Published in Asbury Park Press and also MyCentralJersey.com 07/18/2008

BY BY BRITTANI MANZO • GANNETT NEW JERSEY

Cool down with the Wicked Witch — or The Music Man

... The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe, 2305 Grand Central Ave., Lavallette — Aggie Roberts, owner of The Music Man, said his goal is to get people into his shop three times in a week, guaranteeing that they will see a different show every night.

"It's like seeing a Broadway show every night," said Jackie Mazzaucco, 41, of Colts Neck, who recently brought her family in four times in one week.

At the beginning of each show, the cast, which doubles as the wait staff, take ice cream orders.

The shop has more than 15 ice cream flavors and many toppings, but they feature 12 sundaes as well, ranging from Stars and Stripes — vanilla ice cream and blueberry sauce — to the Summertime Promenade, made with peach ice cream, orange and lemon sorbet, and pineapple and blueberry sauces.

One waiter said the Crackerjack — made with peanut butter chunks in vanilla ice cream and topped with hot fudge, hot caramel, whipped cream and a cherry — is his favorite.

After the audience members' orders are taken, the show begins with the opening song, "The Nicest Kids in Town" from "Hairspray." Roberts said the shows are "rated G "Saturday Night Live' skits."

Throughout the 45-minute show, different cast members sing solos that Roberts chooses on the spot, depending on the audience.

They put on six or seven shows every night, he said, the last starting at 11 p.m. Guests who arrive in the middle of a show must wait until the end to be seated inside. "We don't let them trickle in," Roberts said. "If you missed all the good stuff we want you to enjoy the whole experience."

Kids' shows begin at 4 p.m. on weekdays and the regular shows are from 6 p.m. to midnight daily. More information is available by visiting www.njmusicman.com or by calling (732) 854-2779.