Enjoy Summer Shows For Kids At Ocean City Theatre Company

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Another summer of fun family programming is set for the Ocean City Theatre Company as they have just announced their 2023 Children's Theatre Series.

"At its heart, OCTC is all about storytelling through the power of live theater, immersing young curious children in imaginative experiences, and creating memories that ignite creativity for the entire family," OCTC said in a release.

This summer, four tales will leap off the storybook pages onto Ocean City Music Pier Tuesday mornings starting July 11 through August 1. All performances are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., and tickets are $10 in advance and $12 on the day of the show. To purchase your tickets, visit oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, July 11 at 10:30 - "DR. SEUSS'S THE CAT IN THE HAT"

Based on the Book by Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)
Play Originally Produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain
Adapted and Originally Directed by Katie Mitchell
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, he is certainly loads of fun. He turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure, but what will Mum find when she gets home...?

Tuesday, July 18 at 10:30 - "RED RIDING HOOD'S WOODS"

Book and Lyrics by John Anker Bow
Music by Andy Einhorn
Additional Music by Justin Bohr

Little Red's mother has always been a bit overprotective of her daughter, but once she's old enough, it's time for Little Red to wander through the woods on her own. Encounters with a singing Postman, Three Little Pigs, The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker, Granny, and of course, the Big Bad Wolf make the interactive musical entertaining for kids of all ages. A creative twist on a traditional tale!

Tuesday, July 25 at 10:30 - "PINOCCHIO"

Book and lyrics by Patty Carver
Music by Patty Carver and Leo P. Carusone
Based on the story by Carlo Collodi
Presented through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.

Meet the Blue Fairy as she leads us on a magical journey through this retelling of the classic story. One day, Geppetto, the poor, old toymaker, finds an extraordinary piece of talking wood. He brings it home and makes it into a puppet named Pinocchio. Disagreeable Pinocchio immediately gets into trouble and learns important lessons. When he bullies a little cricket, he's reminded to respect others. When he runs away, gets lost, and tries to find his way home, he's reminded of the wonderful life he had with Geppetto. When Pinocchio decides he no longer wants to be a puppet but a real boy, the Blue Fairy reminds him that if he wants to be real, he has to be good. During his journey home, Pinocchio meets Mr. Big, the producer; Fox, the trickster; Mr. Bunksterburger, the carnival owner; and the whale, who gives Pinocchio a taste of his own bullying medicine. Through his adventures, Pinocchio learns that respecting other people, telling the truth, and being good will make his dreams come true. Filled with original music, sing-alongs and interactivity, audiences will enjoy every minute of this show!]

Tuesday, August 1 at 10:30 - "RAPUNZEL"

Book and Lyrics by David Crane and Marta Kauffman
Music by Michael Skloff
Commissioned and Originally Produced by THEATREWORKS/USA
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)

From the Emmy-winning team behind the mega-hit television series, "Friends," comes Rapunzel. A familiar tale with a fantastic new spin, it has all of the charm that you'd expect from the minds that have been making the world laugh non-stop for more than two decades.
Forced to live alone in a tower with nothing but her hair and her witch (literally) of a "mother," Rapunzel's sixteenth birthday has come, meaning that she'll be able to see the outside world for the first time, just as her "mother" promised. Scared to let her go, though, the witch reneges. Lucky for Rapunzel, a young Prince named Brian happens across her tower and calls out to her, as he's seen the witch do: "Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let down your hair!" Before the Prince and Rapunzel have their inevitable "happily ever after," though, they're going to have to face the wrath of the witch and a few other hilarious obstacles.

The Ocean City Theatre Company is proud to announce that 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 Division of Culture & Heritage. OCTC also extends its gratitude to the City of Ocean City for supporting live, family-friendly entertainment and welcoming the 2023 Children's Series lineup back to the Ocean City Music Pier.