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Friday, May 28, 2010

"What is Art? Nature concentrated..."- Come see for yourself on June 7.

"Let It Be Art" is the title of Ronald Rand's internationally acclaimed play that is part of the Second Stage program coming to Cape May Stage on June 7, 2010. Ronald Rand portrays Harold Clurman, the great critic, director and acting teacher. The play was chosen because of the thematic link to Charles Evered’s play "Class" that is currently on stage. Directed by Roy Steinberg, "Class" stars Heather Matarazzo and Thaao Penghlis and is the story of an acting student seeking instruction from a master acting teacher and how both learn lessons far beyond acting. Clurman was concerned with elevating theatre to an art - he examined the difference between the poetic and prosaic in theatre. Artists and philosophers have pondered the meaning of art for centuries.

Balzac said "What is art? Nature concentrated…" while Beethoven mused "Art? Who comprehends her? With whom can one consult concerning this great goddess?" Modern playwrights like Brecht have exclaimed, "Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it." Philosophers have had widely differing thoughts about art starting with Aristotle who wrote, "All art is concerned with coming into being...." through Goethe who famously intoned "Art is long, life is short, judgment difficult, opportunity transient..." and finally Malraux who penned, "All art is a revolt against man's fate."

Audiences in Cape May are invited to come up with their own opinions after viewing "Let It Be Art" on June 7. Like the character of Elliot in "Class", Ronald Rand is a master acting teacher and will be leading a workshop called "The Art of Transformation" on June 8. The workshop costs $35 for adults and $25 for students with a special $5 savings for those who see the show and take the workshop. All of these tickets are available at capemaystage.com.



There are only two weeks left to see the world premiere of "Class" with Heather Matarazzo (from "Welcome to the Dollhouse" and "The Women on Broadway) and Thaao Penghlis (the Emmy nominated actor from "Days of Our Lives" and "Mission Impossible”). Come see what the whole town is talking about!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

"Let It Be Art!" -- Don't you just love the sound of that?!

Many of those who saw the screening of "Adopt A Sailor" last Monday, identified a theme in Charles Evered's work that was also apparent in Cape May Stage's production of "Class": an innocent or student changes the life of a sophisticate or teacher. "Class" tells the story of a master acting teacher and how a mysterious student transforms his life. Master acting teachers begin with Stanislavski in Russia and pick up in the United States with Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, Sandy Meisner, Robert Lewis, Harold Clurman and Uta Hagen. "The Fervent Years" by Harold Clurman tells the story of the Group Theatre where most of the aforementioned teachers had some affiliation. Harold Clurman founded the Group Theatre and the Second Stage is proud to bring Ronald Rand's internationally acclaimed production of "Let It Be Art" to the Robert Shackleton Playhouse on June 7th. Ronald Rand plays Harold Clurman in a tour-de-force production that will entertain as well as enlighten. Mr. Rand is also a well-known acting teacher who has traveled the globe with his workshop called "The Art of Transformation". There is a special package offered that saves people five dollars if they sign up for both the show and the workshop. The workshop is $35 for adults and $25 for students. The show is $20 general admission with a special $12.50 admission for students. These opportunities don't come along very often. Anyone interested in performing or even knowing about how performers craft their work should be at this workshop! The Second Stage brings world-class artists to Cape May. How extraordinary to find this program in our own backyard!

The Second Stage is also producing Thaao Penghlis' "Journeys" on May 24th which will shortly be a television series. Thaao has traveled to sacred sites around the world and has encountered people and places that are not in any tourist guidebook. Come discover what he has experienced. Some of it is very funny and all of it is fascinating! And because of the intimacy of our playhouse, you’ll have the opportunity to ask this Emmy nominated actor questions. You'll gain special insight when you later see it on television.

Cape May Stage is thankful to PNC Arts Alive for sponsoring a special senior matinee on May 30 for the world premiere of "Class". Everyone is talking about this special play with two bravura performances. Seniors enjoy a special discount for this May 30th matinee!

Soon the Second Stage will expand the programming to include comics and cabaret artists. Right now we are complimenting our main-stage production with programs that give even more insight into the subject of the play and the artists performing in it!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

The World Premiere play, Class, by Charles Evered opens May 14!


The opening production of Cape May Stage previews on May 14th and promises to bring this already lauded company to new heights! Charles Evered has chosen Cape May Stage to mount the world premiere of "CLASS" over much larger and wealthier companies because of what he saw last season. There is a reason Cape May Stage was chosen the "Best Theatre in Cape May County" by capemay.com and "Cape May Magazine". This opening production is directed by Artistic Director Roy Steinberg and features two prominent actors from the world of feature films, Broadway and television. Heather Matarazzo has appeared in scores of feature films as well as television and Broadway. Thaao Penghlis was nominated for an Emmy for his work on "Days of Our Lives" and is well known for his film and television work.

The author will be at opening night on May 15th and will remain in Cape May so that he can be at the Second Stage Series opening program on Monday, May 17th. On that night, Cape May Stage will partner with the Cape May Film Society to screen Charles Evered's feature film "Adopt A Sailor" with Bebe Neuwirth and Peter Coyote. Charles Evered will join the producer of the film, Kim Waltrip to answer questions and talk about the making of the film. Last season we screened Athol Fugard's "Tsotsi" to gain more understanding of "Master Harold ...and the boys". This season we will get more insight into the work of Charles Evered by seeing his theatre and film work together!

Chris and Dave Clemans sponsor the Second Stage Series each year to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our town. Last season saw clowns, cabaret, magicians, poetry readings, film screenings and solo plays. This season will expand upon that strong foundation with a Broadway Series of Tony Award and Emmy Award winning artists. The Broadway Series is presented in July and August and offers a special subscription for patrons so that they get five shows for the price of four.

In May, we continue our regular Second Stage program with Emmy nominee Thaao Penghlis presenting "Journeys" which will give Cape May audiences a sneak peak into what will become a television series. Thaao Penghlis has voyaged to sacred sites all over the world and gained access to places not normally seen by tourists. This "Mission Impossible" star will lead you to destinations both physical and spiritual. It is an evening not to be missed. Tickets are $20 for a one time only opportunity on May 24th!


The Second Stage is off to a spectacular start. Come see a feature film with the director and producer describing the process of making it. Then see a live version of what will eventually be a television series with the creator and host of the show only a few feet from you at the glorious Robert Shackleton Playhouse! What a joyous place is Cape May!