Surflight Theatre files for Chapter 11, hopes to stabilize finances
By DONNA WEAVER, Staff Writer pressofAtlanticCity.com, Feb.15, 16,2011

BEACH HAVEN — The Surflight Theatre announced Tuesday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, despite a community campaign that has raised $350,000.

The theater is struggling under $4 million in debt, and officials hope to use bankruptcy as a way to reorganize their finances, restructure and stabilize the organization, and rebuild its future, a news release said.

A five-person advisory team recommended seeking Chapter 11 protection. The team — comprised of people with entertainment, business and financial backgrounds — made its recommendation based on a six-month review of the theater’s options, the release said.

In turn, the Board of Trustees adopted a two-part plan, Board President Lance Wimmer said.

“First, the Chapter 11 case will address and reduce Surflight’s excessive debt. Second, Surflight will immediately implement an operating plan centered on programming designed to infuse cash quickly to stabilize Surflight’s financial condition and also support the financial restructuring,” Wimmer said.

Wimmer expressed appreciation for the public’s support of the “Save The Surflight” campaign, which has raised more than $350,000, the release said.

“This outpouring of community support has been essential in dealing with the financial struggle to this point,” Wimmer said. The community’s support was in response to an announcement made in September that the 60-year-old theater needed $500,000 to stay open.

“We are grateful to everyone for their efforts and donations over these past few months. We are very encouraged by what the future holds for Surflight, and in turn, we urge everyone to continue supporting the theater by making a tax-deductible donation,” he said.

Despite the latest chapter in the theater’s financial saga, Surflight Producer Roy Miller is going forward with the Surflight’s 62nd season.

Miller, an award-winning Broadway producer, “promises an exciting lineup of shows and concerts that will feature some of Broadway, film and television’s brightest stars,” the release said.

That lineup is expected to be announced soon, the release said. Financial uncertainty delayed the announcement from December, the theater’s website says.

It’s not all bad, though. One sweet note: The theater’s Show Place Ice Cream Parlour — where the staff sings — is slated to reopen this summer.

Educational programs are ongoing, too, the release said.


Contact Donna Weaver:

609-226-9198

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