Meet East Lynne's LOST ON THE NATCHEZ TRACE Cast and Director at After-Show Q&A, 6/21

Meet the cast and director in the award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company's production of "Lost on the Natchez Trace" on Friday, June 21 at an after-show Q&A. It's a wonderful opportunity for theater lovers to learn about actors and directors, and why they do what they do and how they do it.

Artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth and technical director Lee O'Connor live in Manhattan when they're not working in Cape May, which gives them the opportunity to see a variety of theatrical productions. In February 2012, they attended Abingdon Theatre Company's "Lost on the Natchez Trace," and Gayle asked playwright Jan Buttram if she'd like to make a few changes and have it produced in Cape May. Although Gayle and Jan have known each other for over thirty years, they've never worked together. Gayle has helmed East Lynne Theater Company for fifteen years, and Jan is in her twentieth year of serving as artistic director of Abingdon, which she co-founded.

Not every playwright gets the opportunity for another production with a new director and cast. Not only were there changes in the original dialogue, but a third character was added.

"Lost on the Natchez Trace" takes place in 1825, when the land was a wilderness. On his way home from Louisiana, Malcolm Jeters is thrown from his mule. He yells for help. A woman sees him, but runs away. Soon, Tom, a runaway slave appears. But is he there to help - or not?

Tom Byrn portrays Malcolm and has appeared in several ELTC productions including "The Dictator," "The Ransom of Red Chief," "It Pays to Advertise," and "He and She," for which he received an excellent notice in "The Wall Street Journal." Recently, he appeared in "The Trip to Bountiful" at People's Light & Theatre outside Philadelphia. He has worked with theater companies in Philadelphia, Ohio, and New York, and was an ensemble member at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble for eleven years. Last year he also taught several theater workshops for ELTC.

Leon Morgan takes on the role of the runaway slave. He's performed in NYC, most recently in the Off-Broadway production of "Gym Short," and in several independent films including "Transatlantic Coffee."

Stephanie Garrett portrays a woman who appears on the Natchez Trace. She was in ELTC's "Christmas in Black and White" and "Rain," and is one of ELTC's popular performers for "Tales of the Victorians."

ELTC presents this fascinating and provocative play from June 12 through July 20 at 8:30 p.m. It is the usual Wednesdaythrough Saturday schedule, except there is no show on Thursday, July 4, and an added show on Sunday, July 7.

The performances are at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St., where the company is in residence. Tickets are $30 for general admission; $25 for seniors (ages 62 and over); and $15 for full-time students. Season tickets are available through June 30: four shows for only $80.

For information and reservations, call 884-5898 or go online to www.eastlynnetheater.org. ELTC partners with the following restaurants for further savings: Aleathea's, The Washington Inn, 410 Bank Street, and Frescos. While staying at The Henry Sawyer Inn or The Victorian Lace Inn, ELTC tickets may be purchased for $20.

Pictured: Leon Morgan and Stephanie Garrett in a rehearsal shot from East Lynne Theater Company's "Lost on the Natchez Trace." Photo credit: Gayle Stahlhuth.

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