Cape May Stage

"This Wonderful Life" Now Playing Tues- Sat at 8PM, Sat & Sun, 3PM through New Year's Eve!

2011-12-20T09:44:00.000-08:00


Larry Daggett stars in this holiday tour-de-force

Merry Christmas to all of our loyal subscribers and patrons who have enriched their lives by coming to Cape May Stage. We'll be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but have added shows on December 27 and December 28 for the final week of "This Wonderful Life".

This iconic Christmas film has become a television classic - and now, Cape May Stage has taken the old theatrical version of it and given it new life. Come see a Broadway actor tell this story on a wonderful set with neon signs while playing the piano and having it snow. Watch Larry Daggett dazzle you and play all of the roles in the film. A recent patron exclaimed, “Congratulations are in order to both the Cape May Stage and the outstanding actor, Larry Daggett, for one of the best performances we have seen to date anywhere. Now that is what we call ACTING! Thanks for such a wholesome, timely, and professional effort by all involved.” Trust us, it’s a tour-de-force performance that you won't want to miss.

The Second Stage Series will be back in 2012 with our usual list of Broadway and Hollywood luminaries. Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker sold out their performance in 2010 in one day. They are coming back with a new show in 2012. The biggest names on Broadway are working out their schedules now, so they can come to Cape May on a Monday night when their Broadway shows are dark. The past years have brought Mary Testa, Karen Ziemba, Jarrod Spector, Liz Callaway, Dominic Chianese, Maureen McGovern and Tovah Feldshuh. Next season continues this tradition.

Call 884-1341 or go online to capemaystage.org and order subscriptions for the 2012 season and tickets for "This Wonderful Life".

Cape May Stage Offers Holiday Programming the Whole Family will Enjoy

2011-11-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

Each December, holiday decorations begin to deck the halls, families get together, and the air is filled with the sounds of laughter and joy. Cape May Stage brings all of those elements together in our Second Stage production of "My Shadow And Me" on Monday, December 5th and in our main stage production of "This Wonderful Life" now playing through December 31^st.

"My Shadow and Me" is a world premiere for the whole family

Families will love "My Shadow and Me" which features song and dance - and even a puppet - as it explores how friends can support each other. Mary is backstage in a Broadway theatre when she encounters Bryan, a vaudevillian feeling a bit lost. Along with Fletcher the dog, they create an act! New York performers have come to Cape May to premiere their show before it opens in New York. Like Maureen McGovern and Tovah Feldshuh and a host of others, Cape May Stage's Second Stage brings you cutting edge work before anyone else. Children will giggle and adults will celebrate the happy feelings in this play. Tickets are only $20 for adults and $10 for kids and can be ordered at 884-1341 or online at capemaystage.org.


Larry Daggett stars as 20+ characters in "This Wonderful Life"

"This Wonderful Life" plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. until New Year's Eve. Cape May Stage encourages families to get together to see this iconic staple of the holidays. With the support of Sturdy Savings Bank, Cape May Stage has scheduled a half-price senior matinee on December 10th at 3 p.m. What a perfect time for grandparents to take their grandchildren to the theatre. Broadway actor, Larry Daggett plays all the roles and even plays the piano at the same time. Opening night was a triumph and the audience raved about the whole production including the creative new set and lighting design! Come see for yourself what everyone is talking about.

Subscriptions for 2012 season at Cape May Stage are a coveted gift. There is something special about becoming a subscriber. In addition to the many benefits, you are part of a community of patrons enjoying good work and expanding their view of the world. Come join the party and see every show that is produced. You know that Cape May Stage brings talent from Broadway and Los Angeles in plays that are revered throughout the country.

The Wait is Finally Over! "Red" opens 10/27

2011-10-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Roy Steinberg with director Chris Dolman

Roy Steinberg stars as Mark Rotho

The long awaited opening night for John Logan's play, Red, is finally here. Cape May Stage is in the forefront of leading theatres across the country mounting this fascinating play about Mark Rothko who returned the largest amount of money given for a commission (at that time) so he could retain possession of his paintings. Tonight, October 27 is the official opening night at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse with the cast party at Hemingway’s at the Grand Hotel on Beach Drive right after the show. Come and meet the director and cast and engage them in conversation about this significant play.

Chris Dolman is the director of Red and is known to Cape May Stage audiences from the beginning days of this theatre. He directed Doubt and performed in Art, and with Red, continues the tradition of working in one syllable titled plays. His friendships in the community are many and even date back to Michael Laird, the founder of this theatre.

Artistic Director Roy Steinberg will make his Cape May Stage acting debut in Red playing Mark Rothko. Steinberg appeared on Broadway in the Tony nominated play Wings with Constance Cummings. He played opposite Christopher Walken in Measure For Measure and opposite William Hurt in Lanford Wilson's The Rhimers of Eldritch. He won the Best Actor Award at Yale Drama School where he received his MFA in Acting. In subsequent years, he has appeared in film and television, as well as at the leading regional theatres (Kennedy Center, Santa Fe Festival Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre, New York Public Theatre) in the nation.

RJ Barnett makes his Cape May Stage debut, as well, playing Ken. Barnett has played in Dracula, The Goat or Who Is Sylvia, and Les Laisons Dangereuses in New York. He has performed at the Northwest Shakespeare Festival and is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Call 884-1341 or go online at capemaystage.org to reserve tickets. Red performs Thursday through Saturday evenings (with matinees on the Saturdays and Sundays) through November 19. Give yourself a treat before Thanksgiving. You'll be thankful you did.

Now Playing: The Woolgatherer- Special Evenings of Theatre Planned for October; Nancy Hasty and Shawn Fisher fill the Second Stage this Fall

2011-09-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

STAGE Magazine hails The Woolgatherer as "a truly beautiful production."

Nancy Hasty as Bobbi in "Florida Girls"

The Woolgatherer performs for three more weeks and this funny, but compelling play has been a great addition to the Cape May Stage season. We are hoping that everyone has the opportunity to see first-rate acting in a beautifully mounted production. Seniors pay half price on Friday, October 7. Sturdy Savings Bank is sponsoring a special ASL performance for the deaf community on October 14. William Mastrosimone has loved this production of his play and will be coming back weekly to see it and talk with audience members. Cape May Stage is once again premiering a new version of a hit play. The Little Prince premiered here and went on to Bristol Riverside Theatre and the New Victory Theatre in New York. Charles Evered's play, Class premiered here and went on to perform in Los Angeles and Europe.

The Second Stage will be producing Florida Girls on Monday, October 3 at 8 pm. Inspired by Lily Tomlin and Whoopi Goldberg, Nancy Hasty has created fifteen hilarious characters in a story about a Florida beauty pageant circa 1965. The Pennsacola New Journal reviewed it as "unique in its own right, Florida Girls merits a place alongside Steel Magnolias." The Second Stage is delighted to have found a time to bring Nancy Hasty to our community so soon after our production of Steel Magnolias. Tickets are only $20 and this is bound to be an entertaining evening of theatre.

Cape May Stage exists, in part, to create new works of dramatic literature. On Monday, October 17 we will present a reading of a new play starring Lynn Cohen and Adam Wade and Michael Basile. How To Make A Rope Swing takes place in a South Jersey town where they are replacing an old schoolhouse. It is written by Shawn Fisher who also designed the sets for The Woolgatherer, Topdog/Underdog, Happy Days, and Proof. The story concerns a beloved principal and custodian who is the longest employed African-American in the school's history. A long suppressed moment in history is revealed which changes the town and everyone in it. This may well be the first step in the process of producing this play in a future season.

All of these events can be seen by calling 884-1341 or by going online to capemaystage.org. Celebrating the written word with the finest actors is what defines Cape May Stage. Come see us and join our growing community.

This September: Kate McCauley Hathaway takes the Stage in "Blue Plate Special" and CMS opens Mastrosimone's debut play "The Woolgatherer"

2011-08-24T11:36:00.000-07:00


Kate Hathaway stars as Clairee in "Steel Magnolias"

As we look forward to September, Cape May Stage begins to shift gears from "Steel Magnolias" to "The Woolgatherer" and the Second Stage wraps up its Broadway Series to collaborate with Cape May Forum.

"Steel Magnolias" continues for one more week - your last opportunity to see this hit play of the season. Wednesday, September 14 is the half price preview for what promises to be the most important play of our season - the world premiere of a new version of William Mastrosimone's "The Woolgatherer". William Mastrosimone is the author of "Extremeties" (later made into a film with Ryan O'Neal and Farrah Fawcett). "The Woolgatherer" was his first play and it was a big hit at Circle Repertory Company in New York in the 1980s. We present a new updated version with the author in residence. This two-hander is about a South Philadelphia woman with a big secret who invites a gruff truck driver back to her apartment for what he thinks will be a "one night stand". The title refers to a dreamer, but takes on a whole new meaning once you see the play. William Mastrosimone will be doing a talk back on September 17. Mr. Mastrosimone will be represented on Broadway later this season and Cape May Stage once again brings you the major players of the twenty first century.

Our Second Stage presents a cabaret evening on Monday, September 19 featuring Kate Hathaway as part of Cape May Forum's "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?". After all the serious discussion and lectures about the politics and socio-economic implications of food, come prepared to laugh as Kate Hathaway sings "If I Knew You Were Coming, I'd A Baked A Cake". Roy Steinberg and Marlena Lustik will join Kate Hathaway on stage with quips and witticisms about everything from oysters to complicated desserts. "Be Our Guest" from "Beauty and the Beast" sets the tone for this evening of sheer delight. The proceeds will benefit both Cape May Forum and Cape May Stage. Call 884-1341 or go online to capemaystage.org to purchase tickets.

Cape May Stage is the place to be no matter the season. Our summer shows are always big comedies and after Labor Day, we transition to more dramatic shows. "The Woolgatherer" is the perfect transition show because while it’s funny, it delivers a poignant punch. Actors frequently use the monologues from this show as audition pieces because the writing provides such opportunities for the actor to show his or her range. Cape May Stage is committed to bringing the best talent to our town so you are assured of seeing first-rate theatre.

Cape May Stage has become a destination for many vacationers. People plan their weeks to see our shows. More new patrons have come than ever before. We are so thankful to our supporters and invite newcomers to experience what so many people have discovered.

Tovah Feldshuh Takes the Stage August 8th & "Steel Magnolias" opens August 3!

2011-07-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

The Women of Broadway Series builds to an extraordinary finish at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse on Monday, August 8th with the legendary Tovah Feldshuh. Internationally acclaimed artists appearing in our intimate venue is only part of the reason that Cape May Stage is now the topic of conversation among savvy theatre-goers across the country.

Tovah Feldshuh is premiering a new work called Aging Is Optional and Cape May Stage patrons will see it before anyone else. Once again, our patrons have the opportunity to meet the artist after the show at the Wine Bar of The Washington Inn where your ticket gets you a complimentary signature drink. Tovah Feldshuh is a multiple Tony Award nominee and holds the record for performing in the longest running one-woman show in Broadway history. See history being made at Cape May Stage by calling 884-1341 or ordering tickets online at capemaystage.com.

Our main stage production of Steel Magnolias boasts a cast that would be the envy of any theatre in the country. Tony, Emmy, Clio, and Spirit Award winners and nominees comprise the cast. Opening on August 4 with an opening night party at the Pier House at La Mer Beachfront Inn, this is one show that is not to be missed! Our opening night patrons eat and drink with the artists and discuss the performance with the entire production team. Tony Award winner, Karen Ziemba takes the stage as M’Lynn and joins Broadway veterans Nicole Lowrance (Annelle) and Marlena Lustik (Ouiser) as well as Emmy Nominee Ellen Dolan (Truvy) and Cape May favorites Kate McCauley Hathaway (Clairee) and Meredith Riley Stewart (Shelby) in this all-star ensemble production.

In mid-August, the Second Stage brings magic to children and adults in two different programs. On Sunday, August 14 Magic Beyond Imagination performs at 10 am for families that want to be astounded before heading off to the beach. The following Monday night we bring a program of mind reading in Miracles of the Mind at 8 pm. This is not to be believed, but must be experienced!

Come join the fun at Cape May Stage.

Final two Weeks to see "The Understudy" | Maureen McGovern & Tovah Feldshuh take the Stage

2011-07-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Maureen McGovern in concert July 25

Tovah Feldshuh will appear on August 8

With only two weeks left to see Theresa Rebeck's "The Understudy," tickets have been selling fast. This fast-paced comedy has been selling out, so reserve tickets now by calling 884-1341 or going online to capemaystage.com. Three Equity New York actors are the perfect cast for this funny and poignant play that has been hailed, "a masterpiece of comic clockwork timing." The town has embraced these actors and you'll love seeing them on stage in a romantic triangle.

This Monday, July 25, at 8PM is your opportunity to see another Broadway luminary in Cape May Stage’s Second Stage "Women of Broadway" series. Maureen McGovern is bringing her new show to Cape May before opening in New York this autumn. You'll remember Maureen McGovern from singing "The Morning After" and "We May Never Love Like This Again" - both winning Oscars for ‘Best Song’. She is using Paul Simon's lyric to title her show called dangling conversations… We are thrilled to offer you artists that play on Broadway, at Carnegie Hall, or the Hollywood Bowl in our intimate Robert Shackleton Playhouse where you are never more than seven rows away. After the show, ticket holders will have an opportunity to meet Maureen at the Washington Inn’s Wine Bar and enjoy a complimentary signature drink exclusively for audiences of that show.

On August 8, Tovah Feldshuh will be coming to our stage to perform her concert, Aging Is Optional, before it moves to New York. This multiple Tony nominee is a legend in the theatre and Cape May audiences will be the first to see her newest show. Tovah still holds the record for the longest running one-woman show in Broadway history with Golda's Balcony. We have had the greatest voices on Broadway - Mary Testa, Karen Ziemba, Liz Callaway-- all on our stage. Don't miss Maureen McGovern this coming Monday and Tovah Feldshuh in two weeks.

Our first session of summer theatre camp wraps up with a free performance of The Tempest on Saturday, July 23 at 1PM at the Emlen Physick Estate. The second session of our summer camp begins on August 8 and runs through August 20 with a final performance that day. Campers will be performing in Shakespearean verse and singing and dancing, as well as building their sets and costumes. It is always a joy to see campers from nine to seventeen performing outdoors at the Physick Estate on Washington Street with such accomplishment and confidence. The performances are free and the memories are priceless. Sign up your camper now!

There is so much going on at Cape May Stage - call 884-1341 now to join the fun.

Now Playing: "The Understudy" / Broadway's Liz Callaway appears on July 18

2011-06-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

"The Understudy" by Theresa Rebeck stars G.R. Johnson, Luke Darnell, & Kristen Calgaro

Liz Callaway takes the stage on July 18

"The Understudy" continues to delight audiences at Cape May Stage. Theresa Rebeck's comedy provides much to discuss even as you're laughing in the aisles. Once again, Cape May Stage is in the forefront of producing new and exciting work for our community. Cape May Stage is presenting the New Jersey premiere of this play continuing a tradition of exposing audiences to what is the newest and best work in contemporary theatre. Again, the Equity theatre fulfills its mission of producing work by women writers. Last season, Topdog/Underdog written by Suzan Lori-Parks was many patrons’ favorite show of the season. This season, it may well be Theresa Rebeck's The Understudy.

Speaking of talented women, the new "Women of Broadway” Series will be launching this month. In a little over a week, Broadway’s leading lady Liz Callaway takes the stage at 8PM on July 18 and kicks off the series. Liz Callaway, Maureen McGovern, and Tovah Feldshuh will be doing solo concerts at the intimate Robert Shackleton Playhouse where patrons are never more than seven rows away from these revered artists. Ticket holders will get the chance to meet them after their performances at the Washington Inn’s Wine Bar where a complimentary signature drink awaits them. Tickets are $75 each. However, purchase a “Women of Broadway” Series package to see all 3 for only $150 and enjoy one of the performances for free! Call (609) 884-1341 for details.

The ‘Summer Shakesperience’, Cape May Stage’s award-winning summer theatre camp that produces a Shakespearian Play for campers ages 9 to 17 starts July 11. This year students take on Shakespeare’s comedy, Twelfth Night! Hurry to sign your campers up for a life changing experience. Cape May Stage’s Education Outreach Coordinator Don Toal leads this camp once again. Campers design and build costumes and sets, as well as perform outdoors on the beautiful grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May, home of the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities. The cost of the two-week camp is $325.

Call 884-1341 or go online to capemaystage.com to sign up for the camp or to buy tickets.

Theresa Rebeck's "The Understudy" takes the Stage on June 23rd! Join us on June 26 for a 'Denim & Diamonds' fundraiser!

2011-06-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

The closing week of Say Goodnight, Gracie can only mean one thing: next week is the official opening night for The Understudy!

The Understudy by Theresa Rebeck is the story of an action hero from feature films making his Broadway debut in a play by Franz Kafka. His understudy arrives for a rehearsal and it turns out the understudy was engaged to the female stage manager. That relationship provides the fodder for outrageous comedy and insightful observations about our culture. Three New York actors bring their wonderful work to Cape May Stage!

The next night is the official opening night! Join the party after the show at the Pier House on Beach Drive and meet Kristin Calgaro, G. R. Johnson, and Luke Darnell. There is always a celebratory energy after an opening night particularly after a comedy! The designers and director will be in attendance and they always enjoy talking about the work. Grab a cocktail and enjoy a special night.

The really exciting news is that Cape May Stage's spring fundraiser, Denim & Diamonds, is next week on Sunday, June 26th at the Corinthian Yacht Club! This is the "see and be seen" event of the year and a wonderful excuse to wear something glittery with your dress-up denim! There will be great music supplied by Blondage and an auction with new and exciting prizes! It is guaranteed to be fun - and while you are enjoying yourself, you are also helping to bring the finest theatre and education outreach to our community.

The community of Cape May is such a special place. It is events like Denim & Diamonds that provide the support for the growing reputation of Cape May Stage. People here see cutting edge theatrical events before anyone else. The New Victory Theatre on Times Square in New York just announced the new season and it starts with The Little Prince with the same cast you saw at Cape May Stage! We are so thankful to all of our supporters and that list expands with each new season. More and more people are hearing about Cape May Stage and coming here to see what all that talk is about. Be a part of it!

Call 884-1341 or go to capemaystage.com for tickets! Life is too short to miss the fun times!

Cape May Stage Keeps the Entertainment Strong in the 2011 Second Stage Series

2011-05-26T07:55:00.000-07:00


Dave Konig appears on June 6, 8PM.

Liz Callaway will appear July 18

After Brad Zimmerman had us laughing in the aisles a week ago, the Second Stage builds on that hilarity to bring back Dave Konig on June 6th in The Further Adventures of A Hebrew School Dropout. Dave Konig was so popular we had to turn away forty people last season! He is back in a totally new show. With "Say Goodnight Gracie" playing on the main stage, we continue to bring twenty first century versions of George Burns to our stage. The following week (on June 13) two comics (Aaron & Nick) are coming to keep the momentum going in An Evening of Stand Up. All of these comedy shows are at 8PM on Monday nights. Tickets can be reserved online at capemaystage.com or by calling 884-1341!

There are little over two weeks left to see "Say Goodnight, Gracie" with Joel Rooks who played George Burns on Broadway. Besides being a poignant love story and filled with hilarious anecdotes about the life of George Burns, this is a play about survival. Burns and Allen survived the death of vaudeville to become stars of radio and talking pictures and that new invention called television. There is an audible gasp when Joel Rooks is first revealed as George Burns. The archival footage and Gracie voice-overs are from the Broadway production, as well. Playwright Rupert Holmes was nominated for a Tony Award in the Broadway production. See it here for a third of what you would pay in New York. Look at our "Dinner-and-a Show" options and save still more!

The actors for Theresa Rebeck's "The Understudy" will be arriving from New York next week to begin rehearsals for the next main stage production. Cape May Stage is a whirlwind of activity! Once July arrives, the “Women of Broadway Series” kicks into high gear with Liz Callaway, Maureen McGovern and Tovah Feldshuh.

Go to capemaystage online or call 884-1341 to find out how to save money for the Broadway Series and experience unforgettable evenings in our Robert Shackleton Playhouse!!

A Fantastic Opening Night! "Say Goodnight, Gracie" Has Audiences On Their Feet!

2011-05-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Joel Rooks stars as Gorge Burns in "Say Goodnight, Gracie"

The place to be on May 12th was the opening night party for "Say Goodnight, Gracie" at Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille at the Montreal Inn. An overflow crowd of well-wishers joined Joel Rooks to celebrate his performance of George Burns! With the sound of the surf across the street and a cold drink in your hand, some of Cape May's most fascinating people got together to laugh and discuss the evening's fare. But if you missed this one, there are still five more opening nights on the Cape May Stage calendar for you to enjoy!

