Bringing New York to Annapolis

With a smile that lights up a room and a positive energy that’s contagious, it is easy to see why graduate Anna Roberts Ostroff believes that she and her husband Alan’s new venture of bringing New York talent to Annapolis is sure to be a success.

“The Annapolis area is so supportive of the arts,” said Anna in an interview before her weekend performance in “My Way” at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. “We believe residents would love to have New York talent come and perform here on a regular basis.”

Anna grew up in the area, performing with the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis and Broadneck High School musicals before heading with her dreams of success on the stage to New York University. She met her husband Alan, a New Jersey native, with those same dreams, and after both of them graduated with a Fine Arts degree from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, they kept running into each other at auditions and when they were cast in the same shows.

“It was meant to be,” said Alan about their relationship on and off the stage, as well as their partnership dream of someday running their own regional theater company.

With their contacts in New York and their experience with providing outreach work for children in need, the two formed Infinity Theatre Company, and with encouragement from an old mentor, decided that this area was ready for their vision.

(Anna performed in numerous shows at when growing up, where she was befriended by Robert Kauffman, head of Theatre Arts at AACC. At a dinner last year, Kauffman encouraged the couple to bring their dream to Annapolis, and after they dedicated this summer season to his memory.)

Last summer, their new Infinity Theatre Co. brought “The Fantasticks” to the CTA theater, providing audiences with amazing work from New York actors, set designers, musicians, and choreographers.

Happy with the response, the two began planning their second summer season in Annapolis, bringing two favorite musical productions for a variety of audiences.

“We thought ‘My Way’ would be a gift to seniors and their families as they hear the favorites of Frank Sinatra,” said Anna. “Our second show is ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ that is just fun for the whole family.”

“My Way” is now in production at the Children’s Theater of Annapolis theater on Bay Head Road in the Broadneck area. Shows are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday now through July 10.

The show features the performance of some of the greatest songs of the 20th century recorded by Frank Sinatra and performed by the Ostroffs, as well as New York seasoned professionals Joseph Dellger and Mary Jo Mecca. The show is truly a magical trip down memory lane.

Next up, “Little Shop of Horrors” coming July 15 to Aug. 7.

Some of the proceeds for both shows benefit the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis.

If you look on their website, you will see that the Ostroffs have been busily planting roots in the community, arranging discounts with local businesses for show attendees and visits to the Annapolis Boys and Girls Club for outreach opportunities.

A fundraiser for the company is being held Monday evening, with a special performance by Anna’s high school classmate and another Broadway actor (who is appearing in the Kennedy Center "Wicked" show this summer) Justin Brill.

“This has been our dream,” said Alan. “We believe we are on our way toward making it come true.”

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Infinity Theatre Co. presents:

“My Way” a Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra – through July 10

“Little Shop of Horrors” – July 15 to Aug. 7

Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets:  $18 to $35