Atlantic City has always been a place for entertainment, but this September, a new kind of spotlight will shine through. The Atlantic City Theatre Company, the community’s first premier nonprofit theatre group, is stepping onto the stage with its inaugural licensed musical production, “Forever Plaid,” the beloved doo-wop musical celebrating the hits of the 1950s and ‘60s. Performances will run Sept. 12, 13, 14, and then again from Sept. 19 to 21, at the Claridge Celebrity Theater. This performance promises to bring both nostalgia and fresh energy to the local arts scene here in Atlantic City.
The Atlantic City Theatre company was originally founded in 2019 by Jeremy Rotolo, a Stockton University graduate, Off-Broadway performer, and singer/songwriter. Alongside several fellow Stockton graduates, Rotolo launched the organization with a vision of producing high-quality performances while creating opportunities for local artists to live, work, and grow at the Shore.
That vision found a strong partner in Thomas Smith, who later joined the group and now serves as managing director. A resident of Absecon, Smith has quickly become a key local presence for the company. “I felt lucky to have found them a few years ago and get involved,” he shared. “Living here, I get to do a lot of the footwork, building local ties and helping the company connect with the community.”
Choosing “Forever Plaid” for their debut show was no accident. Known for its charming story and unforgettable harmonies, the musical has deep resonance in Atlantic City.
“It’s a musical celebrating a lot of the doo-wop hits of the 50s and 60s,” Smith explained. “Jazz and doo-wop music were a massive part of Atlantic City’s history, and so many people here are fond of that kind of music.”
The production will feature a team of local professionals, each bringing their own artistry to the stage. Thomas Smith himself will perform alongside three other accomplished actors: Erik, a music educator from Egg Harbor Township; James, an Atlantic City-based actor and choreographer currently working with the Ocean City Theatre Company; and Jack, a Philadelphia-based actor and singer who has appeared at The Walnut Street Theatre and the Arden Theatre.
“The show is built to show off the performers in it,” said Smith. “Even though the score and script remain consistent, every performance is unique because of the incredible group of guys we have in this cast.”
For the Atlantic City Theatre Company, the production is about more than just a single show. Their broader mission is to help shape the community through performance and arts education, creating opportunities for creative professionals who call Atlantic County home.
“Our dream is to stage smaller-scale productions in assorted showrooms around the area,” Smith said. “But we also want to be an avenue for casinos to present larger, accessible productions. The ultimate goal is to foster an arts scene at the Shore that stimulates the local economy, especially in the off-season.”
That dream already feels within reach. The cast and crew have been energized by rehearsals and by the warm welcome they’ve received from the Atlantic City arts community. “The arts scene here has just been great about showing that the Jersey Shore has this potential to offer truly great things,” Smith reflected.
While “Forever Plaid” marks their first licensed musical, the company has staged other performances since its founding. Still, this show represents the beginning of a new chapter.
“This is the first of many productions we hope to bring to the community,” said Smith. “Our goal is to ramp up and potentially stage a summer show every year. Within the community, we want this to truly be Atlantic City’s theatre company, in every sense of the word.”
Smith, who has worked in theatre outside the region, is thrilled to be bringing his experience back home. “The thing I like the most about being a part of this group is taking what I’ve learned in my career and bringing it back to the place I grew up,” he said. “It’s incredible to see the developing talent here. There’s a very probable artist renaissance on the horizon in Atlantic City, and it’s so exciting to be part of it.”
At its heart, Forever Plaid is a story about four friends who share a dream, weather life’s ups and downs together, and come to realize that their struggles were some of the best times of their lives.
“We hope the audience will enjoy the music and also walk away with a little gratitude for the life they live and the people they share it with,” Smith said.
Community members who want to be part of the Atlantic City Theatre Company are encouraged to reach out. “We’re always looking to collaborate with new artists,” Smith said. “We’re very proactive about finding local talent and finding ways to show it off.”
Aspiring performers and supporters can connect through the company’s website, atlanticcitytheatrecompany.com, or by emailing atlanticcitytheatrecompany@gmail.com.
With “Forever Plaid” taking the stage this September, the Atlantic City Theatre Company is ready to write the first chapter of what promises to be a vibrant, long-lasting story for local arts. And for audiences, it’s the perfect chance to sit back, enjoy the music, and celebrate life.