"Say Goodnight, Gracie" is a love story between Gracie Allen and George Burns, but it is also the story of immigration in this country. As we debate immigration policy anew in 2011, there is a resonance in this play that is even more contemporary. It is also the history of show business and the death of certain institutions like vaudeville to make room for new technology like television. Once again, broadcast television seems to be an endangered species as the convergence of computers and digital content take over our leisure time. Of course, Say Goodnight, Gracie is pure entertainment, but it can provoke thoughtful discussions as well!

Call 884-1341 or go online to capemaystage.com to order tickets now. Those looking for extended savings can get a subscription and save 15% or go to the "Dinner & A Show" page on the website and choose one of Cape May's finest dining establishments while getting a discounted ticket to the area's finest theatre! Cape May Stage was voted ‘#1 Equity Theatre in South Jersey’ by the People's Choice Awards and capemay.com names it the ‘Best Theatre in Cape May County’. People all over the country talk about the programming and amazing performers who come to Cape May Stage.

Brad Zimmerman in "My Son The Waiter - a Jewish Tragedy"Speaking of amazing performers, this is your last chance to get tickets for performing on Monday, May 23. This is a show you don't want to miss. It was selected to launch our third annual Second Stage Series because we think of Brad Zimmerman carrying on the tradition begun by George Burns. Prepare to laugh until it hurts! Call 884-1341 or go to capemaystage.com to get tickets.

The 2011 Second Stage Series Gears Up for Another Season!

2011-04-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

March came in like a lion with bitter cold and winds sweeping through the historic streets of Cape May. T. S. Eliot called April "the cruelest month" but we see it as the harbinger of warmth and laughter as Cape May Stage prepares for our twenty-third season and an especially vibrant Second Stage Series on Monday nights! Chris and Dave Clemans continue to sponsor the wildly popular Second Stage Series that brings a cornucopia of programming from stand-up comics, to cabaret singers, to modern dance.

Often times, the Second Stage Series presents acts that inform the main-stage show. We have brought documentary films that examine the life of a real person when that person exists as a fictional character in a play. We have brought new works that compliment the subject or theme of the main-stage show. Many people begged us to bring back the wildly popular "Say Goodnight, Gracie" claiming they could not get tickets the first time or hoping to even see it again. We relented. Joel Rooks returns to Cape May in his triumphant performance of George Burns. Not only is this a poignant love story, it is filled with the hilarious acts of Gracie Allen and George Burns. It is also the story of immigration and trying to make it in show business. Our Second Stage brings "My Son, The Waiter - A Jewish Tragedy" as a modern day version of George Burns. Brad Zimmerman has opened for Joan Rivers and his stand up act is truly hilarious! There will be all sorts of comedy evenings to compliment this show. We also have big names from the world of Broadway like Liz Calloway, Tovah Feldshuh, Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker. Our very special treat is Ron Raines performing Broadway legends with Don Poppin- the Tony Award-winning musical director of just about every musical you can think of in the last forty years! Yes, he goes back to the original "Oliver."

The best way to keep up to date is by joining our facebook page, following us on twitter, signing up for our e-blasts and book-marking capemaystage.com as one of your favorites. Of course, you can always find out about us in "Exit Zero" or call us at 884-1341.

Cape May Stage consistently wins the award for best theatre in Cape May County and the People's Choice awarded us the top theatre in South Jersey and among the top three in the entire state. We welcome back all of our loyal supporters and look forward to seeing even more new faces as we continue to grow. You can feel the excitement that is just around the corner. Come join the party at Cape May Stage!!!

Final Week for "The Little Prince"-- See You Next Year!

2010-12-28T07:58:00.000-08:00

Cape May Stage closes its season with a double header on December 30 - there will be a matinee at 3 pm and the farewell performance of The Little Prince at 8 pm. This beloved children's classic has been re-thought in a stunning production by Scott Hitz! It has been a triumph for the theatre continuing the tradition of bringing the very best theatre to Cape May before these productions move elsewhere. After the December 30 production, crews will pack up the set and puppets to bring them to Bristol Riverside Theatre and then on to New York! That is why you voted Cape May Stage "Best Theater in Cape May County 2010"!

We intend to continue that tradition in 2011 by bringing back favorite productions like Say Goodnight Gracie while adding what are bound to be new favorites like Steel Magnolias and more world premieres! Gift subscriptions are still available by calling 884-1341 or going online to capemaystage.com!

We so appreciate the tremendous support the community bestows upon Cape May Stage. This past season helped establish us as a serious theatre of stature. Grantors have taken notice and individuals have stepped up with annual giving so that we can continue the momentum of making Cape May Stage a destination all its own!

We thank you for joining the party and look forward to celebrating again with you next year! As our reputation grows, so does all of Cape May! We think next season will be the best ever. Happy New Years! See you in May!

Re-Imagining an International Classic

2010-12-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

People are coming from far away as the word spreads that something exciting is happening at the corner of Lafayette and Bank Street. Not simply content with doing the usual Christmas fare, Cape May Stage embraces the essence of the holiday and brings one of the world’s most beloved children’s classics to its stage in a bold new production. The Little Prince has been translated into more than 190 languages and has sold 80 million copies, mak- ing it the biggest selling French-language book and one of the best selling books of all time. When you add puppets by multiple Emmy award-winner Michael Schupbach in a newly conceived production by guest director Scott Hitz, you get a theatrical triumph.

PNC Arts Alive is sponsoring a Pay What You Can Night on Sunday, December 12 at 8pm so that everyone can experience the magic of this show. Just come to the box office at the corner of Lafayette and Bank Streets and pay whatever you can afford.

The demand for tickets is so great that we have added five shows to the schedule for the last two weeks: performances on December 22, 28 and 29 have been added at 8pm as well as a matinees on December 21 at 3:30pm and December 30 at 3pm.

“One sees clearly only with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eyes.” These words uttered by the fox to the little prince might serve as a theme for the whole of the 2010 season. Cape May Stage has endeavored to bring the- atrical fare that touches the heart from the very first play – Class – through comedies like I Hate Hamlet and musicals like romance/romance to the more challenging works like Happy Days and topdog/underdog. Even the Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) brings a love for theatre and great language so that it can lampoon it. The Little Prince is the grand finale of an extraordinary season. Call (609) 884-1341 to order your tickets today!

A Heart-warming Holiday Event Opens this Week at Cape May Stage

2010-11-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

TOMORROW is Thanksgiving and we at Cape May Stage give thanks for having an open and embracing community of theatre-goers along with artists that choose to do their work on our intimate stage. After feasting with friends and family members, the artists and staff of Cape May Stage return to open the most anticipated show of the season: Antoine de Saint -Exupery’s The Little Prince.

Every opening at Cape May Stage is a joyous event, but this Friday, November 26 will be particularly special. Congress Hall is the location of the festivities, and all of the actors and puppeteers will be celebrating the launch of a major theatrical event. Scott Hitz is the creator of this extraordinary show. He was the Master of Puppetry this past season at the famed O’Neill Center in Connecticut. Scott was on the production team of the Broadway hit Avenue Q and has been working on this show for over a decade.

Michael Schupbach (pictured) is a multiple Emmy Award-winner known for his work on Sesame Street and the prestigious Shakespeare in the Park in New York. Michael has designed the puppets for this production and will be performing here at Cape May.

After performing throughout December at Cape May Stage, The Little Prince will move to Bristol Riverside Theatre in Pennsylvania and continue from there. Because this production is geared for families, Cape May Stage has introduced a matinee schedule on Saturdays and Sundays. The anticipated demand for tickets has the premier Equity theatre producing two shows every Saturday and Sunday.

There will be a half-price senior night on Sunday, December 5 at 8pm sponsored by PNC Arts Alive. We are able to do these special shows because PNC believes in what Cape May Stage is doing. We are in an elite group of theatres chosen for this honor. You have also chosen Cape May Stage as the Best Theater in Cape May County 2010. We have chosen to do The Little Prince at Christmas time in an effort to expand holiday fare. This children’s classic is a celebration of seeing through new eyes. The wonder and mystery of an aviator landing his plane in the desert is re-imagined in a giant sand box with talking flowers and wise animals. The holidays are a time of magic, and The Little Prince will be a magical evening of theatre.

Call (609) 884-1341 for tickets today and don't miss out on this inspiring event!

Comedy Makes Way for Holiday Cheer! As "Complete Works..." comes to a close November 20, "The Little Prince" Opens Friday, November 26!

2010-11-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

"The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" roars in for its final performance on Saturday night, November 20! Our three comedians will be riding that roller coaster ride to your funny bone for the rest of this week and then those walls of the Globe Theatre will come tumbling down to make room for a giant sand-box that will house our next production of "The Little Prince."

PNC Arts Alive selected Cape May Stage to be part of an elite group of theatres to receive support from its five year, five million dollar arts initiative from the PNC Foundation. Through their support, Cape May Stage is producing a special ASL performance on Friday, November 19th. At this performance, signers will be at the side of the stage translating the antics of our cast to American Sign Language. This is yet another way that Cape May Stage reaches out to all members of the community so everyone can enjoy what you voted "The Best Theatre in Cape May County 2010".

Thanksgiving is around the corner and the hustle and bustle of shopping could use a brief pause to catch one's breath. Retailers have dubbed the Friday after Thanksgiving "Black Friday" because they expect so much traffic as the holiday season gets started. At Cape May Stage, we call that Friday "Opening Night"! "The Little Prince" is Antoine de Saint-Exupery's most famous novella and Cape May Stage brings that story to life in a groundbreaking production that is already scheduled to move on to bigger venues. The holidays bring out the child in everyone and this production celebrates that innocence. Little nuggets of wisdom are told through words like "One sees clearly only with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eyes." Scott Hitz was on the production team of the Broadway smash hit "Avenue Q" and uses his expertise with puppets to tell this story in a whole new way.

Cape May Stage creates seminal theatre. Work that begins here is often seen later in larger and more expensive venues. The best value for art and entertainment is right here in our little town. Call 884-1341 or go to capemaystage.com and reserve your seats today!

FInal Two Weeks of Shakespeare before The Little Prince Opens!

2010-11-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) roars in for its final performance on Saturday night, November 20! Our three comedians will be riding that roller coaster ride to your funny bone for the rest of this week and then those walls of the Globe Theatre will come tumbling down to make room for a giant sand-box that will house our next production of The Little Prince.

PNC Arts Alive selected Cape May Stage to be part of an elite group of theatres to receive support from its five year, five million dollar arts initiative from the PNC Foundation. Through their support, Cape May Stage is producing a special ASL performance on Friday, November 19th. At this performance, signers will be at the side of the stage translating the antics of our cast to American Sign Language. This is yet another way that Cape May Stage reaches out to all members of the community so everyone can enjoy what you voted "the best theatre in Cape May County 2010".

