East Lynne Theater Company

Cape May's Home of American Stage Classics!  The East Lynne Theater Company was founded in 1980 to produce provocative classics and history-based contemporary entertainment that deal with the uniquely American experience.  The Equity professional actors, directors, musicians, and designers work together throughout the year to create quality productions not seen anywhere else.

Shows run Wednesdays through Saturdays unless otherwise noted.
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May
Tickets (except as noted): $30 general; $25 senior (age 62); $15 students; ages 12 and under free!

2013 SEASON

March 15-16: Fri.-Sat. at 8 pm: Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Norwood Builder.  ELTC's exciting 1930 radio-style adventure returns, complete with live sound effects and commercials.  Adaptation is by Gayle Stahlhuth, based on the story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Inspector Lestrade is convinced that a young lawyer committed murder. But did he, or is he being set up and if so - why? Another adventure for Holmes and Watson! Tickets: $25 general; $15 students; age 12 and under free

June 12-July 20: Wed.-Sat. at 8:30 pm (except no show on Thurs., July 4; added show on Sun. July 7): (NJ Premiere): Lost on the Natchez Trace.  The year is 1825 and slave auctioneer Malcolm Jeters is headed home when he falls from his mule in Mississippi's Natchez Trace.  Injured and starving, he yells for help.  The only one who appears, is a runaway slave.  The question is, who will save whom?  Written by Jan Buttram, this compelling new play premiered at Abingdon Theatre Company in NYC in 2012. 

July 24-Aug. 31: Wed.-Sat. at 8:30 pm: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (World Premiere).  The townsfolk of Sleepy Hollow believe that the headless body of a Hessian soldier astride his horse haunts their isolated village.  When Ichabod Crane suddenly disappears, is it the fault of the Headless Horseman, or something else?  Washington Irving’s supernatural story is adapted by James Rana who so vividly created ELTC’s last season’s The Poe Mysteries, with a cast of six playing many roles to bring the tale to life. (From Oct. 23-27, the production goes to the 600-seat Ocean Professional Theatre in Barnegat.)

Sept. 18-Oct. 13: Wed.-Sat. at 8 pm (except no show on Wed. Oct. 9; added show on Sun. Oct. 13 at 7:30 pm):  The Late Christopher Bean. After his death, Bean is heralded as “not merely a great American artist, but one of the greatest masters of all time,” and the art world now wants his work. But did a New England family destroy his paintings, misplace them, or hide them?  A 1932 Broadway hit written by Pulitzer-prize winner Sidney Howard, with a cast of nine. “It’s a play that has remained fresh and funny, proving once again that a strong script is rarely tarnished by time.” - Ken Jaworowski, “New York Times” (2009)  

Nov. 1-2: Fri.-Sat. at 8 pm: Holmes and Carter Mysteries.  ELTC’s popular vintage-radio style production, complete with live sound effects and commercials, with two great detectives! Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Copper Beeches about a governess in peril, and Nick Carter and the Strange Dr. Devolo, in which Manhattan millionaires are missing. The Nick Carter Detective character, copyright, and trademarks are owned by Conde Nast. Used with permission.
Tickets: $25 general; $15 students; age 12 and under free

Nov. 29-Dec. 14 at 8 pm:  Christmas with Harte and O. Henry.   Christmas tales from the old West written by Bret Harte and O. Henry, presented in storytelling fashion by Artistic Director Gayle Stahlhuth, who has been praised by reviewers and audience alike for her portrayals of 30-plus roles in the telling of one tale. (Fri. & Sat. Nov. 29, 30; Sun. Dec. 8, Thur. Dec. 12, Fri. Dec. 13 & Sat. Dec. 14 at 8pm; Saturday Matinees on Nov. 30 and Dec. 14 at 2pm)      
Tickets: $25 general; $15 students; age 12 and under free.