Boardwalk Theater Gives Community a Preview

On the eve of its revival, the Moorlyn Family Theatre on Thursday (May 23) gave members of the community a preview of the movies and live entertainment planned for the summer.

The Ocean City Boardwalk movie theater at Moorlyn Terrace opens with 4 p.m. shows  ("Iron Man 3," "Epic," "Home Run" and "Star Trek: Into Darkness") on Friday (May 24), and the Moorlyn will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 25.

The Moorlyn has been part of Ocean City for more than 90 years, but the October 2012 purchase of the small-town theater by the Ocean City Tabernacle saved it from its likely demise. The new ownership not only made storm repairs after Superstorm Sandy but completed major renovations and upgrades to the facility.

Thursday's community preview included all the elements of what the Moorlyn will offer this summer.

Seth Bazacas, the new artistic director of the Moorlyn, said he envisions a building that will serve as the "community's place."

In a movie produced by the Moorlyn, Bazacas said he imagines a place where individuals are not engrossed by their iPhones and iPads. Instead, it should be a place where a large group can get "caught up in the same story."

That story might include live shows. The preview included songs performed by Broadway veterans. The summer lineup includes children's and original shows by the Ocean City Theatre Company, a Frankie Valli tribute show and ventriloquist and comedian Taylor Mason.

The story might be on the big screen. The preview included trailers for "The Lone Ranger," "Monsters University" and "Man of Steel." The theater features a new digital projection and sound system.

The story might have a Christian message. The Moorlyn plans late Saturday night teen gatherings — a place for young people to go when the lights of the Boardwalk begin to fade, a "rocking praise concert," as Bazacas put it.

For more information on the Moorlyn Family Theatre, visit www.moorlynfamilytheatre.org.