Thanksgiving is around the corner and the hustle and bustle of shopping could use a brief pause to catch one's breath. Retailers have dubbed the Friday after Thanksgiving "Black Friday" because they expect so much traffic as the holiday season gets started. At Cape May Stage, we call that Friday "Opening Night"! The Little Prince is Antoine de Saint-Exupery's most famous novella and Cape May Stage brings that story to life in a groundbreaking production that is already scheduled to move on to bigger venues. The holidays bring out the child in everyone and this production celebrates that innocence. Little nuggets of wisdom are told through words like "One sees clearly only with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eyes." Scott Hitz was on the production team of the Broadway smash hit Avenue Q and uses his expertise with puppets to tell this story in a whole new way.

Cape May Stage creates seminal theatre. Work that begins here is often seen later in larger and more expensive venues. The best value for art and entertainment is right here in our little town. Call 884-1341 or go to capemaystage.com and reserve your seats today!

Savings and Special Events are On Deck this November for the Hilarious "Complete Works of William Shakespeare [abridged]"!

2010-11-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

T.S. Eliot said that "April is the cruelest month" but the folks at Cape May Stage feel that November can be the cruelest month and, so, they mounted a very funny play suitable for the whole family called The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) that plays through November 20th! In celebration of Veterans’ Day, PNC Arts Alive has sponsored a Veterans’ Night on November 11 with special discounts for all veterans and their families.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is a three-person parody of all of Shakespeare's plays in ninety minutes. You don't need to know a thing about Shakespeare as these improvisational comedians take you on a roller coaster ride that is all mayhem. Prepare to laugh yourself silly as this piece makes no pretense of being anything but a good time. PNC Arts Alive has sponsored a "Pay-What-You-Can" matinee on November 14 at 3PM, so everybody can enjoy these antics. Everybody needs a pick-me-up in November and this play provides a jolt of adrenaline!

Coming up, the performance on November 19 will include a sign language interpreter for the deaf community. It is fascinating to watch the American Sign Language interpreter at the side of the stage signing the words of the play (even for hearing audience members). Cape May Stage brought in a Guest Director who is the Artistic Director of the Colonial Shakespeare Festival. Harland Meltzer is a respected Shakespearean director who is having fun taking a break from the serious stuff to use his vast knowledge in pursuit of a cheap laugh! Artistic Director Roy Steinberg has known Harland Meltzer for decades and has directed at Harland's theatre on numerous occasions. They both love good actors and Harland has assembled a first rate cast to entertain Cape May Stage audiences.

A very exciting event is happening this week in New York and Cape May! On Friday, November 12 at 2 PM, the Drama Book Shop at 250 West 40 Street in Manhattan will host a reading and book signing of the publication of Class by Charles Evered. Cape May Stage acting intern Meghan Hoffman (seen in Romantic Fools and Cape May Kids) will join Artistic Director Roy Steinberg in reading excerpts from the play. The author will fly in from California to sign copies of this text, which lists Cape May Stage as having produced the world premiere! The event will be repeated at Cape May Stage on Sunday, November 14 at noon. Both events are FREE and open to the public.

So get out your calendars and find a time to see The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) and come to the reading of Class by Charles Evered which is published by Broadway Play Publishing, Inc. People are talking about Cape May Stage all over the country. See what all the buzz is about! Call 884-1341 or go online to capemaystage.com to reserve your seats right now!

This Marks the Opening Week for "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" - Our Silliest Show of the Season!

2010-10-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

This marks the opening week for "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" which will undoubtedly be the silliest production of the year! As always, preview tickets (October 27) are half price and that always insures an overflowing audience so reserve your seats as soon as possible! The opening night is tomorrow (October 28) and includes the "after-party" where that opening night audience gets to mingle with the actors and designers and the director. There will be food and a cash bar and that special opening night energy in the room. These events are always great fun - particularly after a comedy! Reserve tickets at 609-884-1341 or go online at capemaystage.com to order tickets.

This play uses the audience at times so get ready to join the fun! You may find yourself as part of the action!!

On Sunday, October 31 PNC Arts Alive sponsors a senior matinee at three o'clock so that seniors on a fixed income can enjoy the mayhem! Get your Halloween costume ready, come laugh at "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" and then go home to change into that costume so you can party!

Next weekend represents an important milestone for the Second Stage. Cape May Stage strives to bring the brightest and most exciting artists from every discipline of the performing arts. For the first time, we are bringing a major dance company on to our stage! Jeanne Ruddy Dance has long been hailed as an important modern dance company in Philadelphia. Jeanne Ruddy danced with Martha Graham and was on the dance faculty of the famed Julliard School in Manhattan. Having an artist of her caliber in Cape May is a thrilling event. She has chosen light-hearted and comic dances that are sure to entertain even as you are wowed by the technique of her extraordinary company. Equally exciting is the news that Jeanne Ruddy will conduct a master class connected to this performance. The word has gone out among the dance schools in the area and Cape May Stage is proud and delighted to welcome this prestigious company to our season.

November is a special time in Cape May so get prepared to come to Cape May Stage to see "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" and then see Jeanne Ruddy Dance on Sunday, November 7 at three o'clock. Cape May Stage is the center of arts education in South Jersey and is the premier Equity theatre in the county!

On Deck: "Complete Works of Williams Shakespeare [abridged]" opens October 27-November 20!

2010-10-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

The final four performances for Topdog/Underdog are upon us and this gripping, edgy show will close on Saturday, October 23. These closing nights are a kind of theatrical event of their own as set walls come down and furniture is hauled away to make room for the next show. We switch gears completely as The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) gets ready to preview a week from today (Wednesday)!

Cape May Stage purposefully keeps programming entirely different theatrical styles and genres so that you can experience all kinds of theatre at the highest level! We close a thought-provoking Pulitzer Prize winning play and change things up with pure silliness and fun! This fast paced, improvisational play uses current topical references and popular culture interspersed with more or less "Shakespearean" dialogue for an evening of sheer delight! And patrons will be thrilled to know this production includes matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 3PM as well as evening performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 8PM.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) began at the Paramount Ranch in Agoura, California and was a big hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Soon after, it played at the Arts Theatre in London and at the Westside Theatre Off-Broadway in New York. Eventually, the play moved back to a full West End production at the Criterion Theatre in London.

There have been many productions of the play since then and we had to decide whether to take an already existing production or mount our own version. We decided to start anew using the Artistic Director of the Westerly Rhode Island Shakespeare Festival to helm the show so that it would be fresh and alive and have a theatricality that comes with new people working together for the first time. The set was shipped from Utah where Shawn Fisher is the head of the design department in the graduate school at their university.

Get ready to laugh! Call (609) 884-1341 for tickets today!

It's all About Survival this month at Cape May Stage!

2010-09-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Next weekend, Cape May Forum asks "Can Humor Save The World?" and Cape May Stage has programming on the main-stage and on our Second Stage that prepares us to answer that question.

Topdog/Underdog previews tonight and opens tomorrow with a gala after-party where audience can meet the actors and production team. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play uses humor to address some very serious issues about power dynamics, race and sibling rivalry. The language is raw and vibrant. The issues are gripping. The characters are dynamite. Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks won a "Genius award" from the MacArthur Foundation. There is so much excitement leading up to the opening of this cutting edge play! Two brothers deal with shifting identity and betrayal. Humor is the key element used in making these street characters appealing so that an audience can identify and root for them. Shakespeare used this same device in Henry IV - Parts 1 & 2 so that thieves and cowards in the tavern scenes become lovable clowns though their deeds are contemptible. Aristotle tells us, "in a comedy the people on stage are like us but less than us" (2.4). There will be discussions and analysis of how humor is used in this play during Cape May Forum's tenure next week.

Killadelphia will be coming this Monday, October 4. Another edgy, comedic look at a serious subject comes to our Second Stage. In the summer of 2008, Philadelphia was in the midst of a murder epidemic that put it on par with some third world countries. Sean Christopher Lewis takes an unflinching look at the causes of the crime rate and its effects on the community. It has been described as "a mixtape of a city" and the New York Press called the piece "explicitly authentic". It is the perfect companion piece to the gritty Topdog/Underdog and uses humor in much the same way to distance the spectator so they can absorb the true meaning and message of the author. The solo play is at 8 PM and tickets are $20.

The following night Cape May Stage will be honoring Arlette de Monceau Michaelis who wrote Beyond The Ouija Board about her experience in World War II as a teenager in occupied Belgium. Dr. Ron Goldstein brought Ms. Michaelis to the attention of Cape May Stage. There is little funny about Nazis occupying one's country but Arlette Michaelis filters her experience through the eyes of a rebellious teenager and her awesome courage is at times quite funny as well. Ms. Michaelis has been lecturing about this experience for many decades and her students are more likely to remember these stories than the lessons she taught as a teacher for the last thirty years. This evening is absolutely free and Ms. Michaelis will be presented with a plaque for her great service.

Tickets to all of these programs can be reserved at capemaystage.com or by calling 884-1341!

In all of the above programs violence and serious issues are endured through the use of humor. Cape May Stage joins with Cape May Forum to ponder the question "Can Humor Save The World". The answer may be less important than the question.

"Happy Days" in its Final Two Weeks! "TopDog/ Underdog" Takes The Stage!

2010-09-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

"World without end" is the end of one of Winnie's prayers in Samuel Beckett's Happy Days but the play will end this Saturday night so catch the final four performances of this astonishing piece of theatre. It is not a common occurrence that a theatre will have a performer like Lynn Cohen in such an important piece of literature.

Cape May Stage continues to push the envelope with the next production on its roster.

Next week, Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks will preview on Wednesday and open on Thursday. This play won the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play in 2002 and has been performed all over the world. Ms. Parks is the recipient of a Genius grant from the MacArthur Foundation. Emmy nominee James Reynolds (a Cape May favorite) directs his son, Jed in this groundbreaking play! Joining Jed Reynolds is Stephen Rider who was featured in a film called The Great Debaters produced and directed by Denzel Washington. Denzel has now become a very active mentor of Stephen.

Topdog/Underdog is a funny, probing look at who is on top and who is on the bottom. The play is a darkly comic fable of brotherly love and family identity. It tells the story of Lincoln and Booth, two brothers whose names were given to them as a joke, foretelling a lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment. Haunted by the past, the brothers are forced to confront the shattering reality of the future. Variety said, "… the vitality, freshness and gritty lyricism of Parks' writing are unlike anything to be heard on a Broadway stage". This production comes to us from the Fremont Theatre Center in California. Cape May Stage partnered with the Fremont to co-produce this extraordinary play! It is just one of the innovative moves that Cape May Stage is doing to keep the best work in front of its audience.

