Since 1999 Michael Hartman has made major contributions to the quality of life of this community. He has, in effect, brought “Broadway to the Beach.”
The high energy, entertaining shows he has produced in conjunction with the Ocean City Pops continue to be highlights of the summer season. These include Annie, Cinderella, Singing in the Rain, Oklahoma, Music Man, Crazy for You, Peter Pan, the list goes on and on.
He has brought major entertainment to our First Night New Year’s Eve celebration. This past First Night his company presented Rapunzel for youngsters and the popular Broadway standard Smokey Joe’s Café.
In addition to his success with the Pops, the talented producer-choreographer has founded the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company that has presented an array of professional shows at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Theatre and Hughes Performing Arts Center in the High School.
Hartman’s talents have caught the eye of event producers throughout the region and his group has been invited to perform for several years in the annual Thanksgiving Holiday Spectacular of ABC TV in Philadelphia and the Miss America “Show Us Your Shoes” Parade in Atlantic City. Michael was selected to join the choreography staff of the Thanksgiving Day Parade and his Company’s Show Choir performed a special tribute to 9/11 during the Miss America event.
Hartman’s work with youngsters is especially commendable. He has a junior company grades 6th to 8th Grade that performed “Into the Woods Junior” featuring 25 members. Over 35 members in the 9th to 12th grade group performed Grease. Hartman also conducts youth Winter Classes that concentrate on singing, dancing and performing.
The Theatre Company performs popular Christmas and Valentine shows and keeps things humming with fine entertainment most of the year.
Hartman has kept ticket prices and tuition for educational programs significantly lower than leading regional theatre programs. The same programming and ticket fees are triple the cost for participants in urban areas.
Michael Hartman is a talented young professional producer, director and choreographer with close ties to talented, young Broadway performers. His programs have provided the community with professional entertainment at affordable prices, not readily available in other communities.
Operating such a company is always a financial challenge. At this point the Company has initiated a major fund raising effort to maintain its commitment to quality entertainment within the reach of families and individuals.
As we enter the New Year make it a resolution to support this outstanding company and its mission to provide excellent entertainment at quality prices which continue to serve the youth of the community with valuable learning programs. It is important to Ocean City, both to our residents and visitors, that this Company remains here. To make a tax deductible gift to OCTC, mail your donation to OCTC, 854 Asbury Ave., Suite 3, Ocean City, N.J. 08226.
(Jan. 11) Two residents of Ocean City will compete in the Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen Contest at the Millville High School, 200 Wade Blvd. They include Cassidy Diamond, who will perform a tap dance and Meghan Keenan, a lyrical dance. Tickets are $35, available at the door or in advance from Joan Cooper, pageant director, (856) 825-6937.
(Jan. 18) Ocean City will celebrate the Birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan.18 at noon. The ceremony will be held at Ocean City High School’s Hughes Performing Arts Center. On Mon., Jan. 20, his birthday will also be marked by the annual Volunteer City Wide Clean- Up held from 10 a.m. till noon. Volunteers and or families wishing to participate should call Ocean City Public Works Department, (609) 399-6111 ext. 9702 or 9701.
We mark with great sadness the untimely passing of Christopher Maloney, the director of the Ocean City Free Public Library for the past ten years. Mr. Maloney was a great friend to the City providing Library sponsorships and assistance with such events as First Night, the humor program of the Doo Dah Parade, the Frankenstein Halloween Exhibit and many more.
Under his direction, the Library has become one of Ocean City’s major attractions providing an array of programs ranging from free movies to jazz concerts and from cooking classes to practical internet sessions that have attracted and benefitted visitors and residents alike. Chris was cooperative, easy to talk to - a real nice person- we will all miss him.
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