Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 12/17/2024
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Anthony D’Amato (aka Remember Jones) joins Asbury Park Theater Company as their new Producing Artistic Director for the upcoming 2025 season.
Recently regarded as one of the Most Influential Figures on the Jersey Shore and currently calling Asbury Park, NJ his home, Anthony D’Amato is nationally known as his stage persona Remember Jones, a captivating showman, soul/pop singer/songwriter, storyteller, and bandleader. His original music, high energy, show-band staging, and creative, theatrical events have sold out every major venue in the area, and has played to packed and sold-out clubs and theaters throughout the United States. Anthony has shared stages with Bruce Springsteen, Dionne Warwick, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes, Darlene Love, Buster Poindexter, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, and more.
Anthony replaces the theater company’s current Producing Artistic Director, William Whitefield, who has been with the company since it formed in May 2019. “After several years of commitment to the community, my time has come to step down,” says William. “I’m excited to remain on the board and support my friend Anthony, who we all know will bring this company to the next level.”
Anthony’s work has been recognized in Rolling Stone, Paste, Variety, and many publications across the country. As a director, many musicals and stage events, with extensive directorial work on HAIR celebrated by the show’s original Broadway director Tom O'Horgan, its writer James Rado, original Broadway cast and tour alumni, and the original Broadway/film producer Michael Butler, who became a mentor and referred to his work as “the best we've seen in a long time.” Throughout the US, he has directed new concepts of The Rocky Horror Show, Ring of Fire, SHREK the musical, Godspell, and many other musicals and events.
He recently played Judas in Count Basie Center’s Jesus Christ Superstar with a 36-piece orchestra, honoring 35 years of Phoenix Productions, who he credits for much of his theater experience in his youth. In summer of 2024, he took on the role of Che in EVITA, which he co-produced alongside Andrew DePrisco and the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal, NJ, and received the 2020 Artistic Achievement Award from Monmouth Arts Council and Board of Chosen Freeholders. “I would not be who I am without theater people and the theater companies of Monmouth County”, says Anthony.
“Asbury Park is so much more than just its location; it’s a spirit, it’s a brand, it’s an energy”, Anthony continued. “While there is currently no functioning, proscenium theater stage in town, we have always had a unique, creative community that’s been acknowledged around the world. We must continue to embrace and inspire those talents, collaborate with those in our county and state, and keep Asbury Park as a recognizable sanctuary for art and artists of all ages and backgrounds.”
The first announcement of the 2025 season for Asbury Park Theater Company will be Hedwig and the Angry Inch, an exclusive professional production in collaboration with the Bell Theater, running June 13-29 at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ. (Cast and creative team to be announced in the new year.)
“Our board has tremendous confidence in Anthony and his established commitment to the arts community,” says Robert W. Allison, the company’s President of Board of Directors and Co-Founder. “We look forward to growing our company together.”
A full season will be announced, in collaboration with several venues and companies, as Anthony works with the non-profit board on a new, energized plan for the company, as well as a new website, branding, and the evolution of its programs for students and emerging artists.
To donate to the future of the company, click here. Follow @asburyparktheaterco on Instagram or on Facebook, and visit https://www.rememberjones.com/ for more information on Remember Jones.
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