‘Tis the Season at Surflight

Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island Photo by: Robert Rosetta

It may not be Christmas, but the Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven, NJ just keeps on giving…

 

The Surflight Theatre, in a true spirit of giving to its patrons, has dedicated itself to providing outstanding entertainment by bringing top-notch performances to its stage and in an educational outreach program in the arts for children through STARS (Surflight Threatre Arts Resource School).

 

The Theatre, situated on the corner of Engleside and Beach Avenues in Beach Haven, has undergone a lot of changes in the past ten years largely attributed to the efforts of Steve Steiner, Producing Artistic Director, and his wife, Gail Anderson Steiner, who serves as the Theatre Company and Production Manager. With the slogan of “Broadway at the Beach,” the Theatre has announced its offerings for the 2008 season to include twelve new productions beginning in early April of this year plus six new concerts in a series that includes Tommy Emmanuel, Judy Collins, and the Mills Brothers with special guests, The Ink Spots. Steve Steiner, in an opening reception on May 24th and 25th, assured his audience that “the 2008 season should prove to be Surflight’s banner year.”

 

The 2008 Season MainStage Productions

On stage currently is Oklahoma, a Surflight production that was chosen by the National Endowment of the Arts for inclusion in the American Masterpieces series. Oklahoma will close on June 8th, followed by these outstanding productions:

 

 

 

Max, Ula and Leo in The Producers Photo by: Pook Pfaffe

The season ends with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and runs from December 5 through December 21, 2008.

 

Following the performances, round out your evening with a visit to the Show Place Ice Cream Parlour just next door to the theatre. Singing waiters will dish up the fun!

 

For more information and details on performances or to be added to Surflight’s email list, please go to www.surflight.org

 

Professionals from all over the country come to Surflight to work in their field, if not on stage they work in costume design, set decoration and set-up. They live together, work together and perform together in order to achieve Surflight’s goal of providing excellent entertainment for all those who attend. Not only are they honing their craft, they are building on life’s experiences in cooperation, dedication, and ultimately achievement.

 

The 2008 Concert Series

Starting off the summer concert series, Tommy Emmanuel, a four-time winner of Australia’s Best Guitarist Award, will perform on June 15 and 16 at 8:00 p.m.

 

For one night only, July 7 at 6:30 and 9:00 p.m., Judy Collins will create her music that has thrilled audiences world-wide.
The Mills Brothers with special guests The Ink Spots, will swing and sway their way at Surflight for one evening, August 4 at 6:00 & 9:00 p.m.

 

Comedy Tonight will be presented on July 14 & August 18 at 8:30 p.m. with nationally known comics appearing each night.
Tuckerton Seaport will host an evening of entertainment on July 28 at 7:00 p.m.that will be fun for the whole family!
Beatlemania Now! A Beatles Tribute Show will debut on November 29 at 8:00 p.m.

 

Children’s Theatre

Every Wednesday through Sunday at 6:00 p.m., the doors are will open for children (as well as adults) to enjoy a series of wonder-filled adventures. The plays open on June 18 through the 22nd with Sleeping Beauty, an all-time favorite, followed by:

 

STARS (Surflight Theatre Arts Resource School)

Do you have a child or teenager that is interested in musical theatre? Erin Esposito, the STARS Program Director, is offering classes in acting, dance, voice and piano, all being taught by trained theatre professionals. A “Mini-Show Place Experience” is being offered from June 25th to July 1 and a summer class, “Summer Morning Stars” begins July 7 through August 17. A more intensive 2-week course, “Shakespeare in the Park” runs from August 14 through the 23rd. For information you can call Erin at (609) 492-9477, extension 202 or reach her by email at erin@surflight.org.

 

Surflight to Go

Not only does Surflight offer classes to children on-site, they also have a program called “Surflight to Go” a touring group that travels to schools throughout New Jersey offering theatrical/educational performances, providing a virtual field trip on site. For dates, times, and booking information, contact Lucy Crowe at (609) 492-9477 or reach her by email at lucy@surflight.org.

 

Are you impressed yet? Santa Claus they may not be, but Surflight Theatre has developed programs that can easily be classified as a “gift that keeps on giving.”

 

For ticket information for the Mainstage, subscription plans, or the Children’s Threatre, you can call the Box Office at (609-492-9477 or go online at www.surflight.org.

 

Consider being a patron and contributing to the 2008 Annual Fund to provide the resources to help keep Surflight’s programs running. All levels of participation are available and all donations are tax exempt. Sandy Goldsborough at (609) 492-947

 

 

By Elizabeth Fleming
AboutNewJersey.com Travel Writer