Award-Winning Choreographer Brings Dance Drama to Asbury
Award-winning choreographer and Asbury Park native Carmen Davis-Hall will present her groundbreaking dance production “Heaven vs. Hell” at the Good Hope Annex on June 22, 2025, as part of the North 2 Shore Festival. The emotionally charged performance uses movement and dramatic sequences to address real-world struggles facing urban youth while exploring themes of conflict resolution and community healing.
This original production represents the festival’s commitment to showcasing works that combine artistic excellence with social relevance, particularly those created by artists with deep connections to the communities where they perform.
Local Artist Returns with Transformative Production
Carmen Davis-Hall brings substantial credentials to this production, having been twice recognized with official proclamations for her contributions to entertainment and arts in the community. Her return to Asbury Park with “Heaven vs. Hell” represents a homecoming that connects her professional accomplishments with her roots in the city where she first developed her artistic vision.
“Carmen’s work exemplifies what makes the North 2 Shore Festival special—artists with international-caliber talent who maintain deep connections to New Jersey communities,” said festival director Maria Sanchez. “Her understanding of Asbury Park’s specific context informs every aspect of this production, creating something that resonates both artistically and socially.”
According to North 2 Shore Festival organizers, Davis-Hall has created more than a conventional dance performance—she’s crafted a “cathartic experience that resonates long after the final bow.” The production blends electrifying dance sequences with dramatic scenes that translate real-world challenges into artistic expression accessible to diverse audiences.
Production Addresses Community Challenges
Beyond its artistic merits, “Heaven vs. Hell” serves as a platform for addressing challenges facing urban communities through the transformative potential of arts engagement. The performance speaks directly to experiences familiar to many audience members while offering perspectives on resolution and community healing.
“This production doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, but ultimately guides audiences toward hope, restoration and the unifying power of love,” explained Thomas Klein, festival artistic director. “Carmen has created this remarkable artistic framework where communities can process shared challenges while imagining pathways toward reconciliation.”
The work’s thematic focus aligns with broader community development initiatives in Asbury Park, which has experienced both challenges and revitalization in recent decades. Davis-Hall’s intimate understanding of this context informs the production’s approach to addressing social issues with authenticity and cultural relevance.
Good Hope Annex Provides Community Setting
The selection of the Good Hope Annex as performance venue further strengthens the production’s community connections. Located at 1306 Washington Avenue in Asbury Park’s west side neighborhood, the venue provides an accessible setting where community members can experience high-quality arts programming in a familiar environment.
“Presenting this work at Good Hope Annex rather than one of the more tourism-oriented downtown venues was a deliberate choice,” noted Sarah Thompson, community engagement coordinator. “It positions the performance where it can most directly engage the community members whose experiences inform its creation.”
The venue’s configuration allows for an immersive performance experience where audiences can fully engage with the emotional journey of the production. Its location within walking distance for many residents removes transportation barriers that might otherwise limit community participation in cultural events.
Festival Support Enables Accessible Programming
“Heaven vs. Hell” received support through the North 2 Shore Festival’s Community Arts Awards initiative, which provides funding for local artists and organizations to produce free or low-cost arts events during the festival period. According to New Jersey Stage, this initiative has distributed nearly $400,000 across Asbury Park, Newark, and Atlantic City to ensure community-based programming remains accessible.
“This funding makes it possible to present professional-caliber work while keeping ticket prices affordable for community members,” explained Davis-Hall. “It removes the economic barriers that often prevent people from experiencing transformative arts experiences, particularly in communities where disposable income for cultural events may be limited.”
The support aligns with the festival’s broader mission of ensuring cultural programming reaches diverse audiences across all three host cities. This approach recognizes that artistic excellence and community accessibility need not be mutually exclusive when proper resources are allocated to support both objectives.
Performance Details and Ticket Information
The presentation of “Heaven vs. Hell” begins at 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 22, at the Good Hope Annex. Tickets are available through the North 2 Shore Festival website and at community distribution points throughout Asbury Park, with prices set at $10 general admission and free entry for students and seniors with ID.
A post-performance discussion with Davis-Hall and company members will follow the presentation, creating space for community dialogue about the themes explored in the work. This conversation represents an integral part of the experience rather than an optional add-on, reflecting the production’s commitment to fostering community engagement beyond passive spectatorship.
Additional information about this and other North 2 Shore Festival events can be found on the festival’s official website, which includes comprehensive details about community-focused programming across all three host cities during the two-week celebration.
