(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Ever wonder how and why a theater company selects its plays? How actors prepare for their roles? What it’s like to be working in professional theater? There are two opportunities for patrons to ask these and other questions at East Lynne Theater Company’s opening night after-show party on Wednesday, July 29 at The Washington Inn, 801 Washington St., and at an after-show question-and-answer session on Friday, August 7 immediately following the production of “Huckleberry Finn.” Adapted by James Rana, this world premiere is based on Mark Twain’s classic tale about two runaways on a raft on the Mississippi River.
As soon as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” hit the shelves in 1884, criticism and debates about it abounded. Several writers including Louisa May Alcott, whose popular “Little Women” set an example for proper child rearing and education, wanted it banned. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March were role models. Huck was not.
Nobel Prize winning authors, one Caucasian and one African-American are just two of the many who have expressed opinions about the controversial novel. Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) called it the one book from which “all modern American literature came.” Toni Morrison (1931-) wrote, “The brilliance of ‘Huckleberry Finn’ is that it is the argument it raises.”
Taking on the role of Huck is Evan Smilyk who last season played Young Don Diego in James Rana’s world premiere of “Zorro.” He’d acted in ELTC’s Student Summer Workshop productions for several years, and recently played Charley Bucket in “Willie Wonka” at Teitelman Middle School.
Jim, is portrayed by Leon Morgan. He was in ELTC’s highly acclaimed NJ premiere of “Lost on the Natchez Trace” written by Jan Buttram, artistic director of NYC’s Abingdon Theatre, with co-stars Tom Byrn, who portrays the 16th President in ELTC’s “Mr. Lincoln” and Stephanie Garrett, one of ELTC’s popular “Tales of the Victorian” storytellers. Leon has performed in several independent films, in NYC productions and is currently studying improv and sketch writing at the Upright Citizens Brigade in Manhattan.
Those taking on many roles, including the Widow Douglas, Miss Watson, Judge Thatcher, Duke, King, Sally and Silas Phelps, and other colorful characters, are Beckley Andrews, Samuel Douglas Clark, Marcia Sofley and Thomas Raniszewski.
Last season at ELTC, Beckley and Sam starred in “The First Fifty Years.” Beckley’s credits include New York City Opera’s “Cendrillon” and Broadway’s “Gypsy” starring Patti LuPone. Sam recently appeared in television’s “Forever.” In his native Australia, he performed in national tours, films, on television, and was in the Queensland premiere of “The Lieutenant of Inishmore.”
Thomas has been performing with ELTC since “Rain” in 2005. He was in “The Twentieth-Century Way” in Philadelphia, and ELTC’s production of “Why Marry?” in Cape May, as well as the staged reading at The Players Club in NYC.
This is Marcia’s first show at ELTC. She performs with Improvisational Repertory Theatre in NYC, with regional theaters, and has toured nationally in shows including “Seussical” and “A Christmas Carol.” On television, she’s been featured in shows on ID, The History Channel and LMN.
Playwright James Rana is also an actor who recently was featured in an episode of “Chicago Fire” and will be in ELTC’s upcoming production of “Strictly Dishonorable” in the fall.
Directing “Huckleberry Finn” is ELTC’s artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth, making this her 81st production for this company, not including those that returned for another season. ELTC is celebrating its 35th year and Gayle has been at the helm since 1999.
Performances are at the historic First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May, where ELTC is in residence, from July 29 through September 5, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:30pm. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors (62 and over), and $15 for full-time students, those in the military and veterans. Ages 12 and under are free. For information and reservations, call 609-884-5898 or go to www.eastlynnetheater.org.
