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

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"

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"

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!

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!

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

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!

“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!