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EAST LYNNE THEATER COMPANY, voted one of the Top Two Equity Professional theaters in “The People’s Choice Awards” sponsored by Discover Jersey Arts, has delighted audiences since 1980 with American Classics and World Premieres. Artistis work together to create quality productions not seen anywhere else. Programs include Cape May, NJ Production Season (from June-Dec. and March), Touring Shows (ranging from Paul Robeson to NBC-style radio shows), and Educational Outreach (in-school residencies to Elderhostels.)
REVIEW BY TERRY TEACHOUT, "THE WALL STREET JOURNAL," 9/0908
"Unlike the usual summer-theater mix of straight plays and small-scale musicals, the East Lynne Theater Company specializes in shows that "deal with the uniquely American experience," including revivals of forgotten American plays from the first half of the 20th century. This year, the company has exhumed "To the Ladies!," a 1922 comedy by George S. Kaufman and Marc Connelly. All Kaufman-Connelly revivals are rare, but "To the Ladies!" hasn't been staged anywhere since 1926, which makes this production significant by definition. To be sure, I expected that "To the Ladies!" would be a historical curiosity, but it turns out to be thoroughly likable, well-directed, and with an excellent cast.”
2009 CAPE MAY SEASON
From June 17-July 25, its "Alice on the Edge," four deliciously witty one-acts by cutting-edge playwright Alice Gerstenberg, including "Overtones," one of the most talked about plays of the 1915 Broadway season, featuring for the first time on stage, the interplay of two characters and their alter egos. Karen Case Cook directs with ELTC favorites Suzanne Dawson, Mark Edward Lang, Shelley McPherson, Alison J. Murphy, and Gayle Stahlhuth in the cast.
On Tues., July 7, it's a free performance of the Student production of "Hans Brinker" based on Mary Mapes Dodge’s 1865 book about an ice-skating race in the Netherlands and the silver skates that are the prize.
Next up is "The Ransom of Red Chief," running from July 29-Sept. 5, a world premiere based on the popular O. Henry tale, adapted by Gayle Stahlhuth, who also directs. Two thieves think all they have to do is capture a young boy and demand a ransom for his return. Oh, if it were that simple. This production is riddled with O. Henry stories and passages, along with Appalachian fiddle playing by Aidan Koehler. Joining her in the cast are Tom Byrn, Karen Case Cook, Rob LeMaire, and 11-year old Bobby LeMaire, who's greeted many patrons at ELTC productions. Gayle created this adaptation with him in mind.
Last year's ELTC comedy hit "Helpful Hints" is back at The Chalfonte Hotel from Aug. 6-23. Susan Tischler, who also performs, adapted "Putnam's Household Handbook" (1916) into a show that explains everything from cleaning the stove and clothes with kerosene, to leaving babies outside when they cry. Directed by Karen Case Cook.
From Sept. 23-Oct. 24, is "The Butter and Egg Man," by Pulitzer Prize-winner George S. Kaufman. Last season's "To the Ladies!" garnered a rave review in "The Wall Street Journal," why not bring another Kaufman back! Before Mel Brooks' 1968 film "The Producers," there was Kaufman's 1925 hit about two producers who need funding for their Broadway show. Opening night, Sept. 23, is the 83rd anniversary of the show's Broadway opening. Gayle Stahlhuth directs the cast of ten. Many who met Anne Kaufman, the playwright's daughter, last year, are eager to see her again. She, too, is excited about coming back to Cape May to see another of her father's plays and meet fellow theater lovers at an after-show Q&A, TBD.
On Nov. 6 and 7, and again in March, ELTC's popular Sherlock Holmes' radio-style adventure returns. This time, it's "Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle," adapted by Craig Wichman, in which Holmes and Watson try to discover how a precious blue stone came to be in a goose on Christmas Eve.
The world premiere "Christmas in Black and White," performs on Nov. 27, 28, Dec. 6, 11 and 12. Its Christmas from the point of view of freed slaves to newly-arrived immigrants, adapted and performed by two master storytellers, Stephanie Garrett and Gayle Stahlhuth.
To purchase Season tickets and per-show tickets go to ELTC's web site. Ticket range $13-$28 and ages 12 and under always free. Location: ELTC is in residence at The First Presbyterian Church, Cape May, NJ. Phone: 609-884-5898.
TALES OF THE VICTORIANS
Hear short-story classics read on B&B porches as you take tea! Time:4:00 pm, Thurs. in the summer and Sat. in the fall. Contact ELTC for location and reservations.
SAVE MONEY WITH EAST PACKAGES!
Aleathea’s at The Inn of Cape May
410 Bank Street Restaurant
Frescos - A Seafood Trattoria
The Magnolia Room at The Chalfonte Hotel
The Washington Inn
The Henry Sawyer Inn: www.henrysawyerinn.com
The Victorian Lace Inn: www.victorianlaceinn.com