By Christopher Benincasa, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 07/01/2019
East Lynne Theater Company’s production of the supernatural mystery “Summerland,” directed by Tom Byrn, is running now through July 20th at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May. Written by Alaskan playwright Arlitia Jones, “Summerland” is a spooky work of historical fiction, based on a real case that went before the Court of Special Sessions in New York City in 1869.
The case involved William H. Mumler – a man who claimed to be able to photograph spirits, and whose clients included First Lady of the United States Mary Todd Lincoln. We recently spoke with East Lynne Theater Company’s Artistic Director Gayle Stahlhuth and the cast of “Summerland” – Jared Mason Murray, Elisabeth Ness and Kyle Walton.
About the author: Christopher Benincasa is an Emmy Award-winning arts and culture journalist. He produced content for NJ PBS for a decade before co-founding PCK Media. Christopher currently works as a freelance producer, video editor, writer, and communications specialist for a diverse set of commercial, non-profit, and government clients. His work has been featured on various PBS stations, and in American Abstract Artists Journal, The Structurist, Paterson Literary Review, and JerseyArts.com.
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Discover Jersey Arts, a project of the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Berrie Center presents "The Lillias White Effect" featuring Broadway's Lillias White
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts presents "The Lillias White Effect" featuring Broadway's Lillias White on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 8:00pm. In this show, Lillias pulls back the show curtain to tell humorous, poignant and inspiring stories from both her personal and show business life that she has never shared before, onstage or off.
North Star Theater Company presents Fast-Paced Comedy Thriller, "The 39 Steps"
(OGDENSBURG, NJ) -- North Star Theater Company presents The 39 Steps from April 30 to May 3, 2026 at the NSTC Studio Theater. This is a wildly inventive comedy thriller adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and the classic Alfred Hitchcock film. Directed by Bert Piper, this high-energy production features a talented cast bringing dozens of characters to life in a whirlwind of quick changes, physical comedy, and theatrical ingenuity.
Aspire Performing Arts Company presents "Matilda, the Musical"
(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Matilda the Musical from May 1-3, 2026 at the Fair Lawn Community Center. Based on Roald Dahl's classic children's book, Matilda the Musical follows Matilda Wormwood, a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers.
Phoenix Productions presents "Beautiful, The Carole King Musical"
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Phoenix Productions presents Beautiful, The Carole King Musical from May 1-3, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts. This is the inspiring true story of Carole King's journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Seton Hall Theatre presents "Company" by Sondheim and Furth
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Sondheim and Furth's beloved dark comedy Company takes the stage at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in a vibrant new student production from Seton Hall Theatre. Performances run from April 30 to May 3, 2026.
George Street Playhouse's 2026 Gala Benefit will honor Emily Mann with the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse's 2026 Gala Benefit on Wednesday, May 6th will honor Emily Mann, playwright and former Artistic Director of McCarter Theatre Center, with the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement. This distinguished honor has only been awarded twice before in George Street Playhouse's over 50-year history.
South Street Players presents Ken Ludwig's "A Comedy of Tenors"
(SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- South Street Players presents Ken Ludwig's A Comedy of Tenors across two weekends from May 1-9, 2026. "Laugh after laugh greets one improbable scene after another. Ludwig knows no ridiculous limits." - BroadwayWorld.com
Vanguard Theater presents Illuminating New Voices
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Vanguard Theater presents Illuminating New Voices across two weekends from May 2-9, 2026. This is a curated weekend of new work presentations. The selected pieces give artists the opportunity to hear their work aloud and engage in a supportive development-focused environment.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Meredith Willson's The Music Man
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Meredith Willson's The Music Man for four performances from May 8-10, 2026. There's trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian.
Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents "Wizard of Oz" at SOPAC
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents