(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- The beloved Surflight Theatre which survived 65 seasons, Hurricane Sandy and closed in early 2015 after a failed restructuring in 2013, will reopen on June 23, 2017 with the popular musical Footloose. Based on the hit movie, the play tells the story of Ren McCormack, an upbeat Chicago teen who moves to a small town in which, as a result of the efforts of a local minister, dancing and rock music have been banned.
Under the new ownership of New Jersey native Al Parinello, a full season of musicals as well as theatre for Children will be produced at the Landmark Theatre, and the wildly popular ShowPlace Ice Cream Parlour next door will be opening as well. Several concerts are also on the exciting lineup. Mr Parinello who was the former owner of WJSE radio station, is a real estate investor, Broadway and Movie Producer and is the current lead Producer for The Fantasticks in New York.
Steve Steiner, a former Artistic Director until 2010 and a long time Artistic partner of Mr. Parinello, will return as Producing Artistic Director. The Theatre will reopen with the original mission of its founder, Joseph P. Hayes: to serve as a training ground for young artists in a supportive summer stock environment and to provide quality entertainment to the residents and vacationers of Long Beach Island.
Mr. Parinello’s offer for purchase was accepted in early February 2017.
Following Footloose, which will run through July 9, will be Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 11-23), Disney’s Newsies (July 25-August 13, Hairspray (August 15-27), Million Dollar Quartet August 29-September 10) and Home for the Holidays: A Surflight Celebration (Dec. 7-17). Concerts are still being booked but will include John Davidson (July 31st), the Coasters, Drifters and Platters (August 7th), and the New Millenium Jazz Band Plays The Sinatra Songbook (November 25th). The Education Division is expecting to present Rock of Ages (High School Version) with local students October 20, 21, 22. To subscribe to the season, arrange Groups or for more information, contact the Surflight Box Office beginning Wednesday March 8 at 609-492-9477.
Surflight Theatre is located at 201 Engleside Avenue in Beach Haven, New Jersey.
