Maya Fortgang is a Jersey-born BFA musical theatre grad who turned a COVID-disrupted college journey at Ithaca into a launchpad for her artistry and growth. From dance classes across New Jersey and New York City to studying scene work with Neil Matarazzo, she shares how staying a lifelong student keeps her grounded in an unpredictable industry. In this episode, Maya joins Aggie and Mak to talk about building community after graduation, finding your people in rehearsal rooms and acting classes, and why there’s no single “right” path to a creative career. She also reveals the spontaneous dinner that led her to The Music Man, what it’s like coming in as a postgrad among younger performers, and the non‑verbal teamwork that makes performing together so electric.

The post “Maya Fortgang” appeared first on The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe.

Maya Buffomante (2026) is one of this summer’s newest performers at The Music Man on the Jersey Shore. From her arts-focused childhood in Naperville, Illinois to discovering her path at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Maya shares how she pivoted from pre-law and journalism to a life in theatre and acting.

Maya talks about growing up in a racing family, cheering on her brother as he competes in Trans Am and even making his NASCAR debut, and how that high-octane world shaped her love of travel, family, and risk-taking. She then opens up about the whirlwind year after graduation—directing children’s theatre, performing in a new musical workshop, and ultimately building a PowerPoint pitch to convince her parents to let her move to New York City to audition professionally.

The post “Maya Buffomante” appeared first on The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe.

Ellie Parish (2026), a graduating Viterbo BFA musical theatre major, shares how she’s trading Spokane, Washington for a future onstage—chasing her dream of building a performing life along the New Jersey/New York coast. She reminisces about Zips burgers, Christmas in Spokane, starring as Molly in “The Mousetrap,” and helping create a Student Theater Project production of “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals,” all while looking ahead to making the East Coast her new artistic home.

The post “Ellie Parish” appeared first on The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe.

Meet Reagan Kettner (2026), a Wisconsin-born singer, actor, and dancer whose summers with Kids From Wisconsin and college show choir paved the way to The Music Man Ice Cream Singing Ice Cream Shoppe in New Jersey. She shares stories of tour life, building lifelong friendships, reading a crowd, and belting big 80s anthems that keep audiences—and ice cream lines—buzzing. If you love behind-the-scenes stories of young performers finding their path and the community around The Music Man, this episode is for you.

The post “Reagan Kettner” appeared first on The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe.

Aggie welcomes back favorite Peyton Overstreet (2022) as co-host to interview Athena Riva (2026), the newest cast member for The Music Man at the Jersey Shore.

From San Diego and studying musical theater at Chicago College of Performing Arts, Athena shares her YMCA experience with special needs kids, her quick casting journey, and excitement for the show’s collaborative, family-focused performances.

Peyton offers insider tips on training, embracing creative risks, performing under pressure, and the joy of entertaining diverse audiences nightly.

The post “Athena Riva” appeared first on The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe.

Stevie (2025) is back for Season 24, and she’s proof that the right summer job can change everything. In this episode, she joins Aggie and Big Mac to talk about balancing an intense New York conservatory schedule, performing in “Pippin” off‑Broadway and Shakespeare’s “Pericles,” and even the chaotic morning making oatmeal.

Stevie shares why she chose to return to The Music Man: the “summer camp for grown‑ups” feeling, real connections with guests, and a cast that feels like family. She also reveals how the “welcome host” role evolved from cheerful greeter to on‑the‑floor showrunner.

The post “Stevie Bowden Back in 2026” appeared first on The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe.

The Best Summer Adventure is back at the Jersey Shore, and this season fan favorite Makayla “Big Mak” Taylor (2025) joins Aggie Roberts to kick off a brand new summer at The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shop. In this trailer, Aggie and Big Mak reminisce about last year’s show-stopping numbers, share how a Minnesota performer fell in love with the Jersey Shore, and dish on the legendary boot camp that turns a group of young performers into a tight-knit company in just ten days. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, why this all-women cast is bringing serious vocal power to “Wickedly Fun Cabaret” and the new “Teen Beach Musical,” and what makes this community feel like family. If you love musical theatre, seaside summers, and the magic of live performance, hit follow and get ready for your Best Summer Adventure yet.

The post “Big Mak Is Back: Season 4 Trailer” appeared first on The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe.

Get ready for the ultimate Jersey Shore summer adventure! In this episode of The Music Man’s The Best Summer Adventure Podcast, hosts Makayla Taylor (2025) and Aggie Roberts take you inside The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe in Lavallette, NJ — the beloved spot where premium ice cream meets high-energy vaudeville-style Broadway cabaret.

Discover what makes every visit feel like stepping off a thrilling roller coaster: you’re shown to your table, orders are taken, and as the ice cream arrives, the waiters playfully sing, dance, or shout for their sundaes at each table. Once everyone has their dessert, the full 20-25 minute cabaret show begins — with talented singing performers moving throughout the shop (no microphones needed!), delivering lively solos, duets, and group numbers right to your table while pulling guests into fun, interactive moments.

We seat only about 85 people per show, keeping the atmosphere cozy and personal for all ages. From the classic Ice Cream Musical® Family Cabaret to Disney Sing-Along, the brand-new Teen Beach Musical (an upbeat teen journey from 1982 to 2026), and A Wickedly Fun Cabaret, there’s something for every family.

Hear all about the 2026 season opening on May 22, the “Eat Up, Pay Up and Get Out!” turnover that keeps the energy high, how to request your table at www.themusicman.com/book, and why so many guests call The Music Man their “Happy Place.”

Whether you’re planning your first visit or a repeat trip to the Jersey Shore, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, show previews, and everything you need to know for an unforgettable night of ice cream and cabaret fun.

Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts — and get ready for the best summer adventure yet!

The post “2026 Behind the Scenes Deep Dive” appeared first on The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe.