All Around Pennsauken

Pennsauken native Krysten Cummings has traveled the world with starring and featured roles in more than 20 theatrical productions. She has sung and danced in over 30 countries worldwide, from Broadway to London’s West End. On Sunday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m., she will return to her roots and star in a one woman show at the Ritz Theater in Haddon Township, NJ. The show will be a benefit for Build Jake’s Place, the Pennsauken non-profit which builds playgrounds where children of every ability can play, and provides other play opportunities for children with disabilities.

“I am so thrilled and excited to share my musical journey in a place where I learned my craft in the bosom of a wonderful theatre family and for a cause that is so close to me and my family,” says Cummings.

Build Jake’s Place was begun by Krysten’s sister Kate Nasto and brother-in-law Joe, also of Pennsauken, in memory of their 2 ½ year-old son who died in 2007. Build Jake’s Place constructed “Jake’s Place” playground in Cherry Hill, recognized as one of the finest all access playgrounds in the country.

The organization also sponsors the Camden County Miracle League, so those with disabilities can play baseball, and brings children with disabilities to Jake’s Place for a fun day with their “Ravitz Rides” program, funded by the Ravitz Family Foundation (Shoprite). The design for Build Jake’s Place newest playground, in Delran, will be unveiled at the show.

Krysten got her start in musical theater at the Ritz, a historic former vaudeville house located at 215 White Horse Pike. After those early days, Krysten lived in London for 20 years. With that as her base, she has enjoyed a varied career, notably starring as “Mimi” in the London and Toronto premieres of the musical “RENT” and playing the same role on Broadway. She has also appeared in featured and starring roles in many productions including “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “The Blues Brothers Revue,” “Mama I Want To Sing,” “Ain’t Misbehavin,” and more. Krysten is an Olivier Award nominee. Her career includes numerous nightclub appearances, recordings and a starring movie role.

Krysten says the show will include numbers she has sung in her many performances and “some I wish I sang,” plus some original compositions. The show is being directed by the Ritz Producing Artistic Director, Bruce Curless and will feature music by a trio led by local musician Jason Neri.

Tickets to the show are $35, while a ticket and an invitation to the show’s after party is $50. Anyone wishing tickets can send a check to Build Jake’s Place, 5311 Magnolia Ave., Pennsauken, NJ 08109. For information call (856) 662-4418. Credit cards are accepted and online payment can be made at BuildJakesPlace.org.

About Build Jake’s Place

Build Jake’s Place is a non-profit organization dedicated to building “Playgrounds for Everybody®;” playgrounds and play opportunities where both abled and disabled children can play. Their playground offers special capabilities and features for children with disabilities while allowing every child a fun play experience. It serves over 12,000 Camden County children who could not, until now, play on any County playground, even ADA approved ones. Build Jake’s Place also sponsors a “Miracle League” baseball league for those with disabilities. Jake’s Place playground was built primarily with individual donations.

Challenge Grove, the county park where Jake’s Place is located, also has a “Boundless Field,” parking for more than 100, a bus turn around, ADA approved bathrooms and 14 acres of trails and fields; it is used by children and adults throughout the Delaware Valley.

Build Jake’s Place has an agreement to build “Jake’s Place Too” in Delran, Burlington County, to serve more people of every ability in South Jersey. The new playground will be built with the support and cooperation of Delran Township.

Build Jake’s Place was inspired by 2 ½ year old Jacob Myles Cummings Nasto, who died from complications after his fourth open heart surgery. Jake was treated at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He had a rare condition – literally half a heart. Jake visited playgrounds as part of his physical therapy but was often unable to use the apparatus. Build Jake’s Place co-founders, Kathleen Cummings Nasto and Joseph Nasto, of Pennsauken, sought public and private funding to “Build Jake’s Place.” Build Jake’s Place is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.