East Lynne Theater Company's 2018 Season Continues In May

The award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company continues its 2018 Mainstage Season in May. This year's theme is women reaching for "The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars."

Back by popular demand is "A Year in the Trenches," running from May 16 - 26. A cast of six play many roles, and live music from the period is performed throughout. Written by James Rana, it's based on Charles Edward Dilkes (1887-1968) book "Remembering World War I: An Engineer's Diary of the War," and other historical sources.

On opening night, May 16, tickets are "Pay What You Can" as a thank you to so many in the Cape May County community who helped the theater after fire destroyed ELTC's office and the personal home of artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth and technical director Lee O'Connor.

A special event is on Monday, June 4 at The Inn of Cape May: "An Evening with Amy Beach." Lillie Gardner will perform piano compositions by Beach (1867-1944), who was the first female composer to have her symphony performed by a major orchestra. A reception immediately follows the performance. WWFM is recording the concert for a future broadcast on one of David Osenberg's radio shows.

Next up is "On the Sunny Side of the Street" from June 13 - July 21, a world premiere musical revue featuring the lyrics of Dorothy Fields. She wrote over 400 songs, including "The Way You Look Tonight" with Jerome Kern, for which they won the 1936 Academy Award for Best Song. "Sweet Charity" with music by Cy Coleman, is just one of the fifteen Broadway shows she helped to create. Charles Gilbert, who was the musical director and accompanist for ELTC's "Rodgers' Romance," is once more working with ELTC.

The Student Summer Workshop returns in June and July, with Robert LeMaire directing "Hans Brinker." The admission-free performance is on July 2. Contact the theater for application forms for students ages 10 - 16.

From July 25 - Sept. 1, it's "Arsenic and Old Lace," in which two charming sisters populate their cellar with The Remains of "acceptable" lodgers and one of their nephews thinks he's Teddy Roosevelt, while another is running from the law. Written by Joseph Kesselring, this 1941 Broadway comedy hit is family entertainment at its looniest.

On Sunday, August 12, is another special event: "We'll Meet Again: The Songs of WWII," at the Henry Sawyer Room at The Chalfonte Hotel. Patricia Durante sings the iconic songs of WWII such as "We'll Meet Again," "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," and "The White Cliffs of Dover," while putting the songs in their historical context. There is a reception after the show.

"Silent Sky," a NJ premiere, takes to the stage from September 19 - October 13. Written by Lauren Gunderson, this is the true story of Henrietta Leavitt (1868-1921), an astronomer in the early 1900's who measured the light and distance of stars, as she balanced earthly obligations. This year marks the 150th anniversary of her birth.

In time for Halloween, on October 20 and 21, is "Poe by Candlelight," in which ELTC actors read their favorite stories by the master of the macabre, and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," a classic silent horror film with Wayne Zimmerman accompanying on the organ.

On October 26 - 27 and November 2 - 3, Holmes and Watson race against time to stop murders in a country manor in "Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Speckled Band." It's a radio-style production, with live sound effects and commercials, based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, adapted by Craig Wichman.

From November 23 to December 8, it's "O. Henry's Christmas Tales." The stories are adapted and performed by Gayle Stahlhuth, who brings to life thirty-plus characters in her memorized, unique tour-de-force storytelling style.

"Tales of the Victorians," in partnership with various Cape May businesses, begins on Thursday, June 14 at Kaleidoscope, on the Washington Street Mall. ELTC actors read classic short stories, while the audience is also treated to refreshments.

ELTC is in residence at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes Street, and most performances run Wednesday through Saturday with an 8:00 PM curtain, except "On the Sunny Side of the Street," which has an 8:30 PM curtain. For information and reservations, call 609-884-5898 or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org. Season Tickets are $100 for four shows and must be purchased by June 30. To purchase, send a check to ELTC at PO Box 121, Cape May, NJ 08204, or visit ELTC's website.

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