East Lynne Theater Comapny's Cape May 2009 Season Tickets Now Available

Not sure what to give someone? Why not the gift of entertainment with East Lynne Theater Company's 2009 Season Tickets? One size fits all and the recipient can choose what days to attend - and even bring friends! Five tickets cost only $90.00, and may be used in any way. Patrons may see every new production, or bring friends to see one or two shows, or use all five for one performance!
As usual, there are five separate tickets in the Season Ticket packet, so individual tickets may actually be given to others for their use. Prices in 2009 are $28 for general admission; $23 for senior citizens; and $13 for full-time students. Season Tickets are a savings of 30%, but must be purchased by July 1.
To encourage whole families to attend, anyone age 12 and under is still free.
ELTC, voted one of the Top Two Equity Professional Theaters in the State in the recent "People's Choice Awards," has its usual season filled with music, a radio show, classic gems and world premieres.
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.
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 84th anniversary of the show's Broadway opening. Gayle Stahlhuth directs the cast of ten, which includes Tiffany-Leigh Moskow from "To the Ladies!" and ELTC newcomer Justin Flagg. 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. Once more, Lee O'Connor and Fred Velde play the famous duo in the six-member cast.
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 African-American slaves to newly-arrived immigrants, adapted and performed by two master storytellers, Stephanie Garrett and Gayle Stahlhuth.
To purchase Season tickets, send a check to ELTC's office at 121 Fourth Ave., West Cape May, NJ 08204, or online through ELTC's web site at www.eastlynnetheater.org. For questions, call 609-884-5898.
The performance venue, except for "Helpful Hints," is The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., with a Wednesday through Saturday schedule, however there are special Sunday performances of "Alice on The Edge" and "Ransom of Red Chief," and "Helpful Hints" runs Thursdays through Sundays.

Photo credit: Gayle Stahlhuth