Love is in the air - with or without the chocolates. From great live music, to theater with a powerful message, to sharing one of the best views in South Jersey, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with a unique date to remember. Below are some of the Valentine's events taking place in the area.
Greater Ocean City Theatre Company's 'I Love NY'
Celebrate love with some of the most enchanting and unforgettable songs to ever grace the stage. Come out to the Hughes Performing Arts Center at Ocean City High School 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, as the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company's Professional Broadway Series return to the stage in a casual, entertaining and intimate cabaret of favorites from the Great White Way.
The "I Love NY" evening begins with a pre-show dessert reception in the lobby, featuring sweets from local eateries, two chocolate fondue fountains and hot beverages from Starbucks Coffee of Somers Point. Evening entertainment begins at 8 p.m. and will include songs from "Les Miserables," "Oklahoma," "Guys and Dolls," "Spamalot," "Aida," "South Pacific" and more. OCTC's Junior Company will make a guest appearance with an encore performance of "Don't Walk Away" and "Suspended In Time" from their summer production "Xanadu."
Tickets are $20 and include the dessert reception and show. Call 609-525-9300 or go to www.ocnj.us/boxoffice or www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
V-Day in Hammonton
The V-Day movement, started by playwright Eve Ensler in 1998, has become an annual event that focuses on bringing attention to women's issues around the world. V-Day seeks to raise awareness of and find ways to prevent violence, especially of a sexual nature, against women.
For the third year in a row, the Eagle Theatre, located at 208 Vine St., Hammonton, will be participating in V-Day with a two-night-only performance of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues," a series of monologues based on real interviews Ensler conducted with women from around the world. Oftentimes, the monologues are performed by those who have either limited acting experience or none at all. This year is no exception, with many of the actresses stepping foot on stage for the first time.
A portion of the proceeds from this production will benefit the Atlantic County Women's Center, an organization focused on women's welfare.
"The Vagina Monologues" runs at the Eagle Theatre 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16. Tickets are $20. This performance is recommended for mature audiences only. Call 609-704-5012 or go to www.theeagletheatre.com.
'The Official Blues Brothers Revue' at Levoy Theatre
If you love blues, show it on Valentine's Day. Come enjoy the great comedy and music hits from the original, classic "Blues Brothers" movie. Dan Aykroyd, Judy Belushi and musical director Paul Shaffer present "The Official Blues Brothers Revue," a live show coming to Millville's Levoy Theatre 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14.
The concert combines the comedy and hits from the original movie and pays homage to Chicago's rich history of blues, gospel and soul music. Jake, Elwood and the band hit the right balance of humor, music and mayhem. Featuring Wayne Catania as Jake and Kieron Lafferty as Elwood.
Call 856-327-6400 or go to www.levoy.net.
Brother Joscephus and Love Revolution at Landis Theater
Winter takes a break when Appel Farm at the Landis brings the party vibe of New Orleans and Mardi Gras to the stage with the amazing sounds of Brother Joscephus and The Love Revolution 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15.
Having made its regional debut at the Appel Farm Festival last June, the band makes a triumphant return to New Jersey with a mission to win over the musical faithful and ensure a great night out. The 12-piece band is a blast of vivid colors and high energy, combining old-school soul, roots, classic rock, New Orleans rhythms and feel-good, secular Gospel music.
The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland. Tickets are $17.50 and $30. Call 856-691-1121 or go to www.landistheater.com.
