"Broadway Ray" Soehngen, center, helped Algonquin raise over $45,000 this summer through the Broadway Ray Match during The Wizard of Oz.

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is proud to announce that the theater's longtime supporter, "Broadway Ray" Soehngen, once again inspired audiences this summer with his annual Broadway Ray Match. During July's production of The Wizard of Oz, Ray matched donations up to $15,000, helping raise a total of $45,820 for the nonprofit theater.

The Broadway Ray Match directly supports Algonquin’s acclaimed education programs, including the Algonquin Youth Ensemble (AYE)—the theatre’s flagship performing arts education program. Students selected through a competitive audition process not only perform on the Algonquin stage but also participate in classes that develop their skills and artistry, ensuring a deeply educational and enriching experience.

“This incredible outpouring of generosity is a reminder of the powerful community that sustains the Algonquin,” said Pamela Ward, Executive Director of Algonquin Arts Theatre. “Thanks to Broadway Ray’s leadership and our patrons’ enthusiastic support, we can continue providing transformative arts education programs to young people across New Jersey—programs that build confidence, spark creativity, and create lifelong connections to the arts.”

Since launching the first Broadway Ray Match in 2013, Soehngen has helped raise more than $395,000 for the theatre. A longtime resident of Wall, now living in Brick, Soehngen is best known for his popular Broadway Ray bus trips that take thousands of local residents to see Broadway productions in New York City.

Financial support from individuals, organizations, and corporations remains essential for both operations and capital improvements at Algonquin Arts Theatre. For more information on how to support the theatre, please call the Algonquin Box Office at 732-528-9211 or visit www.AlgonquinArts.org.

Broadway Ray is now in its 22nd season as Monmouth & Ocean counties’ premier charter bus tour company to Broadway. Broadway Ray has accompanied thousands of people to New York to experience a Broadway show. Individuals, families, groups, schools & local organizations have all enjoyed the Broadway Ray experience, which includes an orchestra or front mezzanine seat, deluxe motor coach transportation & driver’s gratuity. Bus tours currently depart from Toms River, Manasquan/Wall and the Cheesequake Service Area.

Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance, and film.

Located in Manasquan, N.J., AAT is an integral part of the Shore region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages not only through art and music instruction, but also through the unique communal conversation that exists between audience member and performer. A journeyman house, AAT features the work of young and emerging artists, designers, and directors working alongside seasoned professionals.

Algonquin Arts Theatre’s programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and the generosity of other businesses and patrons.