Cast of East Lynne Theater Company's THE RANSOM OF RED CHIEF Tell You About Themselves 8/7

Where else have the actors performed? How does ELTC's artistic director choose a production season? How does an 11-year old boy feel about being onstage four nights a week? And who is O. Henry?

Audience members will have the opportunity to ask these and other questions of the five-member cast of "The Ransom of Red Chief" and the show's adaptor and director, on Friday, Aug. 7, immediately after seeing the Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company's world premiere production of O. Henry's comedy about two people who think kidnapping is simple. As usual with ELTC productions, all the actors are passionate about theater, and they come from different backgrounds.

The two thieves, Bill and Samantha, are played by Tom Byrn and Karen Case Cook. Tom, new to ELTC, recently performed in the world premiere of "Gilgamesh" at Circle of Stones Theatre in Philadelphia. He's worked with other Philadelphia area companies, and, for eleven years, acted and directed at Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in Bloomsburg, PA. Karen, a New York City-based actor and director has worked for several years with ELTC, recently appearing in "You and I," and directing "Alice on The Edge" and "Helpful Hints."
Aidan Koehler, new to ELTC, has performed with Urban Stages and The Looking Glass Theatre in New York City, Vermont Shakespeare Company, and ArtsPower National Touring Theatre. Aidan not only plays several roles in "Ransom," but, as a skilled violinist, supplies the live fiddle-playing for the production.
Rob LeMaire, who portrays "the wealthiest man in town," first performed with ELTC in "The Dictator" in 2001. Other shows followed, including "You and I," "Sherlock Holmes," and "To the Ladies." Accompanying him to many rehearsals and performances was his son, Bobby, who portrays his son in "Ransom." It was after Gayle saw Bobby deliver the opening speech for "Helpful Hints" at The Chalfonte Hotel last season that she asked him if he'd like to play 11-year-old Johnny in "Ransom." Bobby read the story, thought about it, and when he said "yes," Gayle wrote the script.
Bobby's sister, Sara, who recently received the "Best Actress Award" at her school, is assisting stage manager and Technical Director, Lee O'Connor.

"The Ransom of Red Chief" can be seen through Sept. 5 at 8:30p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays, where the company is in residence at The First Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Decatur and Hughes Streets in Cape May. There will be no performance on Thursday, Aug. 27 due to a special ELTC event to help celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Cape May, but a "Ransom" performance has been added on Sunday, Aug. 30.

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 884-5898 or visit the website www.eastlynnetheater.org. New this season: to make a reservation using a credit card, call 866-280-9211.

Another ELTC comedy, "Helpful Hints," is running through Aug. 23 at The Chalfonte Hotel, with a top-ticket price of $23. For reservations and information, contact ELTC. Ticket price is reduced to $18 by dining at The Magnolia Room at The Chalfonte. Contact the restaurant for reservations.
The twentieth year of "Tales of the Victorians" continues every Thursday at 4:00p.m. Tickets are only $10 and ages 12 and under are free. The next few locations are: Aug 6 at The Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard St.; Aug. 13 at The Windward House, 24 Jackson St.; and Aug. 20 at The Victorian Lace Inn, 901 Stockton Ave.

Dinner-and-an-ELTC-Show-Combo is at the following restaurants: Aleathea's, 410 Bank Street, Frescos, The Washington Inn, The Merion Inn, and the Church of the Advent.
The production of "The Ransom of Red Chief" 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, as well as the generosity of many patrons.

Photo:Aidan Koehler, Tom Byrn, Karen Case Cook, Bobby LeMaire, and Rob LeMaire

Photo credit Gayle Stahlhuth