PHOTOS from "Grumpy Old Men: The Musical" at Surflight Theatre

by John Posada
09/08/2023

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre is currently presenting the romantic musical comedy, Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, through September 24, 2023. The musical features a book by Dan Remmes, music by Neil Berg, and lyrics by Nick Meglin. Based on the movie of the same name, Grumpy Old Men is the story of two seasoned gentlemen, Max & John, neighbors who’ve been feuding for most of their lives. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Invigorated by their shared affection for their new neighbor, Max & John face-off as romantic rivals until their hilarious shenanigans finally bring about a resolution to their long-standing differences. Based on the 1993 film starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau & Ann-Margret, this stage adaptation captures the lovably crotchety characters through twinkling humor, great songs & the affectionate depiction of a small town that feels like home to all.

Grumpy Old Men: The Musical stars Michael McAssey a favorite on the cabaret scene in NYC and Provincetown (Most recently seen as Maury in Surflight’s Disaster! and Edna Turnblad in Hairspray) as John Gustafson, David Edwards (The Producers and By Jeeves) as Max Goldman, Margaret Shafer (Most recently seen as Shirley in Surflight’s Disaster! and Mrs. Sheila Kelly in Annie Warbucks) as Ariel Truax, Danny Crowe (Most recently seen as Chad in Surflight’s Disaster! and Freddie in Chess) as Jacob Goldman, Larissa Klinger (Most recently seen as Jackie in Surflight’s Disaster! and Baskerville) as Melanie Norton, Alison Nusbaum (Most recently seen as Sister Mary Downy in Surflight’s Disaster! and Commissioner Doyle in Annie Warbucks), and David Sitler as Grandpa Gustafson. The cast will also include Marc Christopher as Chuck Barrels, Ashley Rubin as Punky Olander, Zachary Nelson as Harry, Brian Steinberg as Tim, Daniella Castoria as Unis, Kyle Atkinson as Stan, Rhagan Carter as Fran, Madeline Dunn as Karla, Drew Jacobson as Bo, and Nick Somodi as Lo.

Rick Grossman directs this production. Surflight audiences may recall Grossman's performances in Surflight productions of Hairspray (Wilbur), Cats (Gus/Bustopher Jones), Anything Goes (Moonface), Gypsy (Herbie), Titanic (Edgar Beane) and Man of La Mancha (Sancho) opposite John Davidson. Grossman served as director for Surflight's production of Call Me Madam as well. In a career span of 50 years, he has directed more than 200 productions; most recently Curtains, Moon Over Buffalo, Something Rotten, The Addams Family, Bonnie & Clyde, Titanic, The Diary of Anne Frank, Catch Me If You Can, as well as producing and directing the NY Area premiere of Grumpy Old Men at Long Island's Bayway Arts Center.

Grossman is accompanied by Paula Hammons Sloan as choreographer. Sloan also serves as Surflight’s resident Director and Choreographer, Education Director and General Manager. Her work was recently seen in Surflight’s Something Rotten!, Steel Pier, White Christmas, An American in Paris, Xanadu and The Addams Family. Her work as Director Choreographer has been seen all over the country including The Laguna Playhouse, TUTS Houston, Kansas City Starlight, Galveston Summer Musicals, as well as numerous National Tours.

The show will also feature Musical Direction by Ricky Pope, Scenic Design by Chris Strangfeld, Sound Design by Ian Wehrle,  Lighting Design by Anthony Marinaro, Costume Design by Jessica McGovern.

Remain performances take place September 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 at 2:00pm; September 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 at 7:30pm. Tickets: Adults/Seniors- $43; Children 12 and Under- $33. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling (609)492-9477. Group pricing is available.  

Surflight Theatre is located at 201 Engleside Avenue in Beach Haven, New Jersey. Surflight Theatre is a professional theatre employing members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Here are more photos from the production.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.