Opening night at Cape May Stage always includes a gala after-party with the cast and production team. Come celebrate with a special group of revelers! The set and lights are by Shawn Fisher who designed Proof last season.

The Second Stage is particularly proud to present Killadelphia on October 4 at 8PM. This critically acclaimed one-man show is written and performed by Sean Christopher Lewis and is described as a "mix tape of a city". In the summer of 2008 it was often said that that Philadelphia had "more bodies than days". Lewis introduces us to inmates of the Graterford Prison, their victims, the mayor, local rappers, conservative talk show hosts, trauma surgeons and the citizens of the City of Brotherly Love. The stunning result will be on Cape May Stage.

"An Intimate Evening of Grand Parlour Magic" appears on our stage Septemner 13 at 8PM!

2010-08-30T10:33:00.001-07:00

All season long, magic has been a part of Cape May Stage's Second Stage. During the summer months, special family oriented shows had children giggling and adults astounded. Now Michael Walsh and Johnny Mass have put together "An Intimate Evening of Grand Parlor Magic" on September 13 at 8PM. This is a more sophisticated evening that is geared towards adults. With charming glances and contagious smiles, Walsh and Mass will mystify minds with their brand of magical effects. Elegant diners have traveled to the Magic Kingdom in Hollywood for decades to witness this type of magical entertainment. It is one of the few places in Southern California where gentlemen are required to wear a tie! It is in this tradition that Grand Parlor Magic is produced - though at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse you can wear whatever you like! After all, this is still Cape May!

Lynn Cohen takes a break from "Happy Days" (which, taking on a role like this as an actress, is akin to climbing K2) on September 17 and we have brought internationally acclaimed Nora Armani to our stage for one night only! " On The Couch with Nora Armani" has been performed in Paris, London, Cairo, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Houston, Montreal and Geneva in both its English and French versions. Rave reviews follow each performance. Cairo in the 60's, Hollywood in the 80's, London in the 90's...with humor and nostalgia, she remembers the Bosphorus and Istanbul, now if she can just remember herself! Told through song and dance, this is a special night for Cape May audiences!

PNC Arts Alive is sponsoring an ASL sign-interpreted performance of Happy Days this weekend on September 11! An interpreter will be signing the performance for the deaf community. There is a reduced price Senior Night on Sunday, September 19! Again, these nights are all presented through the generosity of PNC’s Arts Alive mission to help area residents gain access to the arts, and help arts organizations expand and engage audiences!

Magic and world-class artists doing plays by Nobel Prize winners and internationally acclaimed artists are all on one stage. London? Paris? New York? No, it's Cape May Stage!

Tony Winner Karen Ziemba will enchant audiences on August 16 in one exclusive performance!

2010-08-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Tony Award winning actor, singer, dancer Karen Ziemba comes this Monday (August 16) to Cape May Stage as part of the popular Broadway Series! You may have seen Karen Ziemba when she starred on Broadway as Roxie Hart in "Chicago" or as Rita Racine in "Steel Pier" for which she received her first Tony Award nomination. She received another Tony Nomination for "Never
Gonna Dance" and won the Tony Award for Susan Stroman's production of "Contact" at Lincoln Center. Karen also appeared on Broadway in "A Chorus Line". Her first Broadway stage kiss was from Jerry Orbach in "Forty Second Street". She is seen frequently on television and in feature films and you can see her in the intimate Robert Shackleton Playhouse where the furthest seat is seven rows away. Your ticket also admits you to a special "after-party" at the Washington Inn Wine Bar with haute cuisine hors' d'oevres passed as you mingle with the star and her accompanist! These tickets are only $50 for the performance and the party!

The final two weeks of "Romance/Romance" are upon us! This sold-out hit continues to wow audiences with a stellar cast of Broadway veterans. Patrons at the theatre can't stop talking about the elegant production that starts in turn of the century Vienna and ends up in the Hamptons which looks a good deal like Cape May! We all need a little romance in our lives. Walking down the narrow winding streets of our little town and stopping at one of our fabulous restaurants before going to the theatre is a lovely way to have a romantic evening with your special someone. "Dinner-and-a show" is an affordable way to make that romantic night even more enjoyable. Visit capemaystage.com to see the participating restaurants and make a reservation right now!

Soon the highly anticipated return of Lynn Cohen in Samuel Beckett's "Happy Days" will be opening on the main stage. This play looks at a long-term relationship through the eyes of the most celebrated writer of the twentieth century. As we head into fall, we gear up for more challenging fare from this Nobel Prize winning writer! Get your dose of romance now and have your very soul touched later! Cape May Stage brings every aspect of theatrical experience to its stage!

Cape May Stage Lights Up with Romance, Music, Opera, and of course.... Magic!

2010-07-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

"Romance/Romance" had a spectacular opening this past Thursday spreading the magic of romance throughout Cape May! Audiences can't stop talking about these Broadway performers. The theatre is magic and when something special happens everyone wants to see it!

Directed by Peter Reynolds and featuring the musical theater talents of Broadway’s Jennifer Evans (Ragtime¸ Jersey Boys), Charles Hagerty (Wicked, Les Miserables), Jeffrey C. Wolf (Cabaret, Cloud 9), and Nikol Wolf (Evita, Radio City Christmas Spectacular), Romance/Romance is a perfect combination for a summer night in historic Cape May, NJ. Romance/Romance, now playing Tuesdays- Sundays, pairs two distinctive one-acts to create an entertaining musical that explores the highs and lows of love.

The Second Stage Series picks up on that magic with a special family show today at 11:00 AM called Magic at the Cape that will astound both children and adults. This popular celebration of all things magical will be performed again next Wednesday, August 4 at the same time! Michael Russell Walsh and Johnny Mass wowed audiences last Christmas with their Grand Parlour Magic Show and they are back by popular demand!

The foibles of dating are explored by Cape May Stage's acting interns in Romantic Fools this Saturday night at 10:30 PM. These talented and attractive performers will tickle your funny bone - or some other body part! Have a drink and come to the show or start your evening at the show and get a coupon for a complimentary beverage at Cabanas! It's on us! Cape May Stage is a party! Join the fun!

Speaking of fun, get ready for Operation Adelmo on August 2. Noted operatic baritone Adelmo Guidarelli presents Operation Adelmo: The Clown Prince of Opera! In this raucous and hilarious show, Guidarelli entertains both die-hard opera lovers and self-avowed haters of the art. By weaving well-known arias with their pop culture counterparts, Guidarelli keeps the audience laughing. This operatic clown has sold out venues in New York and all over the world! We are so lucky to have his special brand of madness in Cape May!

The Broadway Series continues on Monday, August 9 with Emmy nominee Dominic Chianese who plays Uncle Junior on "The Sopranos". Did you know that even Mafia hit men have a soft romantic side? Hear Dominic sing Italian Songs from his Childhood interspersed with anecdotes about his acting career. It will be great fun!

Bravo Adelmo! Bravo Romance! Bravo Cape May Stage!!

Fill Your Summer with "Romance/Romance!!" (It'll make you feel good....)

2010-07-08T13:54:00.001-07:00

As "I HATE HAMLET" ends this Saturday, the next play for Cape May Stage bounds on to the stage at the Robert Shackleton Theatre! "ROMANCE/ROMANCE" with book and lyrics by Barry Harman and music by Keith Herrmann is actually two small musicals. The first act is called "The Little Comedy" and takes place in turn of the century Vienna. The second act is called "Summer Share" and takes place on the beach in the Hamptons.

"ROMANCE/ROMANCE" features a cast of Broadway veterans including Charles Hagerty, Jennifer Evans, Jeffrey C. Wolf and Nikol Wolf. The director is Peter Reynolds who is the head of the musical theatre department at Temple University and is a well-known theatre professional in Philadelphia. His musical director is John Daniels who will be at the Walnut Street Theatre after leaving us. Nikol Wolf who assisted Susan Strohman on Broadway is our choreographer. The official opening is on July 22 with a gala after-party! Opening-nighters are treated to a special party where they get to rub shoulders with the actors and designers and director. Come be part of the party and celebrate romance!

Once again, PNC Arts Alive is offering a special half-price Senior Night on July 25th! What a wonderful opportunity for those over 62 to see a romantic musical at the height of the season for a reduced price and, as an added bonus, composer Keith Herrmann will be featured in a post-show discussion immediately after the performance.

The Second Stage brings magic to Cape May Stage on July 28th at 11 AM. Magic has its roots in ancient China and India. It is mentioned throughout the Bible! The Second Stage is known for bringing the best family entertainment to Cape May. Our interns perform a nostalgic look at Cape May in the 1950s in their "Cape May Kids" written by Marlena Lustik who plays Lillian Troy in "I Hate Hamlet". Children laugh at the antics of these kids as their parents and grandparents remember a time before cell phones and ipods. Skeeball was the activity of choice and cars had no seat belts or air conditioning. Seems like another century, doesn’t it…. Oh yeah, it was!

The magic of romance and the magic of theatre combined with actual magic on the stage of the Robert Shackleton Playhouse make July a very special month for Cape May Stage! Be a part of it! For reservations call 884-1341 or go to capemaystage.com and order online. It's like magic!

Acting Interns light up Cape May Stage in Two Separate Productions this Summer

2010-06-30T09:49:00.001-07:00

The word has spread that Cape May Stage attracts the highest level of talent in the state and requests from students to watch our process have come pouring in. For the first time, Cape May Stage is producing shows cast entirely from our acting interns and stage managed by our stage management interns.

We have interns from North Carolina, Nevada, Connecticut and Philadelphia as well as local students in Cape May. They will perform family entertainment called “Cape May Kids” written by Marlena Lustik about Cape May in the 1950s that is nostalgic for grandparents and hilarious for children. That show will be performed on Monday mornings through August 16 at 10 AM right inside the Robert Shackleton Playhouse.

Rich Orloff’s “Romantic Fools” will be performed by our interns after the main stage production on Saturday nights in July. These comic vignettes about dating are the perfect way to start or end an evening! Tickets to this show get you a free drink and free admission to Cabanas on the beach! Come see “I Hate Hamlet” or “Romance/Romance” and stay for this sexy and fun show! Or just come for “Romantic Fools” and have a romantic dinner first!

