May 6, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Aggie Roberts
The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe
732-854-2779 Phone

The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe reopens May 26th and is ready for a terrific summer

LAVALLETTE, NJ – The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe was voted one of best places to listen to live music in Ocean County last year by readers of The Asbury Park Press.

Ten year-old Kyle Gaughan couldn't agree more. He's been a repeat customer since the Shoppe opened Memorial Day weekend 2003. "The Music Man is awesome. My favorite song that the cast performs is Day-O," Gaughan says of the Harry Belafonte classic. "I like the part where the waiters and waitresses shout 'everybody' and we get to sing along with them."

Gaughan is one of the more than 35,000 people who experience the family fun at The Music Man each summer. But the music isn't the only thing that has Gaughan's vote. "The ice cream is out of this world. My favorite sundae is the Chubby Checker. The first time I ordered it, the waiter brought it to the table and I had to stand up and do the twist. I didn't know how to do it, but my mom got up and helped me. Everyone clapped for me. It was cool."

The summer fun gets kicked-off this year on Friday, May 26, and customers like Gaughan can't wait. Aggie Roberts, General Manager and Master of Ceremonies (MC), along with his wife Josephine Sessa-Agliata, says this summer will be a season to remember. "We've expanded our menu, enhanced our performances and brought in premiere talent for this year's ensemble cast. And from our nightly cabarets, to our Children's Story Time and Puppet Shows, there's even more fun to offer families this season at The Music Man."

The Music Man wouldn't be what it is without giving customers the old favorites they want. "The classics are making a comeback," Roberts says. "Our entertainment cornerstone of 45-minute nightly Vaudeville-style cabarets, which run every evening from 6 p.m. to midnight, consisting of classic Broadway hits and songs from the American songbook sung as solos, duets and group acts, will continue to entertain, as will F.R.E.D., our official character of The Music Man who welcomes crowds during nightly cabarets from 6 to 8 p.m., as well as Puppet Theater and Children's Story Time."

Also making a comeback is The Music Man's homemade fudge and fudge fondue, also available in sugar-free. "The heavenly taste of warm chocolate fudge with cool fresh strawberries, bananas, apples and marshmallows was such a big hit that it's here to stay," Roberts explains. "And our fudge caused such a stir that summer patrons had The Music Man send hundreds of pounds of fudge to their clients across the U.S. for the 2005 holiday season. All customers needed to do was provide the name and address of those they wished to send holiday cheer to and the Music Man did the rest.

"And speaking of food, new to the specials menu this year is homemade warm apple crisp and authentic Greek baklava. In addition, we've spiced things up with new delightful ice cream combinations."

As for the cast, young performers are finding that the Music Man is the perfect training ground and now The Music Man national talent search has become a year-round event. Audition tapes from California to Maine make their way to Lavallette. Chelsea Cicci, from the 2003 season spent 2005-2006 on the 25th Anniversary national tour of Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Cats," while Fran Prisco performed in the tribute to Frank Sinatra in "My Way" at the prestigious Denver Center. Back this year is Brian Kalinowski (yes he is the ice cream boy that impersonates Cher) and Aggie Roberts as the emcee.

Be our guest for a Princess Tea Party hosted every Tuesday at 4pm by your favorite Fairy Tale Characters. Each week different Princesses sing songs and serve ice cream and juice to their guests. Children's Story Time on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. is also a great way to get out of the summer heat. “This rated-G improv musical sketch has become an adult must-see." Puppet Theatre is also returning by popular demand. Shows will run every Friday at 4 p.m. Premiering this season is "The Little Mermaid."

Even during off-hours, the fun doesn't end. Year round, The Music Man continues to offer personalized special events for all ages, such as birthday celebrations, holiday parties, reunions, meetings and showers. "With the help of our exclusive caterer, Joe Leone in Point Pleasant, The Music Man transforms itself into a party place for adult social gatherings." Sessa-Agliata notes. "We provide a place where families who want to have an 'at home party' but cannot accommodate their group, can create the same feel at The Music Man."

By request, The Music Man has created an added option for customers to make reservations for the 6 p.m. show. Subsequent shows will run continuously throughout the night, however no reservations are needed. Customers who arrive by 11 p.m. are guaranteed to see a show.

In addition to the shows every evening, the take-out window is open daily from noon to midnight. The Music Man, located at 2305 Grand Central Avenue, in Lavallette, accepts cash only. Tickets for Children's Story Time and Puppet Theater are only $6 each, and can be purchased at the take-out window. The ticket price does not include ice cream.

For more information about the The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe, call (732) 85-HAPPY (854-2779), or email icecream@njmusicman.com. Visit www.njmusicman.com

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