Playwright's Daughter And Others Praise East Lynne Theater Company's THE RAINMAKER

On August 1, N. Richard Nash's daughter, Amanda, who lives in Massachusetts, came to see East Lynne Theater Company's "The Rainmaker" and brought four cousins, including Lois, the daughter of Nash's sister Mae, who was the inspiration for "Lizzie" in this comedy-drama. They all loved the play, which again received a standing ovation. Amanda thanked director Gayle Stahlhuth for "bringing this family back to life" in such "a wonderful production." She grew up with this play and the profits from it paid for her college education.

N. Richard Nash (1913-2000) was a dreamer and a philosopher who lived through the Great Depression and World War II. He wrote plays, screenplays, and novels that were on "The New York Times'" Best Seller list

"The Rainmaker" takes place out West in 1930, at the beginning of the drought. A stranger, Starbuck, enters the Curry home, claiming he can make it rain if they pay him $100. The Curry's cattle are dying and ranch hands have been laid off. Starbuck may be the only one who can save the family - or is he a liar and a con man?

This comedy-drama opened on Broadway in 1954; Nash adapted it for the 1956 film and wrote the book based on the play for the musical "110 in the Shade" with Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt.

Audience survey reviews are excellent including from someone younger than 20 from Macomb, IL: "It was very compelling. Thank you for an amazing show!" Another response from Wilmington, DE: "Creative staging. Excellent performances. Beautifully done." And this from Dubai, EAU: "It was great! Well done, actors!"

Like most actors hired by ELTC, most of this cast live in Manhattan or in nearby New York or New Jersey neighborhoods. Taking on the role of Starbuck is Jon Kovach. The Curry family are H.C., played by John Cameron Weber, and his three children: Noah, portrayed by Mark Edward Lang, Jim, played by Jeffrey Smith, and taking on the role of Lizzie, is Veronique Hurley. The deputy and possible suitor for Lizzie is File, played by Mat Labotka. The sheriff who worries about him is portrayed by Jeff Sharkey. Joseph Travers who choreographed the fights for ELTC's "Zorro!" is the fight director.

"The Rainmaker" runs Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM through August 31, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes Street, where the Equity professional award-winning East Lynne Theater Company is in residence. Tickets are $35 for general admission, $30 for seniors and those with disabilities and their support companions, $20 for full-time students and military (active/retired/veteran), and, as always, anyone age 12 and under is free. For information and reservations, call 609-884-5898 or visit eastlynnetheater.org.

Meanwhile, "Tales of the Victorians" continues every Thursday at 4:00 PM through August 15. The August 8 location is Dock Mike's, and on August 15, the final "Tales" for this season, is at the home of Lenore and Martin Bowne.

To post a comment, you must register and login.