Issue #2
The Heat of the Season
It’s only been a few weeks since my last dispatch, yet the summer season is already in full swing here on Long Beach Island.
- 9 to 5 opened and closed to enthusiastic houses!
- We opened 42nd Street and we have shows until July 27th
- The Children’s Theatre series launched! Delighting families and adding an extra dash of magic to the island’s bustling days.
Rehearsals are officially underway for West Side Story, and we’re thrilled to be working under the expert direction and choreography of Elizabeth Troxler. Starting a new creative journey with a director who’s not only deeply passionate about the material but also genuinely cares for her cast makes the process that much more meaningful.
At the same time, we’re in full swing with performances of 42nd Street, and I often catch myself thinking about how lucky I am to be part of a dream show. I’m featured in the ensemble—and to top it off, I have the incredible opportunity to understudy Peggy Sawyer, one of my all-time dream roles. Getting to learn Peggy’s track is such a gift, and I know I’ll carry this experience with me whether or not I get the chance to go on during this run.
As a tap lover, this show is an absolute treat—four full tap numbers! But behind all the glamour is some real backstage madness. I have nine quick changes and a whopping thirteen shoe changes throughout the show, many of which happen in under a minute. Thankfully, our amazing wardrobe crew is right there with us every step of the way. They are the unsung heroes who make the magic happen behind the scenes, and we’re endlessly grateful for them.
With holiday crowds arriving and houses growing fuller by the day, the energy in the theatre is electric. I can’t wait to share every beat, tap, and joyous surprise with you throughout the rest of the season.
Paula Hammons Sloan, our incredible director and choreographer from Top Hat, is also leading the charge for 42nd Street. She’s been guiding us through one dazzling number after another—this show is packed with high-energy choreography, and it’s truly a tap-dancing spectacle you won’t want to miss.
Credits for 42nd Street’s production include:
Director/Choreographer: Paula Hammons Sloan
Music Director: Matty Mitchell
Assistant Music Directors: August Walker, Julia Zusi
Scenic Designer: Jeff Weigel
Lighting Designer: Anthony Marinaro
Sound Designer: Ian Wehrle
Props Designer: Sam Wardisiani
Costume Designer: Keith Schneider
Production Stage Manager: Kathryn Ronan
Assistant Stage Managers: Luciana Garza, Grace Ellett
Producing Artistic Director: Steve Steiner
Casting Director: Gail Anderson
In case you need a refresher of Surflight’s season, I listed the dates of each mainstage show, including the fall and winter season. I also listed the Children’s Theatre shows as well!
🎭Upcoming Shows
The Main Stage
42nd Street (July 8th-27th)
West Side Story (July 29th-August 17th)
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (August 19th-September 7th)
Calendar Girls (September 10th-21st)
On Golden Pond (September 25th-October 5th)
Tru (October 9th-12th)
Elf (November 29th-December 21st)
Children's Theatre
Peter Pan (June 25th-29th & July 30th-August 3rd)
Snow White (July 2nd-6th, no show July 4th)
The Wizard of Oz (July 9th-13th & August 6th-10th)
The Little Mermaid (July 16th-20th & August 20th-24th)
The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition (July 23rd-27th & August 13th-17th)
Cinderella (August 27th-31st)
Our second interviewee of the summer is Riley Bannister! Riley is a rising senior at Western Michigan University with a BFA in musical theatre with a minor in dance. Riley is performing in Top Hat, 9 to 5, 42nd Street (as Anytime Annie) and West Side Story (as Graziella) this summer!
What is your favorite role(s) you’ve ever played?
Ensemble and Dance Captain in Pippin! The company of Pippin created a cultivating environment to play and create.
What’s your dream role/show?
Charity in Sweet Charity be a dream!
What do you like to do on your day off?
Go to the beach and sometimes make a trip to the mainland.
Favorite food on the island?
Chicken Caesar Wrap from Jersey Girl
What are you most excited about in Surlight’s season this year?
I’m really looking forward to 42nd Street because I get to play a role in a professional setting which is really exciting!
Thank you for reading and supporting the Surflight Theatre!
On behalf of the entire cast, crew, volunteers, and leadership team — we sincerely thank you for supporting Surflight Theatre. Your presence makes what we do possible!
Looking forward to checking back in later this Summer 🙂
– Lexie