Union & ATG to honor Dr. King with
"The Legacy Continues" Performance Showcase
The Township of Union, in collaboration with American Theater Group (ATG), is proud to announce "The Legacy Continues: Celebrating the Words and Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." This community-focused event will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the DMK Black Box Theater.
"The Township of Union is honored to host this celebration, which gives our community and our youth a meaningful opportunity to connect directly with the powerful, timeless words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Mayor James Bowser. “By showcasing these artistic tributes, we are actively engaging with the ideals of justice and equality that Dr. King championed throughout his life."
"The Legacy Continues" is designed to honor Dr. King’s enduring vision through a vibrant showcase of the arts. The program will feature a diverse lineup of music, dance, and spoken-word poetry, with a focus on captivating performances by local youth and talent from the Union area.
The Township of Union and ATG invite all residents and neighbors to participate in this afternoon of reflection and celebration. Admission is open to the public, and interested attendees are encouraged to register here in advance to secure their seating.
“ATG is proud to be participating in honoring Dr. King’s legacy,” said Jim Vagias, Producing Artistic Director of ATG. “His words are as powerful today as when he first spoke them, and we are thrilled that younger Americans will be celebrating them and his legacy with our audiences.“
purlie wins 4 audelco awards - Nov. 2025
ATG’s critically-acclaimed production of Purlie was honored at the 53rd Annual Audelco Awards Recognizing Excellence in Black Theatre with four awards including “Best Revival of a Musical.”
Produced in partnership with UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage, the March 2025 production of Purlie was directed by Kenny Ingram who was awarded “Best Director of a Musical.” The veteran Director/Choreographer was previously nominated for a 2023 Audelco Award for his direction of James T. Lane’s Triple Threat Off Broadway at Theatre Row.
Gary Mitchell, Jr. was awarded “Outstanding Musical Director.” He regularly collaborates with renowned singers, instrumentalists, artists, and ensembles throughout the world. Nicole Powell, whose Broadway credits include Ragtime and Hairspray, was named “Best Featured Actress in a Musical” for her portrayal of Missy.
Overall, the production received eight nominations in seven categories. Timothy Ware-Hill (Broadway’s Kinky Boots) was nominated for his portrayal of Purlie Victorious in the category of “Lead Actor in a Musical.” Tyson Jennette (Broadway’s Book of Mormon) was nominated for “Best Featured Actor in a Musical” as Gitlow. Virginia Woodruff (Broadway’s Violet and Leap of Faith) was nominated for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical” for her portrayal of Idella, while Kenny Ingram received an additional nomination for “Best Choreographer.”
Purlie is the 1970 musical adaptation of Ossie Davis's comedic play Purlie Victorious. Featuring an unforgettable score, it tells the story of a traveling preacher who returns to his hometown in Georgia and concocts a scheme to reclaim his church while ringing the bell of freedom for plantation workers.
“Producing Purlie was the realization of a dream project of mine and this Audelco recognition is enormously gratifying,” noted ATG Producing Artistic Director Jim Vagias. “To be competing in such heady company with top theaters including the Public Theater and Lincoln Center Theater makes our success even sweeter.”
The AUDELCO (Audience Development Committee, Inc.) is an organization that acknowledges and honors Black Theatre and its artists in New York City. Established and incorporated in 1973 by Vivian Robinson (1926-1996), it seeks to stimulate interest in and support of performing arts in black communities.
ATG announces landmark partnership with township of union, nj
The Township of Union and American Theater Group (ATG) are proud to announce a transformative partnership that will bring professional theater and diverse arts programming to the newly constructed DMK Black Box Theater. Located in the heart of Union’s thriving business district, at 1980 Morris Avenue in Union, this dynamic collaboration will expand cultural access for local residents while establishing Union as a regional arts destination.
“This is a unique opportunity for Union residents and our neighbors to experience high-quality arts programming right here in our own community,” said James Bowser, Jr., Mayor. “The DMK Theater will be more than just a venue—it will be a vibrant cultural hub for performances, education, and community engagement. We are thrilled to be working with American Theater Group to bring this vision to life.”
Under the partnership, ATG will produce three major theatrical productions annually, along with a range of monthly community events such as play readings, cultural celebrations, interviews with theater professionals, and cabaret performances. The collaboration also includes dedicated programming for youth, including a summer theater camp and educational opportunities through ATG’s acclaimed New Works/New Voices playwriting workshops.
“Union Township’s vision for the arts is both inspiring and ambitious,” said Jim Vagias, ATG’s Producing Artistic Director. “We are honored to serve as Artist-in-Residence and bring professional, inclusive, and innovative theater to the DMK Black Box Theater. This partnership allows us to expand our reach in Union County, and deepen our commitment to education, diversity, and meaningful storytelling.”
The Township will support the initiative by providing a Liaison of Arts and Cultural Affairs who will promote events and optimize the audience and performer experience. In turn, ATG will provide artistic leadership, production oversight, and support for a wide range of events that reflect the community’s diverse voices and interests.
“This collaboration is a milestone for ATG and the community,” said Stephen Schnall, President of ATG’s Board of Trustees. “We’re proud to partner with a municipality that values the power of the arts to connect, educate, and inspire. Together, we’ll make the DMK Theater a model for how professional theater can thrive within a community setting.”
The first official season of programming is expected to launch later this year, with a grand opening celebration and inaugural performance series to follow.
The Union Arts Center is located within the new, state-of-the-art Public Library. The Arts Center includes the DMK Black Box Theater, the Union Art Gallery curated by Les Malamut, Union TV studios, classrooms, and The Center Café. Please visit https://www.uniontownship.com for more information.
just in time benefit event: June, 2025
ATG Board members and guests came out to support fellow Board member and Tony Award-winner Michele Pawk, currently starring in the Bobby Darin Broadway musical Just in Time. Attendees enjoyed a matinee performance and then headed to a local restaurant for a reception with Michele and her cast mates, including Gracie Lawrence, Erika Henningsen, Joe Barbara, Lance Roberts, Emily Bergl and Caesar Samayoa. Proceeds will help fund ATG programming and arts-in-education programs.
