East Lynne Theatre Company Announces 2012 Season

The award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company has its usual theater season filled with classic gems, a world premiere, and a radio show.

In March and November, ELTC's popular radio-style adventures returns: "Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Norwood Builder," complete with live sound effects and commercials. The evidence points to a young lawyer as a murderer. Is he being set up? An exciting puzzle for Holmes and Watson.

From June 13 to July 21, it's "Ruth Draper's Company of Characters." Before the solo shows of Lily Tomlin and Whoopi Goldberg, there was the originator of the “character monologue,” Ruth Draper. ELTC is only the second production company to be allowed to produce this incredible material since Draper's death. Performers are Karen Case Cook and Suzanne Dawson.

Next up is "The Poe Mysteries," from July 25 to September 1, a World Premiere, adapted by James Rana based on "Murders of the Rue Morgue," "The Mystery of Marie Roget," and "The Purloined Letter." Follow the adventures of Auguste Dupin as he solves macabre mysteries in Paris of the 1840s, as created by Edgar Allan Poe. A cast of 6 portray 50 characters in these haunting tales. From Oct. 24-28, the show goes to newly formed 600-seat Ocean Professional Theatre in Barnegat.

Then it’s the screwball comedy, "It Pays to Advertise," running from September 19 to October 13. Written by Roi Cooper Mergue and Walter C. Hackett, it was a Broadway hit in 1914, and made into a film with Carole Lombard. The premise – and promise – that anything can be sold in America is at its core, but it also examines the very nature and romance of advertising and its influence. All it takes is one adventurous young man to announce, "Advertising is responsible for everything!" and he and his two friends are off and running in this delightfully sly farce, with a cast of ten.
For the holidays, from November 23 through December 14, it's "Louisa May Alcott's Christmas." Three of Alcott's tales, including the opening of "Little Women" are beautifully brought to life in storytelling fashion by Gayle Stahlhuth. A holiday treat for the whole family.
ELTC's Student Workshop production, "Storybook Theater: An Evening of Fables," is Monday, July 2. Already students are signing up to perform.

Special events are scattered throughout the year and include a playwriting workshop, murder mysteries, a free acting class with Tom Byrn, a silent film festival with live organ accompaniment, and a Grand Ol' Opry evening. With funding through New Jersey Theatre Alliance, ELTC is even bringing the Pushcart Players musical, "Cuentos Del Arbol," to Cape May, admission-free, on Sunday, March 11. Also in March, ELTC is conducting in-school residencies at Glenwood Avenue Elementary School in Wildwood and West Cape May Elementary School.

Season Tickets are available: four tickets for $80.00. Patrons may see four different productions, or bring friends to see one or two shows, use all four for one show, or give tickets to friends! Prices in 2012 are still $30 for general admission; $25 for senior citizens; and $15 for full-time students. To encourage whole families to attend, anyone age 12 and under is still free.

New this year, ELTC is offering Gift Certificates for $25. Certificates may go towards the purchase of a ticket for one of our exciting Mainstage Productions.

Season Tickets and Gift Certificates may be purchased by sending a check to ELTC's office at 121 Fourth Ave., West Cape May, NJ 08204 and through ELTC's website at www.eastlynnetheater.org. For questions, call 609-884-5898.

Throughout the year, ELTC has shows-on-the-road and educational outreach. Anyone interested in placing an ad in next season's playbill or being a Season or Show Sponsor, or volunteering, let the company know. And, being a nonprofit cultural organization, tax-deductible donations are always appreciated.

More Articles by This Author...