Clubland, Musical Adaptation of "Party Monster," Begins A.R.T. Staging April 11 With An Eye Toward New York

By Adam Hetrick
11 Apr 2013

Charles Mantione
Charles Mantione
Photo by Charlotte Morrill

A new interactive musical based on the life of club kid Michael Alig, whose story was adapted into the 2003 film "Party Monster," debuts April 11 at the American Repertory Theater's Club Oberon.

Clubland: The Monster Pop Party has book, music and lyrics by Andrew Barret Cox. Jacob S. Porter stages the immersive production that plays April 11-12 at A.R.T.'s nightlife space, Oberon.

Porter told Playbill.com that the creative team is hoping to bring Clubland to New York city in late fall early winter. They are currently exploring suitable venues that would suit the atmospheric staging and emulate the now-closed club Limelight.

Clubland is based on the James St. James book "Party Monster" and subsequent film of the same title that tells the story of St. James' friend, 1990s club kid and party promoter Alig, who confessed to killing drug dealer Andre "Angel" Melendez.

"It has always been my dream to see my book be made into either a big Broadway musical or a Saturday morning cartoon. Jacob and Andrew are going to make one of those dreams come true!," St. James said in a statement.

The cast features Eric Maxwell as James St. James and Charles Mantione as Michael Alig, with Manny Avellanet, Kenneth Miller, Kyla Walker, Michelle Geosits, Austyn Davis, Daniel Gold, Melanie Porras, Andrew Rodriguez, Arnie Rodriguez, Jess Barstis, Alexa Bouchard, Wendy O’Byrne, Porcha Lynn, Loosey LaDuca and Hayley Moir.

The interactive experience has costume design by Haley Vigil and lighting design by Grayson Breen.

For tickets visit AmericanRepertoryTheater.

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The Club Kids
Photo by Charlotte Morrill