Surflight Theatre, the New Jersey theatre that closed in early 2015 after 65 seasons and a failed restructuring in 2013, will reopen June 23 with the Broadway musical Footloose, based on the film of the same name.
Under the new ownership of New Jersey native Al Parinello, the former owner of WJSE radio station who is the current lead producer for Off-Broadway's The Fantasticks, the venue will offer a full season of musicals, concerts, and more. Steve Steiner, a former artistic director, will return as producing artistic director.
In a statement to Playbill, Steiner said, “I am honored to be returning to Surflight Theatre as producing artistic director and to welcome back the audiences to our historic landmark theatre. We have assembled a talented and experienced management team who are committed to running an efficient, productive business while continuing the legacy of the Surflight founder Joseph P. Hayes to serve as a training ground for young performers and technicians while entertaining the visitors and residents of the Long Beach Island area. We will also be actively partnering with our community to keep this jewel as a community resource. The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour, which has entertained legions of visitors since the late 70's, will also be reopening."
Steiner continued: “My vision going forward in 2017 is to ensure the long term success of this gem of a theatre by creating the level of artistic quality our audiences have enjoyed from our intimate space, and with the general manager keep a close eye on business. We are thrilled to return for this season with a glorious season of musical theatre, and with my friend and business partner Al Parinello, will remain dedicated and committed to our goals of artistic excellence with realistic budgets.”
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 (December 7–17). Concerts will include John Davidson (July 31), the Coasters, Drifters and Platters (August 7), and the New Millennium Jazz Band Plays The Sinatra Songbook (November 25).
Parinello told Playbill, “As a New Jersey native, passionate theatre lover, and producer, I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to bring Surflight back to the community. We are dedicated to continuing this beloved theatre's legacy, and ensuring its rightful place in the future.”
To subscribe to the season, contact the Surflight Box Office at (609) 492-9477 or visit surflight.org.
