Ocean City Theatre Company Sets Rodgers & Hammerstein Revue

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City Theatre Company will bring Rodgers & Hammerstein music to the Ocean City Music Pier this fall with a professional production of "A Grand Night for Singing," scheduled for Oct. 9-18.

The musical revue celebrates songs by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and features selections from Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, Cinderella, Flower Drum Song and State Fair, according to the company. The production will be staged at the Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk.

The revue was conceived by Tony Award-winning director Walter Bobbie, with musical arrangements by Fred Wells. Rather than following a single storyline, the show brings together songs from across the Rodgers & Hammerstein catalog in new arrangements and presentations. The original Broadway production premiered in 1993 and received two Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. The production is presented with permission from Concord Theatricals.

“This is a show that reminds us just how extraordinary the Rodgers & Hammerstein songbook is,” said Michael Hartman, OCTC founding artistic director. “These are songs that audiences have grown up with, but 'A Grand Night for Singing' allows us to hear them in a fresh and exciting way. It is sophisticated, funny, romantic and filled with beautiful music. We are thrilled to bring a professional production of this wonderful revue to Ocean City.”

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9; 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11; 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16; 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. Tickets cost $20 to $25 and are available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com or at the door starting 45 minutes before curtain.

“Part of our mission has always been to bring exceptional musical theatre to Ocean City and create memorable experiences for our audiences,” Hartman added. “'A Grand Night for Singing' is a perfect example of that mission. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate some of the greatest songs ever written while showcasing an outstanding professional cast.”