Gateway’s ‘Scrooge’ Gets Bonus Show Amid Rave Reviews

Issue #544

December 13, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

 🐳Local Merchant Spotlight: Cape May Whale Watcher

🎄Gateway’s ‘Scrooge’ Gets Bonus Show Amid Rave Reviews

🎅🏻 Wildwoods Convention Center to Transform into Winter Wonderland

✈️ Budget Travel Boost: Allegiant Begins Service at ACY

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: The Cape May Holiday Guide

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

 December 13

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Cape May Whale Watcher: A Family Legacy of Ocean Adventures Since 1993

For more than three decades, Cape May Whale Watcher has stood as a pillar of marine tourism in South Jersey, offering breathtaking encounters with whales, dolphins, and other wildlife just off the coast. Operating out of the Miss Chris Marina since its founding in 1993, the company has grown into the region’s largest and fastest whale and dolphin-watching fleet — all under the stewardship of the Stewart family.

Operated by Jeff Stewart and his wife Mary, Cape May Whale Watcher started as a passion project and has since evolved into a full-scale family business. Captain Jeff’s son, also named Jeff — known to many as “Captain Jeff” — has been part of the operation since the early days, even before the Cape May location, dating back to his father's previous ventures in Wildwood as far back as 1973.

Today, the fleet includes three impressive vessels: the Atlantis, a 125-foot high-speed vessel holding up to 300 passengers; the Cape May Whale Watcher, a 110-foot boat with a capacity of 400; and the Miss Chris, a 90-footer accommodating 150 passengers. Together, these boats offer a range of tours and experiences, from dolphin sightings close to shore to full three-hour whale-watching excursions that venture up to 20 miles offshore.

Cape May Whale Watcher operates nine months of the year, from March through December, with as many as four daily trips during peak season. A key selling point: their guarantee of marine mammal sightings — whales, dolphins, or porpoises — or passengers receive a free return pass with no expiration date.

Tours vary in length and focus. Two-hour trips often circle Cape May or cruise along the Wildwood beaches for dolphin watching and sightseeing. Longer three-hour expeditions head farther into the Atlantic, with coverage ranging from Sea Isle City to the Indian River Inlet in Delaware.

In addition to wildlife tours, the company offers a variety of specialty cruises. Their renowned Lighthouse Cruise, launched in partnership with Cape May MAC in 1994, takes guests past up to nine offshore lighthouses in a single six-hour trip, complete with breakfast and lunch. They also host dinner cruises three nights a week, complete with a sunset dolphin watch and buffet-style catering from local favorites.

Fishing trips are also available aboard the Miss Chris, targeting species like drumfish, sea bass, fluke, croakers, kingfish, and tautog, depending on the season.

Captain Jeff and his family — including his father, sister, wife, and even his children — are all actively involved in the daily operation, ensuring the business retains its close-knit, hands-on character. Many longtime crew members have been with the company since its inception, reinforcing its status as a true family-run operation.

Beyond leisure, Cape May Whale Watcher is dedicated to education and conservation. The company partners with local schools and organizations to provide discounted educational tours, particularly for Cape May area students. They also collaborate with birding groups like the Cape May Bird Observatory, offering birdwatching opportunities for rare offshore species including shearwaters and other pelagics during migration seasons.

Their new website, cmww.com, recently launched with expanded information about tours, wildlife sightings, and seasonal offerings.

From ocean sunfish appearances to pelagic bird swarms, every day on the water offers something unique — and with Captain Jeff and his crew at the helm, visitors are in expert hands for a true Cape May adventure.

Gateway’s ‘Scrooge’ Gets Bonus Show Amid Rave Reviews

 Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point has announced an additional Sunday matinee for its popular holiday production, Scrooge the Musical. The new showtime is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, offering audiences one final chance to enjoy the festive performance.

The main run of the show will proceed as planned, with evening and matinee performances scheduled from Friday through Sunday, December 12–14. The added December 21 matinee serves as a response to strong ticket demand and positive reviews from local critics.

