Ain't Done Bad, a new theatrical dance experience conceived, directed, and choreographed by Jakob Karr (So You Think You Can Dance), begins Off-Broadway performances at The Pershing Square Signature Center July 9. An official opening is set for July 14, with performances to continue through September 1.
Set to the music of country star Orville Peck, the contemporary dance work tells the story of coming out, falling in love, and finding one's voice as a queer person in the south.
The production stars Karr alongside Adrian Lee (Wicked) as the Father, Megumi Iwama (Mean Girls) as the Mother, Ian Spring (Parsons Dance) as the Brother, Luke Qualls (The Radio City Christmas Spectacular) as Karr’s alternate, Yusaku Komori (The Greatest Showman) and Jordan Lombardi (Phantom of the Opera) as the Friends, and Joshua Escover (Empire Strips Back) as the Lover. Rounding out the company are Caden Hunter (Juilliard) and Madison O’Connor (Radio City Rockettes), who also serves as Dance Captain.
See photos from rehearsal in the gallery below.
Company of Ain't Done Bad
Patti Maurer, Jakob Karr, and Donald Rupe
Company of Ain't Done Bad
Company of Ain't Done Bad
Company of Ain't Done Bad
Jakob Karr
Jakob Karr
Company of Ain't Done Bad
Company of Ain't Done Bad
Jordan Lombardi, Jakob Karr, and Yusaki Komori
Jakob Karr and Ian Spring
Jakob Karr and Joshua Escover
Company of Ain't Done Bad
Ain't Done Bad was previously presented in workshops at Orlando at Renaissance Theatre Company and in North Carolina at Durham’s PSI Theatre, Greensboro PAC, and the Wortham Center for Performing Arts. The production premiered in 2021 at the Orlando International Fringe Festival.
Joining Karr on the creative team are scenic designers Philip Lupo, Joey Coombs, and Blake Schulte; lighting designer Philip Lupo; and stage manager Morgan Lemos. Joi Marchetti contributed additional music production. Evan Bernardin Productions is the general manager.
“When I first listened to Orville Pecks’s album Pony in 2019, I immediately felt that a story had to be woven through his songs...the theatricality of his voice and lyrics spoke to me so clearly,” Karr said in a statement. “As a fellow queer artist, I feel it’s important that we tell stories that uplift and honor our community. His music is a gorgeous example of finding triumph in pain and sharing your best self with those who will listen. With dance as my first language, this is the best way I can tell this story. Ain't Done Bad is my love letter to anyone who has ever struggled with their identity, and it is a thank you note to everyone who helped me find my voice.”
Ain't Done Bad is produced by Patti Maurer and Donald Rupe.
Visit AintDoneBad.com for tickets and more information.
