Visionary, Marlene May, President of South Jersey Players, Inc. – a non-profit community theater, has been yearning to present dinner theater in Ventnor, NJ for some time.
SJP, Inc. was founded in 2017 and incorporated in 2020 with the mission of promoting local playwrights featuring local actors in short plays. Most recently, SJP presented Plays in the Park at the new Ventnor Memory Park and Park Plays at the Margate City Public Library’s ‘Under the Tent’ series.
The elegance of Aroma’s dining room with its linen-covered tables, art-filled walls and the Northern Italian cuisine was what first drew Marlene’s interest in this restaurant. The theatricality of the interior structure, with a 10-foot-long archway dividing two dining areas further peaked her imagination, and generated an initial meeting with owner, Tony Hoda in late August 2021 to propose a dinner theater.
Together, Tony, Marlene and SJP, Inc.’s board member, Edward Shakespeare, reimagined the current set up to include a buffet on the south side of the restaurant, with a dining area on the north side. The archway would outline the actor’s playing space for five original one-acts. Once ticket pricing and show dates were agreed upon, SJP purchased a portable pipe and drape system to function as a back-drop for the actors, to be assembled just behind the arch. LED lights and a portable sound system will further enhance the audience’s viewing experience.
Manager, Kelly Cannuscio and Marlene continued to meet regularly with input from Chef Erjon (as well as check ins with Tony) regarding the buffet menu, reservation requirements, dress rehearsals, storage for equipment and a green room for the actors. Technical Director, Jim Erickson – a Chartertech High School teacher, also engaged in discussions regarding the appropriate placement of the lighting and sound equipment.
The Aroma team’s enthusiasm for this venture and the South Jersey Players loyal local company are a perfect fit for a new dinner theater in Ventnor’s North Beach!
SHOW DATES:
March 8th, March 15h and March 22nd – Buffet, 6:00 pm; Showtime, 7:15 pm.
Tickets are $45.00 with advanced reservations required (limited seating).
Call: South Jersey Players: 347 920 6399.
FB: South Jersey Players
Email: southjerseyplayers@gmail.com
