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

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"

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!

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

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.

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

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

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!!