New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Ring in the Holiday Season with Some "Merry Melodies" at Cape May Stage

By Jon Ciccarelli

originally published: 12/02/2014


(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The leftover turkey is taking up residence in the frig and on the dinner menu for the rest of the week, crazy displays of colored and white lights are now popping up on your neighbor's house, and Target is annoying you playing the same song in each of their commercials, yep, its official, the "holiday Season" is here. Christmas time is back and time to party with some family, shopping, food and whether it's the mix of all of these things with the chill in the air, there is something magically different about this time of year and nothing can get into the spirit more than those old favorite Christmas songs.

A celebration of Christmas' eye catching decorations, good times and its smooth tunes are ready to transport you into this magical time of year with Cape May Stage's "Merry Melodies" running at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse in Cape May from November 28-December 28. "'Merry Melodies' is a collaboration between many of Cape May Stage¹s artists; playwright Marlena Lustik, myself as the director, Producing Artistic Director Roy Steinberg, and our two Equity actors, Claire Neumann and Eddie Schnecker. The production takes everything we love about the holiday season, plus a few added bonuses, and creates an evening of nostalgia, laughter, and sing-alongs!", said director Bridget Grace Sheaff.

"I love Christmas. The holiday season has always been a time for family in my mind. So, when Roy asked me to direct the final show of the 2014 season, I was beyond thrilled. Not only is it an amazing opportunity to direct an Equity show so soon after graduating college, but it is a thrill to share some Christmas magic with our wonderful audience. My main goal was to leave the audience with a smile on their face and song in their heart." Sheaff added.

Sheaff promises a mix of music and laughs and while some its tough to pick her favorite moments, some include an array of cheesy Christmas jokes, the audience sing-along, and the imaginative, playful, and lovely retelling of Clement Clarke Moore's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'.

"Bring your whole family! 'Merry Melodies' is full to the brim with fun for everyone. If you are looking for a way to get into the Christmas spirit, look no further than Cape May Stage," Sheaff said.

About Cape May Stage
Cape May Stage is Southern New Jersey's premiere professional theatre, having recently celebrated 25-years of artistic excellence. A modern performance space housed within a historic building, Cape May Stage produces six Mainstage shows each season along with second stage events featuring Broadway and Hollywood performers. The theatre's educational offerings include audience talkbacks, a published �Stage Notes' Guide to every show, children's theatre camps, and a Resident Intern Company that attracts recent college graduates from all over the country for a season of intensive, hands-on learning and work. The National Playwrights' Symposium, presented each spring by the theatre, attracts award-winning playwrights and aspiring playwrights to Cape May. A favorite among locals and tourists, Cape May Stage�s reputation for artistic excellence in a relaxed setting has earned it many awards in the region.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



 



"Merry Melodies"
Written by Marlena Lustik
Directed by Bridget Grace Sheaff

Cast: Eddie Schnecker and Claire Neumann

Cape May Stage
Robert Shackleton Playhouse
405 Lafayette Street, Cape May, NJ

November 28, 2014 - December 28, 2014
Thursdays-Saturdays, 7PM | Saturdays & Sundays, 3PM
Half-price senior (62+) Matinee: Sat Dec 13, 3PM
Pay What You Wish Matinee: Sun Dec 21, 3PM

Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for Seniors (62+), $15 for Students
To purchase tickets by phone, call the box office at 609-770-8311 or visit http://www.capemaystage.org/

PHOTO: Aleksey Photography (Pictured: Eddie Schnecker & Claire Neumann)


Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky




EVENT PREVIEWS

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 16, 2026, James Rana will read the first chapter of Vladimir Nabokov's "Pnin" at The Dormer House in Cape May. Every Thursday through October 15, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers, with lemonade and homemade desserts also served. Showtime is 4:00pm.

Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with "Much Ado About Nothing"

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.

Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot

(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot from July 17-19, 2026 at the Barn Theatre. The band's powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion. The production features two sets of casts.

The Theater Project presents "Too Fat For China" by Phoebe Potts

(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents Too Fat For China from July 17-19, 2026 in the DMK Black Box Theater. Comedian Phoebe Potts' one-woman show follows the surprises and painful realizations of her adoption journey with humor and candor.
"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Chip and Gus, a comedy with balls will be presented at The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory. The play is performed, directed, and created by John Ahlin & Christopher Patrick Mullen. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Trilogy Repertory presents "Shrek, The Musical" in Basking Ridge

Trilogy Repertory presents "Shrek, The Musical" in Basking Ridge

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory presents Shrek, The Musical across two weekends from July 16-25, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. Admission is free; bring your own lawnchairs and enjoy the show! Showtime is 8:00pm.

The Blue Moon Theatre presents "Where the Lost Children Play"

(WOODSTOWN, NJ) -- The Blue Moon Theatre presents Where the Lost Children Play across two weekends from July 17-26, 2026. This is a dystopian stage play by Hannah Lee DeFrates. It follows two young women, Willow and Poppy, navigating a grim society.
Nutley Little Theatre presents "The Worst Fairy Tale Ever"

Nutley Little Theatre presents "The Worst Fairy Tale Ever"

(NUTLEY, NJ) -- The Narrator is ready to start the show, but how is that supposed to happen when nobody else in the cast has read the script and the costumes haven't even arrived yet? Children, families, and the young at heart will find out when Nutley Little Theatre presents The Worst Fairy Tale Ever by Todd Wallinger July 25-26, 2026.
Fool Moon Theatre presents "The Drowsy Chaperone"

Fool Moon Theatre presents "The Drowsy Chaperone"

(MARGATE, NJ) -- Fool Moon Theatre Company presents the award-winning madcap musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, across two weekends from July 17-26, 2026. Winner of five Tony Awards, this is a loving send-up of the Golden Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.

The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret

(UNION, NJ) -- Kaleidoscope Kabaret (that's Kabaret with a K), The Theater Project's annual festival of live music and short comedic plays, will liven up the stage of DMK Black Box Theatre in Union Township's new Arts Center from July 24-26, 2026.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Vivid Summer Solos: "Long Drive Home" by Stephen Kaplan

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
Summit, NJ


Mala Aria

Thursday, July 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
Union, NJ


My Fair Lady

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ


The Little Mermaid

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
Middletown, NJ


CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr."

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