Issue #1
2025 Season Kick-Off
Hello! My name is Lexie Brown, and if you’ve visited Surflight Theatre during the 2023 or 2024 summer seasons, there’s a good chance you’ve seen me on stage.
It’s wild to think that just two years ago, I was a sophomore at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, juggling school and a brand-new job at my local Trader Joe’s. On only my third shift, I received an email from the wonderful casting director Gail Anderson offering me a contract to perform professionally at Surflight Theatre. Needless to say, I traded in my Hawaiian shirt for rehearsal clothes—and just like that, my first summer stock journey began. What I didn’t expect at the time was that Surflight would become such a meaningful artistic home—one I’ve been fortunate enough to return to for three consecutive summers.
🎭Upcoming Shows
Top Hat: The Musical
The North American Premiere!
The 2025 summer season is shaping up to be another incredible one! We are currently in shows for Top Hat: The Musical, a charming adaptation of the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film. Set to the sounds of the 1930s and featuring iconic numbers like “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and “Cheek to Cheek,” this show is full of classic tap dancing and old-Hollywood magic.
This production marks the North American premiere of Top Hat. It’s truly an honor to be part of such a special moment in theatrical history.
✨ Highlights from this dazzling production:
- 🎩 Classic elegance — A tribute to the golden age of Hollywood musicals
- 🕺 Stunning choreography — Featuring tap, Latin partnering, and ballroom
- 🎤 Vocals that wow — Isaiah Mayhew & Deanna Doyle light up the stage
- 😂 On-stage comedy — Real-life couple Erin & Tyler Fish deliver big laughs
- 💃 Scene-stealing flair — Taylor Mitchell’s Beddini brings bold humor
- 🧥 Sharp wit — John Little’s Bates offers clever one-liners
As a proud member of the ensemble, I have the joy of performing in a variety of dance styles including tap, Latin partnering, and ballroom. Paula Hammond Sloan’s choreography and staging are nothing short of genius—her creative vision makes every number a visual treat.
If you’re looking for an evening of timeless elegance, lively dance, and sparkling performances, Top Hat is a show you won’t want to miss!
Up Next!
Next in our season is 9 to 5, the Broadway adaptation of Dolly Parton’s hit film — a hilarious and heartfelt celebration of women reclaiming power in the workplace. We are currently in rehearsals for this show when we’re not performing in Top Hat. Kelli Barclay is our director/choreographer, and I’m excited to see what her vision of this show is going to become.
Here’s what’s coming up this season at Surflight Theatre:
- 💼 9 to 5 — Bold, funny, and empowering. A workplace revolution set to Dolly Parton’s unforgettable score.
- 👯♀️ 42nd Street — A tap-heavy Broadway classic that follows a small-town girl chasing big dreams.
- 💔 West Side Story — A timeless tale of love and rivalry in 1950s New York, reimagining Romeo & Juliet through powerful music and dance.
- 🎸 Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story — Rock out with the story of one of music’s earliest legends and his lasting legacy.
Each production brings something unique to the stage, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of this journey. Stay tuned as we bring these stories to life!
Over the summer, I will be interviewing cast members so that you can meet the person behind the faces you see on stage.
Our first interviewee is Makayla LaBode! Makayla is a rising senior at Fairleigh Dickinson as a BA musical theatre major. She is in the ensemble for Top Hat, 9 to 5, 42nd Street, and West Side Story (understudying Maria) this season. She was also in last year’s season with me in South Pacific, Footloose, and Titanic!
What is your favorite role(s) you’ve ever played?
Ella in Cinderella and Mona in A Class Act. Ella is something completely different than anything I’ve ever played before which was a very fun challenge to take on. The cast of A Class Act is what made my experience very enjoyable so I ended up loving this show more than I thought I would.
What’s your dream role/show?
Satine in Moulin Rouge or to even be in the ensemble would be a dream.
What do you like to do on your day off?
Sleep in, go to the beach and hang out with my friends in the cast!
Favorite food on the island?
Cali Wrap from Pearl Street Market.
What are you most excited about in Surlight’s season this year?
To perform in West Side Story. It is such a dream show of mine as a Latina girl and I’m so grateful that I get to tell this beautiful story and to work with Liz Troxler as our director/choreographer.
Makayla and I are beyond thrilled to be part of another season at Surflight, and I can’t wait to share these stories with our audiences.
Below, you can find the link to the Surflight Theatre website to purchase tickets for the season. Whether you’re a returning supporter or visiting for the first time, I hope you’ll join us for a summer filled with music, movement, and a whole lot of heart.
Also, follow my upcoming blogs throughout the summer for updates!
– Lexie