Adapted from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Scrooge the Musical delivers a heartwarming version of the classic holiday story, brought to life with music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. The production follows the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge as he encounters the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Audiences can expect a vibrant blend of music, dance, and holiday cheer.

The production is under the direction of Chip Garrison, who previously helmed Gateway’s seasonal hits White Christmas (2024) and A New London Christmas Carol (2023). Nathan Moore stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, with Scott Friedman portraying loyal employee Bob Cratchit.

Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on December 12 and 13, and 2 p.m. on December 13, 14, and the newly added December 21. Tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $15 for children aged 12 and under. They can be purchased online at GatewayByTheBay.org or at the Karen S. Sutherland Box Office.

Patrons can also secure tickets for Gateway’s 2026 MainStage season, featuring an all-musical lineup that includes You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, and 9 to 5: The Musical. The theater is located at 738 Bay Ave. in Somers Point.

Since reopening in 2017, Gateway Playhouse has served as a cultural hub in South Jersey, offering year-round entertainment and educational programming for students while supporting the development of future theater professionals.

Wildwoods Convention Center to Transform into Winter Wonderland

Families are invited to enjoy a festive day of holiday cheer at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, December 13, as Wildwood presents its annual Family Holiday Celebration—a free, all-day event packed with seasonal fun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The celebration will transform the convention center into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, holiday music, and a wide range of family-friendly activities. Guests can explore a holiday shopping bazaar, participate in kids’ crafts like stocking-making and face painting, and enjoy festive balloon art throughout the day. Santa Claus himself will also make a special appearance.

Holiday classics will be screened throughout the day in Meeting Room 3, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Featured films include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol, The Grinch, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and The Polar Express.

Entertainment will take center stage in Ballroom C, where a full lineup of performances will delight audiences. Highlights include the JWB Brass Quintet, student performances from Wildwood Catholic Academy and area school choirs, a magician, and a rousing finale from the Avalon String Band. Santa’s arrival will also be a key moment, culminating in a festive tree lighting ceremony at 4 p.m.

This free event is open to all ages and offers a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season in Wildwood. For additional details, visitors can call 609-729-9000 or check out the official Wildwoods Holiday website.

 

Budget Travel Boost: Allegiant Begins Service at ACY

Allegiant Airlines has officially begun operating flights out of Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), bringing a new wave of travel options to South Jersey residents. The low-cost carrier, known for its budget-friendly fares and leisure-focused destinations, joins Spirit Airlines as one of only two commercial airlines currently serving ACY.

The airline’s inaugural departure to Fort Lauderdale took place on December 11, marking the start of Allegiant’s scheduled service from the airport. Travelers can now book direct flights to a growing list of sunny Florida destinations, including Orlando/Sanford (beginning December 19), St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Punta Gorda (both launching February 13).

To start, Allegiant is offering two weekly flights to Fort Lauderdale, with plans to increase that frequency to six flights per week beginning February 11, 2026. This expansion aligns with the airline’s broader national growth strategy, which includes adding 30 new nonstop routes and introducing service at several airports, including ACY, Philadelphia International, and Trenton-Mercer Airport.

Atlantic City International Airport celebrated the announcement on social media last month, expressing excitement about Allegiant’s arrival and its potential to enhance local travel options. Alongside its Florida-bound flights, Allegiant’s presence is expected to boost passenger traffic and bring new energy to the regional airport.

Which Cape May estate, now a museum, was originally built in 1879 for a prominent local doctor?

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Answer to the December 12th Trivia Question

Where do Cape May’s Independence Day fireworks launch from each year?

A) Cape May Lighthouse
B) Rotary Park
C) A barge in front of Congress Hall
D) Sunset Beach

Answer: C) A barge in front of Congress Hall

You can see the Fireworks in front of Congress Hall. However, you can see them from along the beach at Convention Hall past Congress Hall Beach. Rain Date is July 5th.

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