The Dictator Comes to East Lynne Theater Company 7/28

"I found Pedro Rivas in New York; sent him back to his country, and made him President. My brains. My money. They think I'm only the new American Consul, but when they go to Rivas for a concession, he'll say, 'Have you seen Bowie?' I'm the Dictator of that Republic, and he knows it. I'm the kingmaker, the Warwick, the man behind the throne. Pedro Rivas can be President, but Colonel John T. Bowie is boss."

Colonel Bowie is speaking to his lovely wife, Julia, the day before they land in the Republic of San Manana, Central America, where many surprises await them in Richard Harding Davis's side-splitting farce, "The Dictator." Originally opening on Broadway in 1904, with several other successful NYC runs to follow, East Lynne Theater Company brought this outrageous comedy back to life in 2001. At that time, "The Dictator" had not been produced anywhere in 74 years.

Now, Artistic Director, Gayle Stahlhuth feels the time is right to bring it back. For one thing, patrons have requested its return, and for another, the company is celebrating its 30th Anniversary Year with a blend of world premieres and old favorites. As with all ELTC productions, the humor and situations still speak to the present.

Opening on July 28 with an after-show opening night party at Lucky Bones, 1200 Route 109 South, "The Dictator" runs until September 4, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:30p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St. in Cape May, where the company is in residence.
The cast includes a mix of ELTC favorites and newcomers.

Brad Heikes plays Brooke Travers, a stowaway on the steamer bound for San Manana, who also vies for dictatorship of the small island. Brad was in Roundabout Theatre Company's production of "Pygmalion" with Claire Danes, and has also worked with Alec Baldwin, Robert Sean Leonard, and Scott Ellis in Roundabout's Playreading Series. He's appeared in numerous commercials and films, and played Brendan in "Guiding Light."

Helping Brooke are Charley Hyne, played by Tom Byrn, and Vasques, portrayed by Clifford Rivera. Tom was one of the thieves in ELTC's production of "The Ransom of Red Chief." Recently, he was in the touring production of "Everybody's Hero: The Jackie Robinson Story" and "On Golden Pond" at Act II Playhouse in Ambler, PA. He's worked with other Philadelphia area companies, and, for twelve years, acted and directed at Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in Bloomsburg, PA. Clifford's credits include Vinnie in the NYC production of "Tony and Tina's Wedding," a recurring role in "All My Children," and appearances on "Rescue Me" and "Mercy."

Colonel Bowie and his wife are portrayed by John Cameron Weber and Alison J. Murphy. John played Michael Husted in CBS's "As the World Turns," performed with the Beaux Arts Society and Women's Inner Art Theater in NYC, and has worked in several regional theaters including Cortland Rep in New York and Arrow Rock in Missouri. Alison has worked with American Stage Company and Shakespeare in the Garden, and performs in corporate training and events in the NYC area with Executive Development Concepts. Alison was in the 2001 production of "The Dictator," and both she and John were in last season's "The Butter and Egg Man."

Aside from scrambling to figure out who is running the country, there is also scrambling to see who will fall in love with whom. Lucy Sheridan, played by Tiffany-Leigh Moskow, is on her way to San Manana because she has promised her fellow missionaries that she will marry the Reverend Arthur Bostick, although she hardly knows him. Tiffany was in two ELTC George S. Kaufman productions, and recently played twins in "Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play" at The Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton, FL. Tommy Raniszewsik, playing the reverend, was in last season's "The Butter and Egg Man" and played the title role in "The People of Cape May v. Johan van Buren."

Rounding out the cast of ten are several characters who help to stir up further confusion. General Santos Campos, played by John Alvarez, also wishes to be dictator. John teaches theater at Atlantic Cape Community College and works in many theatrical venues in Cape May County, as a performer, stage manager, director, and playwright. Secret Service Agent Duffy, portrayed by Rob LeMaire, is bent on bringing Brooke to justice. Rob played the same role in "The Dictator" in 2001, and has performed with ELTC in other shows including "You and I," "Sherlock Holmes," and "To the Ladies." Gayle Stahlhuth, who also directs, is taking on the same role she had in 2001 - Juanita, the seniora who believes in fighting for the man she loves - with a very big knife.

Mainstage tickets are $28 general admission; $23 for seniors and those with disabilities and their support companions; and $13 for full-time students. Children ages 12 and under are always free. For information and reservations, call 609-884-5898 or visit the website: www.eastlynnetheater.com. To make a reservation using a credit card, call 866-280-9211.

The twenty-first year of "Tales of the Victorians," where an ELTC performer reads a classic American tale at various Cape May locations during tea-time, continues every Thursday at 4:00p.m. at different venues in Cape May. Tickets are only $10 and ages 12 and under are free. Contact ELTC for information on other locations and for reservations.

The production of "The Dictator" would not be possible without season sponsors Curran Investment Management, Aleathea's Restaurant, La Mer Beachfront Inn, and funding received through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

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