On May 17, Atlantic City will play host to an extraordinary theatrical affair that fuses the grit of law enforcement history with the glamour of the stage. Taking place in the intimate Celebrity Theater on the third floor of The Claridge, “Jersey Lawman: A Life on the Right Side of Crime” returns for a one-night-only benefit performance during National Law Enforcement Week.
More than a staged reading, the production is a compelling adaptation of the memoir by Jim Plousis, a Cape May County native who rose from Ocean City patrolman to the youngest sheriff in America, and ultimately to United States Marshal under President George W. Bush. Adapted for the stage by Thomas Raniszewski, this dramatized memoir spans four decades of public service and brushes with figures ranging from Bernie Madoff to Nicodemo “Little Nicky” Scarfo.
Produced by the East Lynne Theater Company, the reading gathers a stellar cast including Alisa Cooper, Mike Sharp, David Hanauer, David Shutter, Veronique Hurley, Mat Labotka, and Nathan Garcia—all of whom are donating their time and talent for the cause. “Everyone involved is here because they believe in what this night stands for,” says Cooper, who is also Vice Chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.
In keeping with the spirit of community and generosity, the evening operates on a “pay-what-you-will” basis, with 100% of donations benefiting two remarkable organizations: the 200 Club of Atlantic and Cape May Counties, which supports the families of fallen first responders, and the Atlantic City Theatre Company, a nonprofit enriching the regional arts scene.
This isn't simply a performance—it’s a moment of reflection, legacy, and gratitude. For Plousis, whose current role as Chairman of the Casino Control Commission bookends a career steeped in integrity, this staged reading is deeply personal. “I wasn’t interested in writing my story at first,” he admits. “But when George Ingram—my friend and neighbor—suggested donating the book’s proceeds to the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund, I couldn’t say no.”
Directed with respect and nuance, “Jersey Lawman” paints a portrait of American public service during defining moments in modern history—from 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina—while offering a look behind the curtain at the controversial, the courageous, and the often unseen demands of duty.
Whether you’re a supporter of the arts, a patron of law enforcement, or simply intrigued by stories of high-stakes justice, this event promises a powerful night in Atlantic City, served with a generous dose of heart and heritage.
Don’t miss your chance to witness a story where duty meets drama, all in the city where history, hospitality, and high style collide.
Grab your tickets here.