On July 12, Mary Testa is back with another extraordinary evening. This is part of our popular “Broadway Series” of extraordinary stars coming to Cape May. Last season she was the hit of the summer. Mary Testa is a two time Tony Award nominee and she will be appearing with two time Tony Award winner Michael Starobin whose orchestrations for ”Next To Normal” just won the Pulitzer Prize. After the show the entire audience is invited to the Washington Inn at their new wine bar. Come meet Mary Testa and Michael Starobin while feasting on tempting morsels and sampling new and interesting vintages!

The Second Stage always has something exciting to offer! Come see what all of the excitement is all about!

"I Hate Hamlet" Has Audiences Exploding with Laughter!

2010-06-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

That roar your hear most evenings walking past Cape May Stage is not the ocean (though it is only a few blocks away). "I Hate Hamlet" has audiences exploding with laughter and there are only a few weeks left to see one of the best casts ever assembled on that stage. David Birney is priceless as the ghost of Barrymore and John Patrick Hayden brings his expert timing and considerable charm to his hilarious character of Andrew Rally. Broadway veteran and now Cape May resident, Marlena Lustik affects a German accent and a sensuality to seduce the ghost of Barrymore that is spell-binding. Another beloved Cape May resident and veteran of feature films, Kate McCauley Hathaway has audiences convulsing with laughter as the séance leader/real estate agent Felicia Dantine! Anthony Reimer is perfect as the LA TV director and Karis Danish is sweet and hysterical as Andrew's girlfriend, Deidre. These artists play as an ensemble that is like a well-tuned clock! See "I Hate Hamlet" and then come back on a Monday night for our Second Stage!

The Second Stage presents "And Where She Stops Nobody Knows" with two time Emmy nominee James Reynolds and his wife Lissa Layng in this unpublished play by Oliver Hailey on July 5! This poignant and funny play is the story of a woman whose search for love introduces her to everyone from cannibals to lunatics. Many Cape May residents have said they can share similar tales! Reynolds and Layng are artistic directors of The Fremont Theatre Center in South Pasadena, California. James Reynolds is perhaps best known for playing Abe Carver on NBC's "Days of Our Lives". It is there that he first met Cape May Stage Artistic Director Roy Steinberg. Lissa Layng wowed audiences here last season in the award winning "A Woman Of Independent Means" which has toured internationally. They are together on stage for this one night only. This evening was chosen to launch the Broadway Series, which has Tony and Emmy Award nominees from Hollywood and New York performing in the intimate venue that is Cape May Stage! Special subscriptions offer $50 savings!

The extraordinary Mary Testa is next up in the Broadway Series! This two time Tony Award nominee is a powerhouse that lights up the stage. Her "Sleepless Variations" last season was talked about all year long. Mary Testa is delightful and funny and unpredictable but always entertaining! Mary Testa burst on the scene in William Finn's "In Trousers" and is a frequent collaborator with him and the most important composers of our day. You can see her on July 11 in another tour-de-force! This Broadway Series is the best value anywhere for seeing world-class artists for a fraction of what you would pay in New York! Cape May offers the added bonus of a free performance and our lovely town with its glorious beach and charming winding streets is the cure for whatever ails you!

Come to Cape May Stage and find out why we were voted "Best Theatre in Cape May County" by "Cape May Magazine" and capemay.com in 2009. We were also voted the Best Theatre in South Jersey by the People's Choice Awards and top three in the state! If you are in Cape May, Cape May Stage is a must!

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

2010-05-28T12:24:00.001-07:00

"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!

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

2010-05-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

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 24^th 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!

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

2010-05-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

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!

Magic is in the Air at Cape May Stage this Holiday Season!

2009-12-21T08:31:00.001-08:00

There is magic in Cape May! The glorious voices on the Robert Shackleton Stage combine with a chill outside to transform an ordinary night into a warm, holiday confection! The final performances of "An O. Henry Christmas" cap the most extraordinary season in memory. If you haven't experienced these funny and poignant musicals that celebrate faith, hope and charity, call now and make reservations. Watch your cares disappear as you escape into this world that O. Henry wrote about over a hundred years ago! Have a hot chocolate on your way to the theater!

This holiday season is the time to give subscriptions to Cape May Stage's 2010 season. This year, CMS is offering more options to fit your budget and your schedule. If you like opening nights there is a special subscription that will reserve your seats for every opening. Hurry to get your favorite seats now and then enjoy the parties and mingle with the cast and directors of each show. There are also special Saturday night subscriptions and bargain prices for shows on weeknights. Seniors get reduced price subscriptions too! Experience the magic of live theater all year long.

The real magic (is magic real?) happens on December 30 at 8 PM and December 31 at 2 PM when Michael Russell Walsh and Johnny Mass perform their spellbinding "Intimate Evening of Grand Parlor Magic". Come to our beautiful theater and be transported on a magical journey reminiscent of the golden era of magic when conjurors entertained high society in parlor rooms fit for kings. These artists will mystify you with their stunning stage show. Magic goes back to ancient China and India. There is mention of magic in the bible. Philosophers have discussed reality and magic from the earliest days to the present. What a way to start the New Years festivities! What you see...may not be. Have another drink and figure out how they do these mind boggling tricks!

The Second Stage is proud to have these great performers as the final act of the season. You can make reservations before all the tickets.....disappear!!

"A O Henry Christmas" takes the stage December 3! Cape May Stage offers a musical event to warm you up for the holidays!

2009-11-25T10:55:00.000-08:00

The final production of the 2009 season opens tonight and the entire audience is invited to party with the actors and crew after the performance at the Brown Room in Congress Hall Hotel! "An O. Henry Christmas" features a cast from New York and Hollywood with voices that will delight every audience member. This is the perfect cap to a season that had all of Cape May talking about the new quality of productions at Cape May Stage.

The actors from "Master Harold... and the Boys" have returned to their homes. Gregg Daniel is shooting Allan Ball's "New Blood" for HBO while rehearsing "Fences" for South Coast Repertory in California. Larry Hines has been offered a two year job in "The Rat Pack" in Las Vegas but is deciding whether he wants to be available to do more great work like he did here at Cape May Stage. Jared McGuire is juggling multiple offers back in New York.

Meanwhile, "An O. Henry Christmas" is performing at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse Thursdays thru Sundays at 8PM and with matinees at 3PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Jason Ostrowski played on Broadway in "Company" and Bev Appleton just completed a feature film with Cloris Leachman. Tara Brown comes to us from Los Angeles after working in Disney musicals and Courtnay Griswold just played Maria in "The Sound of Music". Artistic Director, Roy Steinberg spotted Tara Brown a year ago in Los Angeles singing in "A Christmas Carol" that was transported to Chicago. He knew that "An O. Henry Christmas" was planned to close this season and offered her a role after that performance! Our season started with a musical play in "Souvenir" and ends with "An O. Henry Christmas". We have had all sorts of plays this season from comedies like "Social Security" to dramas like "Proof" and now we end with a family oriented musical that will warm your hearts as we enter the holiday season. Director Chuck Hudson has a long list of opera and musical theatre credits from across the country and Music Director Eric Walton is a well regarded New York Music Director. Cape May Stage continues to bring in top artists both on and back stage.

As a final treat, we will be producing the spellbinding "Intimate Evening of Grand Parlour Magic" with Michael Russell Walsh and Johnny Mass. They will mystify your mind with their unique blend of sleight-of-hand magic and comedy! They will perform on the evening of Wednesday, December 30 at 8PM and the afternoon of December 31 at 2PM. Come be astonished by magic and then charmed by "An O. Henry Christmas". The Second Stage offers this final magic act on the last day of our season as a theatrical treat to greet the new year!

Last Chance for "Master Harold...and the Boys" Before We Usher in Our Holiday Show!

2009-11-18T12:34:00.001-08:00

On Saturday, November 28 the last performance of "Master Harold...and the boys" will grace our stage. Immediately following that performance a whirlwind of activity sweeps through Cape May Stage as that set is taken down and the actors pack up their dressing rooms and the floor gets painted to get ready for "An O. Henry Christmas" which opens on December 3! If you have not seen "Master Harold...and the boys" yet, get on the phone and call 884-1341 to make a reservation. These amazing actors will be traveling back to New York and Hollywood. Gregg Daniel immediately goes into rehearsal for August Wilson's "Fences" at the South Coast Repertory in California. Now his bio will include all those feature films and television shows and major Shakespearean roles AND playing Sam in "Master Harold..and the boys" at Cape May Stage!

Seniors have a special night on Friday, November 27 to see this extraordinary production! These nights often sell fast so book your tickets as soon as possible.

If you hear beautiful voices coming out of the Shackleton Theatre in the middle of the afternoon, you are overhearing the rehearsals for "An O. Henry Christmas" which previews on December 2 and opens the following night. Those attending opening night are in for a double treat. Once again, actors from Broadway and Hollywood are performing at Cape May Stage. Jason Ostrowski appeared on Broadway in the recent revival of "Company". Bev Appleton just finished shooting a feature film with Cloris Leachman. Courtnay Griswold starred as Maria in "The Sound of Music" and Tara Brown comes to us from LA after working for Disney! The musical director and stage director are both from New York! Chuck Hudson is our director and he has a long list of opera and musical credits. The extra treat on opening night is that our audiences are always invited to the opening night party to mingle with the cast and crew.

The big news is that overwhelming demand has caused us to schedule two matinees during the week! Every Saturday and every Sunday at 3 PM will have a matinee followed by an evening performance. What a marvelous way to celebrate the holidays! At the very end of the month the Second Stage Series wants to create some magic as we go off to 2010 so we have a Victorian Magic Show in our parlour on December 30 and a matinee on December 31. New Year's Eve will be our last performance of "An O. Henry Christmas". A bit of magic and gorgeous voices is the perfect way to usher in the new year!

"Master Harold and the Boys" takes the stage- despite the World Series!

2009-10-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks in a basement not far from the Wawa an usual scene has been taking place. A man in knee pads is scrubbing the floor while another is going through some dance steps and a younger fellow in a school uniform seems particularly agitated. In fact, these were three brilliant artists rehearsing for "Master Harold ...and the boys" which is opening tonight at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse for Cape May Stage. These sought after actors are continuing the tradition of bringing top tier talent to Cape May Stage in this award winning play! Each has distinguished resumes and joins us in our jewel of a theatre because of their commitment to their craft.

Tivo the World Series and skip the commercials to see a live performance where every second is engaging. This newest production is designed to get people talking. We have brought a director from England via Los Angeles to bring a special understanding to this piece. Marlena Lustik Steinberg, a former Broadway dancer, has been consulting with the dance aspects of the play. New lighting and set designers have been engaged to give this play a different look.

