The first show performed by the Moorestown Theater Company in 2003 was “Annie.” In the show, all little orphan Annie wants is a family.
Twelve years later and 99 productions after, the MTC has become like a family with all members involved being supportive of each other and coming back to the shows to perform or watch when they can. Like Annie eventually finding her family, members of the Moorestown community have found a family in the MTC.
That family will hit a milestone this month, as MTC will be performing its 100th show, First Stage ’15 “Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Kids” on May 13, 15 and 16.
“It’s really exciting that MTC will hit its 100th show. I’m really glad to be a part of it. To be able to say that I was in the 100th production is something I will always remember,” Rocco Ruccolo, playing the part of Prince Phillip in the show, said.
The MTC, a non-profit organization, was founded in 2003 under the leadership of producing artistic director Mark Morgan, managing director and Morgan’s wife Carol Ann Murray and administrative director Annette De Rosa.
“It seems like it was just yesterday,” De Rosa said. “I remember it vividly. It sure doesn’t seem like it was 13 years ago.”
Since 2003, the MTC produces year-round community theater musicals for audience members of all ages. In all its years, the MTC has never cut anyone from a show. In total, the company has presented 450 performances of 99 productions with 4,495 cast members, including current Deputy Mayor Phil Garwood, Councilman Greg Newcomer, Burlington County Freeholder Aimee Belgard, Freeholder Joseph Donnelly, Assemblyman Troy Singleton and 6 ABC’s Rick Williams. The company is also in its 10th season of its Summer Stage, an award-winning children’s summer camp.
“The MTC provides a venue for children and families to come and enjoy theater. They’re a very well-founded theater company and program that brings families together for lots of enjoyment,” said Garwood, whose entire family has been involved in previous productions.
“I really like it because they have excellent directors and teachers. And whenever I do MTC, the cast becomes a family,” Ruccolo said.
Since its inception, the MTC has been known to be a family. Adults and children are encouraged to get involved and gain new friendships as well as new skills. The company is also very involved in the community, performing at different events throughout Moorestown such as Moorestown Day and parades.
“It gives kids and parents a place to meet new people, and get involved in the community,” Ashley Durante, director of “Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Kids,” said.
Known as a champion for the children, MTC helps to bring out confidence in its performers, helping shy kids come out of their shells. And there’s always been a spot on its stage for special needs kids.
“From performing myself, I always got out of it the confidence to talk in front of others. It made me feel like a better version of myself. Performing was always a confidence boost for me, and I hope the kids in here get the same feeling,” Durante said.
“It’s wonderful to work with the special needs children; they really change our lives,” Murray said.
In the future, the MTC hopes to have its own venue, as the company performs at different locations across South Jersey from churches to schools. It is also looking forward to the next milestone of 200 shows.
For the company’s 100th production, there will be a 100 Photo Board where audience members will be able to take “selfies” at each First Stage ’15 performance with two photo boards showing the covers of all 100 productions in MTC’s history; singing of the MTC’s Theme Song “Tomorrow” from “Annie” before each performance; and a Summer Stage free week give-away, where, at the end of intermission of each performance, one free week of a three-week Summer Stage ’15 Session will be given away.
“I’m encouraging alumni to come back and be part of the celebration,” Morgan said.
“Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Kids” will be performed at Hope Community Church, 235 W. Main St. in Moorestown, on Wednesday, May 13 and Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This show has a 34-member cast of 6- to 12-year-olds. Tickets for this musical are reserved, and can be purchased online at www.MoorestownTheaterCompany.org or at the door 60 minutes before curtain time.
“I think it will be really good, just as good as adults. It’s a good show with talented kids,” said Juliet Morgan, who is playing the part of Maleficent and will also be in her 100th production with this show.
For more information on MTC or about the 100th production, visit www.MoorestownTheaterCompany.org or call (856) 778–8357.
