"I Hate Hamlet" Has Audiences Exploding with Laughter!

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presents "And Where She Stops Nobody Knows" with two time Emmy nominee James Reynolds and his wife Lissa Layng in this unpublished play by Oliver Hailey on July 5!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.

"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?!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!