S. Clark starring Tyler Horn and Kate Sheehan. Tickets are from $20 and are available by contacting The Academy Theatre Box Office at (609) 291-9000 or online courtesy of www.TicketLeap.com. More information is also available by visiting www.theacademytheatre.com.

Psycho Beach Party takes us on a summer-time romp with Chicklet, our sweet, innocent, tomboy-ish lead who wants to be a surf bum on Malibu Beach in 1962. As she actualizes her goals of "shooting the curl" we find that she also is host to multiple personality disorder, one of which is her exotic alter ego, voracious vixen, Ann Bowman. As we fly through the witty comedy and sexual banter of the play's characters we learn of other mishaps on the beach and the different reasons for Chicklet's personalities.

Coupled with this hilarious beach blanket blunder is An Act of Faith written by Psycho Beach Party director, Bryan S. Clark. This piece lets us experience, through the eyes of Bob and Jill, an intimate and entertaining exploration of the glue that holds a relationship together, the moment before bed when you remember that pairings are fun and conversations about nothing are important, perhaps the most important conversations you can have.

Cast & Crew

Bryan S. Clark (Director): Has just recently become the Managing Director of Philadelphia's Theatre Exile after more than a year spent as The Academy Theatre's Marketing Director. Leading up to that Mr. Clark spent many years in the Greater Philadelphia area in a variety of theatrical capacities. In the years that followed his Bachelors in Theatre from Temple University, Clark spent time honing his writing skills with his 2002 production of Things Best Swept (under the rug), a collection of his own plays. This lead to the creation of his own production company, Black Starr Company, through which he later directed Zoo Story and Troilus and Cressida for Philadelphian audiences. Clark is a Judge for the Barrymore Association through the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and also writes for the weekly publication Out and About as a theatre critic.

Psycho Beach Party includes many of the regions professionals and college-aged heavy hitters: Some of them include:

Lesley Berkowitz (Chicklet) - Lesley hails from Philadelphia and was last seen at the Academy in this spring's Macbeth playing Donalbain and other little boys. 30 Plays in 60 Minutes with the Contemporary Stage Company and Wasp at Muhlenberg College. Lesley is a core ensemble member with the Vagabond Acting troupe for the 06/07 season.

Mark Parker (Yo Yo) - Mark currently majors in Communications at Temple University and works as a Production Assistant for a new teen drama series premiering in January on Noggin, a digital cable channel. Mark has enjoyed performing in some great shows in the past, like Brighton Beach Memoirs (Stanley), 42nd Street (Julian Marsh), Rumors (Ken), The Lion in Winter (Philip), and Singin' In The Rain. Along with TV pilots, commercials, educational videos, and print work, he also has worked in both independent and feature films - most recently Lady in the Water due out this summer.

Kate Sheehan (DeDe & Jill) - Filling roles in both Psycho Beach Party and An Act of Faith, Kate has recently completed her freshman year at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, studying at the Lee Strasberg Institute. She is currently shooting a short film in the Philadelphia area. Kate was most recently seen in Tolstoy's Redemption, directed by Anna Strasberg, and The History Channel's Paddywhacked: A History of the Irish Mob.

These are just a few of the top-notch comedians gracing this summer's production of Psycho Beach Party. Sure to provide you with an evening of belly laughs and eye-opening humor, The Academy offers up yet another night of top-notch entertainment for bottom dollar.

Psycho Beach Party's opening night (July 13) will offer an opportunity to meet and speak with all the performers and the producers of the show. This event will also include special offers on this season, invitations for local media groups and organizations, and free wine and hors d'oeuvres.

Psycho Beach Party has, at this time, a limited run of only six performances. The show runs from July 13th to July 22nd, 2006. Performances take place each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets may be reserved by calling the box office at 609-291-9000 or under The Academy Theatre's listing through www.TicketLeap.com. Ticket cost is $20 in advance or at the door. To see a seating chart or for more information on The Academy Theatre, check our website at www.theacademytheatre.com.

For more information regarding The Academy Theatre, this press release, or to arrange for interviews call Jessica Sentak at 609-291-9000 or by emailing theacademytheatre@yahoo.com.

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