On Friday, November 13 PNC Arts Alive will sponsor a special ASL interpreted Performance for our hearing impaired community. "Master Harold...and the boys" by Athol Fugard first burst on the scene some twenty seven years ago and is considered by many to be one of the most important plays in the international canon of dramatic literature. Frank Rich said "we are left with the exultant hope that we may yet practice compassion without stumbling". That it is also funny and beautiful makes it a masterpiece!

Cape May Stage celebrates writers and the Second Stage will present a reading of a Robert Auletta's newest play called "Early On". Actors and directors on both coasts rush to do Robert Auletta's plays. Mr. Auletta is coming to Cape May with actors Ken Ryan and Rebecca Nelson. The three met while at Yale Drama School and all have had important careers in the world of entertainment. On Monday, November 9 at 8 PM the play will be read and discussed. Roy Steinberg will read the stage directions! These Second Stage events are sponsored by Chris and Dave Clemans.

“Master Harold...and the Boys” performances are Wednesdays through Sundays at 8pm from October 28 through November 28 on the Otto Haas Stage at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Cape May Stage. Tickets are $35 adults, $25 seniors, and $12.50 students. Call (609) 884-1341 for tickets and information or visit the theatre’s website, www.capemaystage.com. Audio enhancement and wheelchair accessible seating are available with advance notice by calling the box office at (609) 884-1341.

'Master Harold...and the Boys' opens next week with an incredible cast and production team! The Second Stage is hot again!

2009-10-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

Athol Fugard is one of the world's most important dramatists and "MASTER HAROLD...and the boys" is widely considered his masterpiece. The play opens at Cape May Stage this Thursday and the opening night party will be at The Mad Batter. The entire opening night audience is invited to party with the cast and crew! Once again, Cape May Stage has assembled an astonishing cast from New York and Hollywood!
Gregg Daniel has been in just about every television show you can name as well as feature films and major theatre! Larry Hines played in Atlantic City with the Platters a short while ago but here has transformed himself into a shy South African waiter. Jared McGuire plays the title role with extraordinary emotional intensity. The director is Elizabeth Swain who comes to us from Great Britain via Los Angeles. A new set designer, Sarah Lambert, who trained at Yale Drama School and works in the most prestigious theatres in the nation has joined our team. Maria Shaplin was brought in to give a new look to the lighting plot. "MASTER HAROLD...and the boys" takes place in the 1950s in South Africa and tells the story of two waiters preparing for a dance competition. Their friendship with the boss's son goes through a major change and this funny, poignant and powerful play will lead to much discussion!

On Friday, November 13 a special American Sign Language performance of "MASTER HAROLD...and the boys" will be presented for the deaf community thanks to PNC Arts Alive. A special screening of the Academy Award-winning film "TSOTSI" will be presented on Monday, November 16 at 8 PM in a joint partnership with Cape May Film Society. "TSOTSI" is a film that was based on a novel by Athol Fugard who wrote "MASTER HAROLD...and the boys". The Artistic Director of Cape May Stage thought that viewing this film would give special insight into the world of South Africa under the system known as Apartheid.

An early reading of a play is a window into the development of the fully mounted production. "EARLY ON" is Robert Auletta's new play and it will be read on Monday, November 9 at 8PM with two wonderful actors from New York who have major credits in the entertainment industry. Robert Auletta is an Obie Award winning writer whose plays have been performed at the Kennedy Center and Yale Repertory Theatre.

New play readings, screenings of related films and special performances of our mainstage productions are all part of our Second Stage Series! There is always something happening at Cape May Stage!

"PROOF" shutters in only two weeks. "Master Harold" takes the stage! Micheal Fischetti appears for one night only!

2009-10-08T07:49:00.001-07:00

There are only two more weeks to see what so many people are calling the best show EVER to be at Cape May Stage! "Proof" won the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize for best play back in 2002 but this production brings new life to this script with an extraordinary cast in a gorgeous production. Bring a friend and turn a cold blustery October night into a special occasion of great theatre and drinks around the fireplace at one of our watering holes!

The actors for "Master Harold ...and the boys have arrived in Cape May. The director, Elizabeth Swain arrived from London after spending time in LA and New York where she was teaching a series of workshops. She is staying in different housing than the actors becaause "it just wouldn't do to have them see me in my knickers in the middle of the night" as she put it! Gregg Daniel arrived at the Philadelphia airport from Los Angeles where he just finished shooting two different television shows. Google him and be astounded by his body of work in feature films and television. Gregg is also a screenwriter and director. Coincidentally he directed a play at the Fremont Theatre Center where James Reynolds ("I, Too, Am America") is the Artistic Director!

The Second Stage presents Michael Fischetti reading poetry about the ravages of war that leading poets and writers have hailed as "extraordinary". He comes to us from New York where this evening was a huge success. We lost a brave countryman from the Villas fighting in Afghanistan. This evening resonates for all of us as we honor our service men and women fighting for our country!

"Visiting Mr. Green" closes! Rehearsals begin for "Proof"!

2009-09-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Music is all over Cape May - in the bars and restaurants - and the schools and churches all over town. Two time Tony Award winner Michael Starobin has composed music especially for Cape May Stage's production of "Visiting Mr. Green". This is the last week to see this extraordinary production. Aside from the amazing music, many people have said this is the best production to have ever been on our stage. The actors are so believable that they don't appear to be acting. Great conversations about the play are happening all over town. The playwright came and said this was among his favorite productions of a play that has been performed all over the world. Don't miss it!

New music is being composed by Will Knapp for our newest production of "Proof". Roy Steinberg met with Will Knapp in the offices above Martini Beach to give direction about the tone of the music between the scenes. The cast just arrived and is settling into town as they rehearse and discover this newest play to be on our stage. "Proof" won the Pulitzer prize for drama and was made into a popular film. This production previews on September 30 and opens on October 1 with an after party at Carney's. Before "Mr. Green" closes, don't forget Thursday, September 24 is a pay-what-you-can-night sponsored by PNC Arts Alive.

Again, a cast of Broadway veterans appears on Cape May Stage. This is a play that is funny and dramatic. It deals with families and notions of what makes a person sane. The set is spectacular and the level of acting just keeps growing with every production.

Coming in October will be a lecture about leadership using the book "Shackleton's Way" as a jumping off point. Later in the month on October 19 a poetry reading will occur.

Stay tuned!

A look behind the scenes with the cast and crew of "Social Security"

2009-07-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

A little miracle can be viewed at the corner of Lafayette Street and Bank Street in what used to be a church but now houses Cape May Stage. It is impossible for a small, non-profit theatre to have a Broadway calibre set on its stage. How that came to be is the story of how unique and extraordinary is the community of Cape May.

Like most small theatres, Cape May Stage had mostly used a bit of furniture or a fence to suggest the location for a play. "Social Security" required what is called a "box set" with real walls and doors and platforms. On Broadway, a producer would hire a director and set designer and they would consult with each other until a final plan was approved. Those plans would be sent to a shop where carpenters would build what was required and then scenic artists would paint what the carpenters had built. The set pieces would be trucked to the theatre and then stylists would do the final touches of curtains and pillows. The designer would have a crew of shoppers to find the correct furniture and the final bill could be more than a hundred thousand dollars.

There is no shop to build sets in Cape May and the budget for a the set is a tiny fraction of that aforementioned number. When Alicia Grasso mentioned that her friend's husband was a designer, Roy Steinberg called him and looked at his portfolio. It turned out that Robert Martin made a good deal of his income as an assistant to William Ivey Long, one of Broadway's most prolific costume designers but he loved designing sets. Many emails with sketches of possible sets followed. Robert found examples of 1980's furniture and sent color swatches and choices of floor coverings. After many consultations, the choices were finalized and that is where this story really gets interesting.

Nathan Ruffan is a student at Highpoint University in North Carolina who met Roy Steinberg when Roy participated in a symposium at the university. Nathan signed on as an intern and played Indian #2 opposite Shirley Stiles in "The Chronicles of Cape May". It turned out he is also a skilled carpenter. A garage on Lafayette Street served as a make-shift shop and Nathan worked for more than a month building platforms and stage flats (used for walls) as well as hanging doors on specially constructed door flats. Tools were borrowed from Mal Knapp and Tom Cutler. Nathan built a bar and coffee table and a modern side table. Dave Clemans offered his shop for furniture building. Heather Turner donated half of her garage and that became the painting shop so the walls were painted to Robert's specifications.

When "Say Goodnight Gracie" closed on a Saturday night a crew of volunteers appeared to take down that set and build the set for "Social Security". Dottie Knapp painted some of the artwork including the portrait of Sophie (played by Lynn Cohen). Don Schweikert contributed an abstract expressionist painting he had and Robert Martin painted another canvas in the style of the Russian Suprematist, Malevich. Fred Van Cott appeared like an angel in the night. He had not been involved with the theatre before but knew his way around power tools and stayed until early the next next morning building the set. Don Toal and Monte LoSosso and Hannah Schaeffer and Adele Marks and Dottie Knapp (along with her friend, Mary) worked all night - some slept in the theatre helping Nathan Ruffan and Martin realize their project.

The next morning Vickie Tryon added her expertise and reupholstered a chair and found matching curtains. She had previously transformed a worn, stained sofa into a cutting edge modern statement of design. Vickie had found most of the costumes with her expert eye for period and color detail. Some final choices were loaned by Victoria Clayton to give a sense of glamour!

This rag tag team of volunteers became a family and built what was impossible. The community of Cape May created a set that is extraordinary in every sense of the word. Perhaps most extraordinary is the spirit and desire to help that exists in this town!

Actors Arrive from NYC, CT, DC, & PA to start rehearsals for Andrew Bergman's "Social Security"

2009-07-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

The cast for "Social Security" converged on Cape May amidst considerable drama! Neal Lerner boarded a bus in Manhattan bound for Atlantic City and found himself in the emergency room after a truck hit his bus. After being checked out for a few bumps and bruises he was given a clean bill of health and brought to Cape May for some dinner and a good night's sleep. Lynn and Ron Cohen were coming from the O'Neill Playwright's Center in Connecticut and had to find their way in a rental car to the Atlantic City airport where they were met by Roy Steinberg and driven to their new housing. For Manhattanites more use to taxis than driving they were much relieved to be at their final destination. Andy Prosky had just flown back from San Diego where he was performing and Suzanne O'Donnell just finished a show at the Folger in Washington, D.C. Grace Gonglewski put her daughter to bed and drove late at night from Philadelphia.

