OCEAN CITY, N.J. — For nearly two decades, the Ocean City Theatre Company has been quietly building a reputation for bringing professional-quality musical theater to the Jersey Shore, and this summer's production of Sister Act may be its most ambitious undertaking yet.
The nonprofit organization will present the Broadway musical Aug. 4-13 in partnership with the Ocean City Pops Orchestra and the City of Ocean City, combining a cast of professional performers with an 18-piece live orchestra in what Artistic Director Michael Hartman says is a production comparable to those found in much larger markets.
"We truly bring professional live entertainment between a union orchestra and our talented performers to life right here in the 609," Hartman said during an appearance on WOND's Off The Press with Scott Cronick.
Performances will be held at the Hughes Performing Arts Center inside Ocean City High School, with tickets priced between $30 and $35. Hartman said the venue's location sometimes creates a misconception about the caliber of the production.
"I often don't like leading with 'high school' because people then think it's high school performers," Hartman said. "These are the real deal. The space technically in the high school is really pretty exceptional and really helps us bring the show to life in a Broadway style."
That misconception is something Hartman says the organization has worked hard to overcome.
"You hear the name Ocean City Theatre Company or the show's in the Ocean City High School, and people automatically think—or you see it's only $30 or $35—and people automatically discredit it in some ways, thinking it's going to be sort of a local yokel experience," he said. "And it's far from that."
Instead, Hartman says audiences are often surprised by what they experience.
"Every time someone comes and sees one of our shows and they're new to it, they always say, 'I had no idea.' And then they're going to tell someone else. That's the key."
Celebrating 19 Seasons
The production also marks another milestone for the organization itself.
"This is our 19th official season as a nonprofit," Hartman said.
What began nearly two decades ago as a collaboration with the Ocean City Pops Orchestra has evolved into a year-round performing arts organization.
"The theater company today has grown to where we provide educational opportunities for over 500 students a year," Hartman said. "We produce about six professional shows, ranging from our children's series to our collaboration with the Pops. And we really are active all year round."
The partnership with the Pops remains one of the organization's defining features.
"It's introducing theater to and live music to new audiences, new generations," Hartman said. "It's also saving the people that can't drive to Philly, can't drive to New York City. It's right here in our backyard at a fraction of the cost."
Why 'Sister Act'?
Hartman said selecting a Broadway musical is more complicated than many theatergoers realize.
"We were looking for something different," he explained. "We had some other ones on our list to do, and we kept getting denied."
Because of Ocean City's proximity to Philadelphia, Atlantic City and New York, touring productions often restrict regional theaters from staging certain musicals.
"Sister Act is the one that landed as far as getting our rights," Hartman said.
Although inspired by the popular Whoopi Goldberg film, Hartman said audiences should expect something different.
"The stage version is really, really hilarious," he said. "The music is by Alan Menken... so you know you're going to have a great score, and then you have the Pops Orchestra with 18 pieces underneath it. You don't even get that on Broadway anymore."
Unlike the movie, the musical is set in Philadelphia, giving it an added regional connection.
Professional Cast
Hartman said the company searched extensively before finding actress Anne Bragg to portray the lead role of Dolores.
"We didn't find the right Dolores," he recalled. "We threw another net out... and she came by way of a recommendation."
The search proved worthwhile.
"We fell in love with her," Hartman said. "She is performing really a performance of a lifetime that, again, people are going to come and see it and be like, 'Holy crap, I thought I was in New York City watching this performer up there.'"
Bragg, who now lives in the Philadelphia area after studying at New York University, represents the level of talent the organization seeks to bring to South Jersey.
"Philadelphia theater really has grown over the past few years," Hartman said. "A lot of people working in the musical theater industry are calling Philadelphia home."
Keeping Professional Theater Affordable
While audiences pay $30 to $35 per ticket, Hartman said the actual cost of producing a Broadway musical is far greater.
"The rights alone to do this show... is almost $11,000," he said. "Now you've got to pay the Pops. You've got to pay actors. The sets. It's crazy."
He credits the City of Ocean City and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra for helping make the productions possible.
"We have a great partnership with the city," Hartman said. "We're really fortunate that Mayor Gillian and the council have put their wings up."
For Hartman, however, the mission extends beyond putting on a successful show.
"Our mission as a nonprofit," he said, "is really meant to be affordable where the whole family can come and experience live professional-level theater at a fraction of the cost."
With nearly two decades of productions behind it, the Ocean City Theatre Company hopes audiences continue discovering what many longtime patrons already know—that Broadway-quality entertainment doesn't necessarily require a trip to New York City.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
