By Steffen Klenk
The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company (OCTC) prepares to bring a taste of cabaret to the stage. Cast and crew members are putting the final touches on the set of “My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra”. The production makes its Music Pier debut this weekend. Fans of “Ol’ Blue Eyes” are sure to get a kick out of this sophisticated, yet melody-driven performance under the musical and piano-driven direction of Eric Shorley.
“My Way” originally premiered at the Nashville Respiratory Theatre in 2000 and has been one of the most popular musical reviews to date with over 500 productions in all 50 states and several national tours. The show brings easy-going comedy and outstanding musical arrangements. Audiences will be taken back to the Great American Songbook with superb arrangements and timeless classics.
The show is directed and choreographed by Jordan Cyphert, a New York City-based stage actor, singer, and dancer who has traveled the world performing in various productions. He made his Ocean City on-stage debut in 2014, working on the set of “Swing.” Cyphert returned to Ocean City last year to direct the jukebox musical “Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream.” When Cyphert was contacted by Michael Hartman to work on the set of “My Way,” he immediately jumped on the offer. “I have always loved Frank Sinatra’s music (and) anything related to the Rat Pack,” he said.
According to Cyphert, this production of “My Way” pays tribute to Sinatra’s life and musical career. Complete with an on-stage jazz trio and four-person cast, the show spans the entire catalog, with a few surprises along the way. “It has all of the classics, but also a few songs that are a little more obscure,” Cyphert describes.
Throughout the span of his career, Frank Sinatra performed at some of Atlantic City’s most prominent venues, including the legendary Steel Pier, Resorts Casino, the former Atlantic Club (then known as Golden Nugget) and the 500 Club. The Hoboken native drew thousands to Boardwalk Hall in 1978 for a benefit concert, raising funds for the construction of a new wing at Atlantic City Medical Center (now AtlantiCare).
Supporting live and local theater has never felt more important than ever. In an age where everything is digital and people have access to streaming TV, Cyphert says nothing beats the energy and experience of being in the same room as the performers. “When the music starts playing, the curtain rises and the lights come on, it’s an incredible feeling.”
“My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra” debuts at Ocean City Music Pier on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Additional show times will take place Saturday Oct. 14, Friday Oct. 20, and Saturday Oct. 21 at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance Sunday, Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
Ocean City Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing quality theater to our region. In addition to full on-stage productions, the organization retains its commitment to education through summer theater camps and workshops. Each session focuses on learning basic terminology and confidence-building. OCTC survives on donations from community members and supporters of the arts, in addition to sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.
Tickets are now on sale for upcoming productions of “Into the Woods”, playing Nov. 3 and 4, and “Finding Nemo JR.”, Dec. 8-10, at the Music Pier. More details are available on the Ocean City Theatre Company website.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
