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Gateway Playhouse: A Century of Drama, Resilience, and Revival in Somers Point

Issue #466

September 25, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎭 Gateway Playhouse: A Century of Drama, Resilience, and Revival in Somers Point

🚜 Monster Trucks Take Over Wildwood Beach for Two-Day Racing Spectacle

🕎 Stockton University Transfers Azeez Museum Back to Founding Nonprofit

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Daisy Lane Boutique

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 September 25

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 Gateway Playhouse: A Century of Drama, Resilience, and Revival in Somers Point

  The Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point, originally built around 1910, has undergone a dramatic evolution over the years, transforming from a warehouse to a silent movie house, a live theater venue, and ultimately a regional performance center. After closing in 2006 due to structural concerns, the building underwent a complete renovation led by the Theater Collaborative of South Jersey. Thanks to community support, it reopened in 2017 as a fully modernized, year-round theater serving the South Jersey region. And with Renai Ellison recently assuming the role of the Gateway’s first full-time executive director, the future looks brighter than ever. Tonight, the Playhouse is set to open its latest production, Stephen Sondheim's acclaimed musical Into the Woods. Already changing direction, a surge in audition turnout has led Gateway Playhouse to mount a rare double-cast production of Into the Woods. Opening tonight and running  through October 5, the show features evening performances Thursday through Saturday, with Sunday matinees—and, for the first time in the theater’s history, newly added Thursday-night shows. The move to include Thursdays reflects growing community enthusiasm and an effort to meet audience demand. Directed by Gateway’s Artistic Director Phil Pallitto, the musical blends several well-known Brothers Grimm fairy tales—like Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood—into a single, layered story centered on a baker and his wife seeking to break a powerful curse.

The dual casting offers more performers the chance to shine, while also providing audiences with a fresh experience depending on the performance night. The production balances magical storytelling with deeper themes, exploring the consequences of wishes, the bonds of community, and the unexpected challenges that follow “happily ever after.” One highlight of the cast includes a real-life mother-daughter team from Egg Harbor Township: Toni Ann Pugliese, known for her role as the original “Molly” in the 1982 Annie film, and her daughter Molly Pugliese, who holds the title of Miss South Jersey 2025. They will appear as Cinderella’s mother and Cinderella, respectively. The director encourages the cast to present modern interpretations of the classic characters, aiming to resonate with today’s audiences. He describes the production as a timely reminder of the importance of shared experiences, unity, and hope in uncertain times. All performances will take place at Gateway Playhouse, located at 738 Bay Ave., Somers Point. Evening shows begin at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25–27 and Oct. 2–4, with matinees at 2 p.m. on Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at GatewayByTheBay.org or at the Karen S. Sutherland Box Office.

Monster Trucks Take Over Wildwood Beach for Two-Day Racing Spectacle

 Get ready for a weekend of roaring engines and high-flying stunts as the Monsters on the Beach Monster Truck Races storm back into the Wildwoods on September 26 and 27. Hosted by the Renegade Monster Truck Tour, this high-octane event promises thrilling entertainment for fans of all ages right on the sands of Wildwood. Festivities kick off Friday with the Monsters on Main Street showcase, where all eight featured monster trucks will be on display in Wildwood Crest from noon to 5 p.m. The trucks will then rumble through the town in a parade before heading to the beachfront arena. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with the action-packed show starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday brings two separate performances—an afternoon show at 12:30 p.m. and an evening event at 7 p.m.—both held on the beach near Schellenger Avenue. Attendees are invited to arrive early to enjoy the Renegade Monster Truck Tour Track Party, offering photo opportunities with the trucks and drivers, along with the chance to get up close to these mechanical beasts. The current lineup of trucks includes War Wizard, Jurassic Attack, Stinger Unleashed, Hurricane Force, Frost Bite, Hay Maker, and more, though the list is subject to change. Advance tickets start at $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under, with day-of prices rising to $35 and $20, respectively. Tickets and event details are available at RenegadeMonsterTrucks.com.

Stockton University Transfers Azeez Museum Back to Founding Nonprofit

Stockton University has returned ownership of the Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage to its founding nonprofit, Woodbine Museum LLC, citing a shift in strategic priorities. The museum, located in a restored 1890s synagogue, chronicles the history of Woodbine as a Jewish agricultural settlement. Although Stockton will no longer manage the site, it will continue to collaborate on Holocaust and immigration education programming. Stockton officials emphasized that the transition is amicable and in accordance with the original agreement. They also underscored their ongoing commitment to supporting Holocaust education and historical preservation through partnerships with the museum. The Sam Azeez Museum remains a vital institution in southern New Jersey, preserving the legacy of Jewish immigration and the fight against hatred through education.

Cape May, New Jersey, is famous for its lighthouse, which has been a beacon for mariners since its construction. In what year was the current Cape May Lighthouse, located in Cape May Point State Park, first lit?

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Answer to the September 24th Trivia Question

What is the name of Cape May’s popular walkway that runs parallel to the beach, attracting both locals and tourists for scenic walks?

A) The Ocean Boardwalk
B) The Beach Walkway
C) The Washington Street Mall
D) The Cape May Promenade

Answer: D) The Cape May Promenade.

The Cape May Promenade is a scenic, paved walkway that stretches along the beach, offering beautiful ocean views and easy access to shops and restaurants. Unlike a traditional boardwalk, it is made of concrete and is a favorite spot for strolls, biking, and enjoying the beach​

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