Well, the adage is, "The show must go on." If one Ocean County artistic troupe prevails, it will go on in Beach Haven.

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Principals in investors of the Barnegat-based Ocean Professional Theatre Company place their offer to pull the iconic Surflight Theater on Long Beach Island from the throes of bankruptcy.

Information issued by Ocean Professional Theatre Productions Manager Gail Anderson says that the bid, "in excess of the $1.9 million that TD Bank holds in a mortgage as the first lien holder," is the group's third to attorney Jack McDonald, overseeing the Surflight's Chapter 7 proceedings.

Ocean Professional Theatre Artistic Director Steve Steiner and Chief Financial Officer Robert Van Naarden would continue in those capacities at Surflight if the offer takes root.

Steiner's team also includes Anderson, Assistant Artistic Director Andrew Foote, and Education Director Paula Hammons Sloan. Steiner served as Surflight's artistic director before launching OPTC in 2010.

Their concern, as outlined in the release, is the possibility that the building would give way to new residences.

"While having already offered two proposals to the Trustee, at present it appears the Trustee has rejected these offers and may try to entice a developer to buy the property for building homes or condominiums. Clearly the Borough of Beach Haven along with the other towns on LBI have been very supportive of saving the Surflight and would oppose any such potential development especially in light of the very special place the Surflight has in the hearts and minds of the residents of LBI. Also, LBI needs the tremendous economic benefit Surflight brings to the community through theatergoers making purchases in many of the retails shops and restaurants on LBI."

They're urging residents, vacationers and theatergoers to contact his office.

OPTC maintains a mailing address in Manahawkin and contact details on its web page.

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