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

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.

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

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

"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.

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

"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!!