By Steffen Klenk
The Superstar Theatre at Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City is the place to be this Sunday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m., as the “Singing Lifeguard” Jim Craine presents his annual “Swing into Christmas”. This musical comedy revue showcases an array of holiday favorites, along with a star-studded lineup of singers and dancers, all to benefit Toys for Tots of Atlantic County. Admission is free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy for local children in our community. “We need them toys,” Craine remarks.
The lineup for this year’s spectacular is star-studded, to say the least. Headlined by the one and only “Singing Lifeguard” Jim Craine & the Atlantic City Allstar Band, “Swing into Christmas” will feature former TV 40 news anchor and singer Michelle Dawn Mooney, along with the talents of Miss Leslie’s Dance Studio of Margate Dancers, choreographed by Leslie Florence, former Radio City Rockette, and Atlantic City Songstress Suzie Neustadter.
In addition, there will be a full cash bar open during the performance. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Following the event, stick around to meet Jim Craine and the performers in the hallway outside Superstar Theatre. An after-party will be held at the Irish Pub following the event.
Last year, more than 600 people filled the Superstar Theatre to enjoy the evening’s performance. The show broke a record, with 22 full boxes of toys donated, in addition to 15 bags of toys, and two brand new bikes.
Courtney Rice of Egg Harbor Township is organizing this year’s toy drive for Atlantic and Southern Ocean Counties. Rice is the current title holder as Miss New Jersey for America Strong and has a passion for helping individuals in need. In recent months, she has stepped into the role of Volunteer Coordinator for the local Toys for Tots campaign. “I want to make sure that kids have a good Christmas and that every child has a toy.”
Last year, Toys for Tots distributed more than 38,000 toys to over 3,700 children in Atlantic County. This year, they are hoping to exceed that mark. This year’s toy drive is being held at Hamilton Mall next to Kay Jewelers. Donations will be accepted now through Saturday, Dec. 16.
During our conversation, Craine recalled one Christmas in 1961, when he and his family decorated their home for the holiday. “We put lights everywhere.” That year, they had won a radio contest in which they were awarded 50,000 S&H Green Stamps. The stamps were distributed by Speary & Hutchinson between 1896 and the late 1980s as part of a rewards program. Customers could receive stamps at the checkout counter at various department stores and supermarkets.
On top of winning the contest, Craine received a huge surprise when Santa Claus himself showed up at their front door. He recalled just how lifelike this Santa was. “It looked like he came right off the back of the Coke truck. He had a real beard, full ermine suit with sleeves and black leather boots.”
For nearly 50 years, Craine has been entertaining audiences, opening for some of the most well-known names in the industry, including the Platters, Frank Sinatra Jr., and Connie Stevens. He made his debut while working in Miami Beach on Dec. 15, 1974. Some of the same comedy bits and songs are still used in his shows today.
In 2024, Jim Craine will celebrate his 50th year in entertainment, with a full slate of live performances, including a show with his 18-piece band to benefit the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. Plus, stay tuned for announcements on the re-release of his full-length album, “The Steel Pier Remembered”, on CD.
For all things Jim Craine, visit www.jimcraine.com and listen to “The Jim Craine Show” on Saturdays from 8-10 p.m. on WOND 1400 AM and 92.3 FM.
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.
