By Steffen Klenk
This summer, the Ocean City Theatre Company is celebrating its 17th season by bringing out the stars. Broadway on the OC Boardwalk is returning to the Music Pier for an evening that will surely delight audiences of all ages. The show will bring Broadway to life, featuring high quality performances from professional performers, as well as members of OCTC’s Junior Company.
The evening will feature star-studded performances by two OCTC alumni members who have found their way to the shining lights of the Big Apple, including Broadway’s own Morgan Kirner. A graduate of Absegami High School, Kirner is best known for her appearance in the Tony Award-winning musical “Merrily We Roll Along” and got her start with OCTC starring in their Children’s Theatre Series. She spoke about the moment that gravitated her to the stage. “I really love singing, and I saw my first Broadway show when I was six years old. I was in awe that people could do that for a living.
From an early age, Kirner began taking voice and dance lessons, honing her skills. She became involved in community theatre and was cast for her first role in a production of Annie at eight years old. While attending middle and high school, she continued to follow her creative endeavors, joining Absegami Emanon Players Drama Club, led by instructor Chip Garrison.
One of the aspects of theater Kirner enjoys the most is the strong sense of community and the ability to tell stories about different periods throughout history. “Theater people are storytellers. They help make sense of the world around them through stories, whether it’s a show that’s fantastical or escapism, or a comment on the time you’re living in; I have always loved theater and continue to.”
Kirner is a graduate of Boston Conservatory where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. She has worked regionally at the Paper Mill Playhouse, Kansas City Starlight, and the national touring production of “Hello, Dolly!” playing the role of Ermengarde.
In addition, the show will also feature the talents of Angel Sigala, who made his Broadway debut as the role of Mateo Diaz in the Tony-nominated musical “New York, New York”. Sigala is also featured in the original Broadway cast recording and performed on stage at the 76th Annual Tony Awards.
Sigala was raised outside of Philadelphia and joined the OCTC cast in 2016, playing the role of Chino in “West Side Story”. After receiving his graduate in Musical Theatre from Temple University, Sigala performed in the return of Viva Broadway at Curtain Up at New York’s Duffy Square.
Kirner and Sigala will be joined on stage by musical theatre performers from OCTC’s 2024 Summer Season, ensuring a delightfully entertaining evening. For those that have a love of theater or want to discover the magic of the stage, Broadway on the Boardwalk is a show you cannot miss. “Theater is more than putting on a show,” Kirner says. “It’s about learning discipline, making friendships, and learning socialization.”
Broadway on the Boardwalk will take place on Wednesday, July 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets start at $22 and are available online at www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com. You can also purchase tickets in-person at the OCTC office, located at 1501 West Avenue, on Saturdays from 4 – 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., or at the Music Pier Box Office 45 minutes prior to showtime.
The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company has been serving the community for over 17 years with a commitment to bringing quality theater to our local area, under the direction and creative vision of its Founding Artistic Director, Michael Hartman. Additionally, OCTC offers a variety of programs including seasonal summer camps, classes, and one-on-one lessons.
While visiting their website, be sure to check out the entire OCTC summer schedule, including their upcoming Broadway Series production of “Grease”, their Junior Company productions of “Anything Goes” and “Seussical Jr.”, and their ongoing Children’s Theatre Series. Plus, you can sign up for the newsletter to receive regular email updates on programming and events.
