Mark Soifer’s Latest Honor: “Star of the Show” Presented by Ocean City Theatre Company

The Sixth Annual Broadway Brunch of the Ocean City Theatre Company had more than its share of highlights, but they don’t call their top award “Star of the Show” for no reason. And this year’s “star” shone brighter than most. Mark Soifer, a longtime star employee of the city of Ocean City recently announced his retirement, ending a 45-year career shaping the town’s image as America’s Greatest Family Resort. Soifer, working out of the city’s public relations office, dreamed up such iconic Ocean City events as the First Night, Businessperson’s Plunge, Martin Z. Mollusk Day and of course the Doo-Dah Parade.  He also elevated Night in Venice and the Baby Parade to levels of popularity previously unknown. Soifer’s wife Toby and other members of his family, and many friends and former co-workers were on hand for the tribute. If Soifer’s “Star” award was the highlight of the event held at Greate Bay Country Club, events leading up to his honors were a great prelude. Scholarship presentations were made to Madison Kennelly, Alyssa Mills, Conner Wynn, Janeena Pinero-Deniz, Madeline Logue, Darby Grant and and Samantha Del Sordo. Each of the recipients expressed their thanks to Michael Hartman for all that he did for them. Madison Kennelly Alyssa Mills Conner Wynn It wouldn’t be Broadway Brunch without some show-biz, and featured performer Laura Giknis certainly delivered. The Barrymore-nominated Philadelphia-based equity actor scored with her rendition of “Somewhere That’s Green” a Broadway standard from the show “Little Shop of Horrors.”  Musical accompaniment for the evening was provided by Jonathan Kreamer. Laura Giknis performed for the large crowd in attendance. Giknis, who performed her first professional show in Ocean City as the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical, has many impressive credits on her resume including Sister Act, High Society and Grease at the Walnut St. Theatre in Philadelphia. For more information on Giknis please visit www.LauraGiknis.com. Darby Grant Janeena Pinero-Deniz Pat Logue accepted for Madeline Logue who is currently performing in Europe There was also a stirring performance by the OCTC Show Choir. Spotlight Performers Show Choir The event also included a silent auction of goods and services donated by local businesses. The OCTC gave special thanks to its board of directors, Mayor Jay and Mrs. Michele Gillian, Greate Bay, the OCTC public relations committee, the staff of the Ocean City Music Pier and the OCTC staff. Sponsors of the Broadway Brunch included Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, 6^th St. Pizza and Grill, the Schultz-Hill Foundation, Mary Ann Krull, the Rodriguez Family, Dot’s Pastry Shop, and Marian Mulligan. For more information on the Ocean City Theatre Company, please visit. www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.