The next morning they all met in the glorious home of Victoria Clayton and Rick White for a read through of the play. They were presented with a model of the set by Robert Martin, the designer and shown costumes by Vickie Tryon, the costume designer. After croissants and coffee there was a discussion about the style of the play and the time period. This is a large cast (six characters) for Cape May Stage and logistics about dressing rooms and getting table and mirrors became very important!

Across town in a garage on Lafayette Street a one-man construction team named Nathan Ruffan was building a bar and modern furniture for the show. He had already completed platforms and stage flats to resemble the walls of a modern chic apartment circa 1986. He soon transported those set pieces to the theatre so the actors could rehearse with them. This is the most elaborate set in the history of Cape May Stage. In addition to raising the bar with the talent coming to perform here, Cape May Stage has raised the bar on all production elements.

The first day of rehearsal the first act was blocked. The second day was devoted to act II. The actors were finding the best movement patterns for their characters as the director guided them to make the story clear and point out nuances for them to explore. A photo call was scheduled early in the process before the set was up so arrangements needed to be made to find a location. The costumes were not finalized but nothing could wait so costumes were approximated and the location stood in for the set. That is life in the theatre! Each day the rehearsals get more specific as more elements get added until that opening night on Thursday, July 23! The party is being planned and the seats are selling fast. If it is anything like "Say Goodnight Gracie" there is never an empty seat in the house so order them now. This show is bound to be a sell-out hit!!

George Burns shares the stage this week with Pupphitz and Mimes---It's Vaudeville at its finest!

2009-06-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

After a week of sold-out performances with standing ovations, "Say Goodnight Gracie" begins another week of keeping audiences convulsed with laughter even as they wipe their eyes from the beautiful love story that is being told. As Joel Rooks emerges in his costume and make-up from the fog that begins the show, there is an audible gasp as the audience sees George Burns before their eyes.

This is hardly the first time Mr. Rooks has played the role. He understudied and played Burns on Broadway and has been performing it all over the country. The difference this time is that Cape May Stage is not part of a national tour but the production has been re-directed to fit in our space. Since we don't have a formal proscenium arch, we decided to use footlights for the vaudeville sections rather than what are called "chaser lights" that blink on and off around the arch. Rehearsals were spent working out wind patterns for the fog and how and when to use that famous cigar. Even though Mr. Rooks has played the role many times, each new production is an opportunity to discover something new. We identified moments that we wanted to heighten and examined possible new readings of certain lines. The Broadway producer of "Say Goodnight Gracie" is William Franzblau and we have been in close contact with him. He generously allowed us to buy the rights and archival footage because he knew that the show would have "artistic integrity" with Joel Rooks in the role.

I first worked with Joel Rooks some twenty five years ago when we both were part of Circle Repertory Company. I directed Joel in a host of new plays that were performed in the "lab". Circle Rep had some of the finest actors, directors, playwrights and designers working in New York in the nineteen seventies and eighties. The theatre eventually closed but artistic relationships continued. I later directed Joel in "The Learned Ladies" by Moliere and he was hilarious as a pompous poet. After that, I was directing a new play off Broadway called "Second Summer" with Joan Copeland. Joel Rooks brought the house down in his comic role. Once I knew I was coming to Cape May Stage, I knew I wanted Joel Rooks to be part of my season!

July 4 week-end is a particularly busy time at Cape May Stage. "Go North Penguin" is a puppet show from the reknowned puppet company called pupphitz. They will be performing at 11 am on July 5 at the Robert Shackleton Theatre on Bank and Lafayette Streets. This is the story of a penguin looking for his home. Since he lives at the South Pole, the only way to go is north! We thought Cape May is the perfect place for a show about going north since we are at Exit Zero of the Garden State Parkway!!

"7 (X 1) Samurai" is the story of "Seven Samurai" performed by a world-class mime and clown. You'll not want to miss David Gaines in this award winning show. It is perfect for families and is much anticipated this season! Call 609 -884-1341 or go on line at www.capemaystage.com for tickets!

When a show closes and another opens: the change-over, the schedule, and saying goodbye!

2009-06-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

With the last three performances of “Souvenir” about to happen, plans are underway to strike (take down) the big golden frame that is onstage and return the period furniture to the Saltwood House Bed & Breakfast. The pink bench that is used in the second act goes back with our thanks to Deborah Brown at the Cape May Antique Center. The furniture and set for “Say Goodnight Gracie” is already stored and waiting to be brought to the theatre. On June 20th everything happens at once! It is closing night and the actors will be packing up their dressing rooms. The costumes will be packed and shipped back to New York. A crew will be taking down the blacks and putting in the new set. That baby grand piano needs to come off of the stage and will be picked up by a church that will be its new home. Cape May Stage interns will be driving the actors back to Atlantic City even as the lighting designer will be hanging new lights and focusing them for “Say Goodnight Gracie”. A projector will be installed high in the lighting grid to screen archival footage. Rehearsals have already begun for that show and Broadway veteran Joel Rooks will be reprising the role he played on Broadway.

Across town at the Beach Club, June 20th is also the night of our annual Summer Fundraiser! Bounce into summer is the theme for what will certainly be a fun filled evening. There will be dancing under the stars to live music as fabulous appetizers are passed with complimentary sangria! Save some room for the amazing desserts and get ready to bid at the live auction. If a silent auction is more your preference, we have great items at the silent auction as well!

Closing nights are often emotional for performers! It is the last time that actor will ever say that line in that production and it is a truism that an actor always discovers something new on closing night! Add to that emotional evening the fact that a new show is being launched even as a huge party is rocking the beach club and you have an idea of what Cape May Stage is all about. This is just the beginning. Wait until you see what’s planned for the rest of the season!

Only 2 Weeks left of "Souvenir"!! (Don't miss this special one-night only event) Catherine Wolf: "On Becoming" opens in Cape May, NJ - June 15

2009-06-01T12:18:00.001-07:00

There is an energy and excitement on the corner of Lafayette Street and Bank Street where a grey building with red shutters that used to house a church now explodes with laughter. Some people have seen "Souvenir" multiple times and have commented on how much they love the performances and notice the nuances they may have missed the first time around. Dave Clemens exclaimed "the best two hours I have spent in this building" and audiences routinely give standing ovations during the curtain call. When audience members fill out comment cards the words they use are "outstanding", "excellent", "hilarious" and "the best theatre experience I have had". There are only two weeks left to see this opening production of the season. The actors are honing their craft and finding new moments to explore with every audience. On Friday, June 12 Cape May Stage presents a special Senior Night where tickets are half price for seniors. There is nothing like hearing trained artists in an intimate venue like Cape May Stage.

To compliment "Souvenir", Cape May Stage is presenting Catherine Wolf in "On Becoming" on Monday, June 15. "Souvenir" tells the story of Florence Foster Jenkins who sold out Carnegie Hall despite her inability to sing on key. Catherine Wolf comes from a musical family and (though she is an accomplished singer) she opted to be the only member of her family not to pursue a musical career. Her Uncle Boris Goldovsky, was heard on the radio for thirty years discussing opera during the intermissions of the Metropolitan Opera Broadcast. Her grandmother was Lea Luboshutz who was brought to the United States by Sol Hurok to feature as a violinist. Her great aunt and uncle were world famous duo pianists (Pierre Luboshutz and Genia Nemenoff) and this delightful play shows all of these family members through the eyes of a little girl as she grows through her music lessons to adulthood. "On Becoming" is directed by Jack Gindi and features Paul Trueblood on the piano. Audiences in New York have loved this play and Cape May Stage is delighted to present this evening to our theatre community!

2009-05-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

“Souvenir” opens this week and it has been a busy time at Cape May Stage! The actors have spent every waking hour learning their lines and working the songs. Both artists are highly trained musicians and they are concerned with every detail of the music. I have been looking for musical jokes and they are wonderful collaborators.

Now the production elements are added to rehearsals, which had been centered mostly on interpretation of the text and finding the right placement on the stage for every moment. The lighting designer drove in from Philadelphia to look at the set and discuss ideas. We have ordered custom made “gobos” which are cutout templates that offer special effects. The set designer will be returning to add some extra elements to his design and the costume designer is driving from New York with a carload of costumes from the Costume Collection and other specialty stores. The Costume Collection is a warehouse in Manhattan of costumes from Broadway shows and operas that is made available to not-for-profit theatres like Cape May Stage. Gail Cooper-Hecht has designed many Broadway shows and knows the Collection well. She has period costumes that are visual jokes for when our main character performs at Carnegie Hall. These costumes need to be changed in seconds and so special rigging has been added to the costumes to get them on and off quickly with the help of a dresser coming all the way from North Carolina. There are eight separate costumes that will delight and entertain you! Will Knapp has designed the sound for this production. The sound design is crucial since so much of the action revolves around an unseen audience.

There is a special half price preview on Wednesday, May 20 and the next night is the official opening! May 21 features an opening night party at Martini Beach after the performance. The cast will be on hand to meet and greet our opening night revelers!

Memorial Day is fast approaching and you’ll want to bring your family to Cape May Stage for Bob Sheets doing his comic magic show on May 24 and May 25. These shows are designed so that you can go the theatre and then off to the beach. Just be back in time to see the main-stage show! There is always something happening at Cape May Stage!

2009-04-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Cape May Stage office!

So much is happening so quickly--- so I'll be concise and brief and, hopefully, hold your attention long enough to read my post....

As you may know, Roy Steinberg has joined our organization this past March as CMS' new Artistic Director. He comes to us by way of the West Coast where he's been working in Hollywood for the past several years. But a calling that harkens back to his days at Yale Rep, led him back to the live Stage and he fancied coming back to the east coast. And so, with the beauty and historic enchantment of our little seaside resort, Roy, with his wife Marlena, decided to make a residence in Cape May devoting his endless energies and big visions to our magical little theatre.

I really do mean ENDLESS energies! In his short time here, Roy has chosen a compelling and exciting season of plays, secured some amazing talent, and managed to bring specialty performers and acts to our theatre on nights and days when we aren't doing our typical thing!

So it is imperative, that you stay up to date with the haps here this season, by frequenting capemaystage.com for all the latest listings and news. You'll see everything from magic shows, to puppet theatre, to operas, to premieres, to special guests, to lecture series, and more!

Something for everyone!!

And, if you want to meet Roy, stop by the theatre next Friday April 17 from 5-6PM for a little meet & greet with the staff and members of the community! No reservations needed....

If there was ever a year to subscribe, this is the year. And it's not too late! Just give us a call (609) 884-1341 or check out the website. We're always here, except when we are watching our shows!

Until next time, keep working on that British accent, lovey.