OCEAN CITY – The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company is about to embark on a summer season full of creativity, imagination, fun and interactive storytelling with its 2024 Summer Children Theatre Series.
Tuesdays at the Ocean City Music Pier will feature five fully staged family musicals at 10:30 a.m. from July 2 through July 30.
Opening the season is “Garfield! The Musical with Cattitude.”
Garfield, a chubby and sarcastic tabby cat, fantasizes about having the most amazing birthday in the history of birthdays. Unfortunately, all of his friends – Arlene, Odie, Jon, and even his nemesis, Nermal – seem to have forgotten. Feeling rejected, Garfield ventures out to find excitement but soon realizes that home is where the heart (and the food) is.
This comic strip, cartoon, movie and now musical will bring the young and young at heart together at the Ocean City Music Pier for a memorable summer experience on Tuesday, July 2 at 10:30. The business sponsor for this production is JiLLy’s Stores.
The musical is based on the comic strip by Jim Davis and features a book by Michael J. Bobbitt and Jim Davis, as well as music and lyrics by John L. Cornel. This production is presented through special agreement with Concord Theatricals.
All tickets are $11 in advance and $13 on the day of the show. To purchase your tickets, visit oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
Tickets will also be on sale in person at OCTC, 1501 West Ave. Saturdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon. Tickets can be purchased at the Music Pier starting 45 minutes prior to curtain on show days.
The 2024 Children’s Theatre Series will continue with:
JULY 9 – “Charlotte’s Web” the musical, sponsored by JASM Consulting. It is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops. Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever. This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship.
JULY 16 – “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus,” the musical, sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank. It is based on the award-winning children’s book, audiences can now hop on board for an unforgettable ride. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma. It’s not easy being the pigeon. You never get to do anything. But when the bus driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical” is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.
JULY 23 – “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” The seven dwarfs, a beautiful girl, a jealous queen, a magic mirror, and a poisoned apple create a diabolical combination in this musical adaptation of the classic Grimm fairy tale.
JULY 30th – “The Perfect Dog,” inspired by author John O’Hurley’s book by the same name. Sam, a 12-year-old perfectionist, searches for a flawless dog to enter in the town’s dog contest. Unable to find a canine that measures up, Sam must resort to training the family dog, Max, who is less than eager to obey commands. In the end, Sam and Max learn that there is no such thing as perfect, but there is such a thing as being perfect for each other.
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage.
OCTC also thanks the city of Ocean City for supporting live, family-friendly entertainment and welcoming the 2024 Children’s Series lineup back to the Ocean City Music Pier.