(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Only four more opportunities to see East Lynne Theater Company’s world premiere of “Huckleberry Finn” based on Mark Twain’s classic: Wednesday through Saturday at 8:30p.m. through September 5. James Rana’s adaptation beautifully captures the humor and heartache in this tale of a boy running away from an abusive father and Jim, a slave running away for fear of being sold to a plantation further south. Evan Smilyk portrays Huck, and Leon Morgan plays Jim. Those taking on many roles including the Widow Douglas, Sally Phelps, Duke and King, are Beckley Andrews, Samuel Douglas Clark, Thomas Raniszewski, and Marcia Sofley Gayle Stahlhuth, in her sixteenth year of being the artistic director of this 35 year old company, directed.
ELTC’s August productions are geared for the whole family, and “Huckleberry Finn” is no exception. It’s been attracting large audiences from ages 6 to 96. According to his grandparents, Henry, a 9-year-old from Haddon Heights, NJ, “was entranced from beginning to end and has not stopped talking about how much he enjoyed the production.”
Highlights from Tom Sims’ review for “Exit Zero:” “With James Rana’s skillful writing and masterful direction from Gayle Stahlhuth, the story and its spirit come to life. The cast works together beautifully as they take on varied roles. It’s certainly a trip worth taking!”
Location: The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St. in Cape May. Tickets: $30; $25 for seniors (age 62+); $15 for full-time students and military (active/retired). After “Huckleberry Finn” closes, ELTC goes into rehearsals for “Strictly Dishonorable,” a screwball comedy by Preston Sturges about expanding one’s horizons. This cast-of-seven show runs from September 23 through October 17.
ELTC’s "Tales of the Victorians," now in its 26th year, concludes its summer season on September 3 at Avair House by the Sea, 2400 Central Avenue in North Wildwood. Take tea at a lovely inn, indulge in tasty treats, and listen to stories by famous American authors read by Stephanie Garrett and Lee O’Connor. Cost is $10.00, and ages 12 and under are free.
“Tales of the Victorians” returns on Saturday, October 24 at 8:00p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church with “Poe by Candlelight.” Several ELTC actors will be reading their favorite stories by the master of the macabre just in time for Halloween.
For information and to make reservations for the mainstage season and "Tales of the Victorians," call 609-884-5898, e-mail eastlynneco@aol.com or go to www.eastlynnetheater.org.
