East Lynne Theatre Co. Announces SHERLOCK HOLMES and Fundraising Gala

"Mr. Holmes, I am under such a strain that I shall go mad if it continues," said Enid to the master detective. Thus begins a race against time for Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to stop the bizarre murders in an eerie country manor in "The Adventure of the Speckled Band."

Before television, families gathered around the radio to listen to the latest news, dramas, comedies, and music. Performed "radio-style" with live sound effects and commercials, the Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company presents "Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Speckled Band" on Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4 at 8:00 PM, with two special school matinees on Tuesday, November 7.

Based on the famous story penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his play "The Stoner Case," this version, adapted by Craig Wichman, received the National Federation of Community Broadcasters' "Gold Reel" for Radio Drama Award. "The Speckled Band" launched "Sherlock Holmes" on NBC radio in October, 1930, written and produced by Edith Meiser. The popular series lasted until 1950.

Portraying Holmes and Watson are once again Lee O'Connor and Fred Velde, with Marty McDonough, Susan Tischler and Gayle Stahlhuth playing multiple roles, along with Rob LeMaire, who also operates the sound effects.

Lee first portrayed Holmes in ELTC's William Gillette's "Sherlock Holmes" and has become one of the main storytellers for the company's "Tales of the Victorians," most recently performing in "Poe by Candlelight." Fred, who was in ELTC's "Anna Christie," "Rain," "Dulcy," and "The Poe Mysteries," has appeared in over fifty shows in NYC, including the off-Broadway revival of Mae West's "Sex." Marty performed in ELTC's "Nothing Matters," "Rain," and "Strictly Dishonorable," and recently performed several shows at NYC's Metropolitan Playhouse. He's the voice of a variety of ads, animations and video games, and his film work includes being a regular on "The Chappelle Show." Susan Tischler was commissioned by ELTC to write and perform "Helpful Hints" based on Mae Savell Croy's "Putnam's Household Handbook," and recently performed in "Wreck of the Spanish Armada" for SPQR at its new Cape May theater space. Gayle Stahlhuth, who directed, just produced her 100th show for ELTC since becoming its artistic director in 1999 and recently performed in "Poe by Candlelight." Rob, who's appeared in several ELTC shows, including "The Dictator" and "Ah, Wilderness!," is the company's Education Director and heads up ELTC's Student Summer Workshop. Currently, he's directing Ocean City High School's production of "Stage Door."

Performances are at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes Street, where ELTC is in residence. Tickets are $27; $17 for students and military (active/retired/veteran); and ages 12 and under are free. Call 609-884-5898 for information and reservations, or visit eastlynnetheater.org.

On Monday, November 6, ELTC celebrates "The Roaring Twenties," complete with dinner and a show in a speakeasy atmosphere at Aleathea's Restaurant at The Inn of Cape May. Guests are encouraged to come in costume. Mark Edward Lang, who has performed in several shows for ELTC including the recent "Ah, Wilderness!," portrays the speakeasy's manager, assisted by Rob LeMaire. Live music is provided by Chris Sooy and Lew London on piano and violin, with Jennie Bissell and Jared Noah Aronoff singing and dancing musical favorites from the era. Jared played Wint in "Ah, Wilderness!" and Jennie took on several roles in ELTC's recent world premiere, "A Year in the Trenches."

The gala begins at 5:30 PM with hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. At 6:00 PM dinner is served, and at 7:00 PM, the entertainment begins. There is also a silent auction, the raffle for the Great Escape Vacation (tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting the office), and the recipient of the Historic Jackson Street Neighborhood Association Scholarship Fund will be announced.

Aleathea's is located at 7 Ocean Street. Cost is $75, and reservations may be made by calling ELTC at 609-884-5898, or mailing checks to East Lynne Theater Company, 121 Fourth Ave., West Cape May, NJ 08204, or by visiting www.eastlynnetheater.org, under the NEWS heading. All proceeds go to the not-for-profit East Lynne Theater Company to support the production season and educational outreach.

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