East Lynne Theater Announces Playwriting and Murder Mystery Weekends

The award-winning East Lynne Theater Company is partnering with The Henry Sawyer for two exciting events in March: A Playwriting Get-Away and a Murder Mystery Weekend.

The Playwriting Get-Away, on March 2 and 3, focuses on the "Ten-Minute Play." In 1990, The Actors Theatre of Louisville added the "Ten-Minute Play" to its annual Humana Festival. Since then, other theaters have followed suit, finding it an excellent way to discover new playwrights. Using exercises to trigger the imagination, participants will be encouraged to create ten-minute plays during three workshop sessions, culminating in readings of these works read aloud by ELTC company members. East Lynne Theater Company's Artistic Director Gayle Stahlhuth is heading up the workshop. She has taught in a variety of settings throughout the country, received commissions from the Smithsonian Institution and other organizations, and theaters that have produced her works include Manhattan Theatre Club and Pennsylvania Stage Company.

Not only are the rooms at The Henry Sawyer Inn conducive to the quiet needed for writing, but the parlor and the dining room will be available for individual use, as well as for the locations for the workshops. Cost is $399 for 2 people and $299 for one (plus tax), which includes accommodations, breakfast, afternoon tea and treats for two nights, and the workshop fee.

The Murder Mystery Weekend, on March 23 and 24, allows guests to try their hand at solving a murder mystery with an experienced retired Philadelphia police detective, Frank Smith, who gives just enough information to get sleuthing skills going. Packages include Friday night appetizers at the Henry Sawyer Inn, dinner at one of Cape May’s fine restaurants, breakfasts at the inn, and a dessert reception on Saturday evening – all while guests continue to gather clues to solve the crime. Cost is $329 for two people (plus tax) in a deluxe room; upgrade to a two-room suite for an additional $50.

Reservations for both weekends are made through The Henry Sawyer Inn by calling (800) 449-5667 or going online to henrysawyerinn@verizon.net. For detailed information about the events, contact East Lynne Theater Company by calling (609) 884-5898 or online at www.eastlynnetheater.org

Several ELTC productions are on the road during the winter,and ELTC is very active during the month of March in Cape May. "Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Norwood Builder" returns on March 17 and 18. With financial help from New Jersey Theatre Alliance's "Stages Festival," ELTC is bringing Pushcart Players bilingual show, "Cuertos Del Arbol" ("Tree Tales") for an admission-free performance on March 11, and actor/director Tom Byrn will be teaching a free acting class for adults on March 23. ELTC's artists-in-residence are working in two schools, culminating in performances that are free, and open to the public. The schools are Glenwood Avenue School in Wildwood (funding from Target) and the West Cape May Elementary School (funding from New Jersey Theatre Alliance’s "Stages Festival.")

Contact ELTC for information about any of the above events as well as the 2012 season, season tickets, group sales, educational outreach, and touring productions.

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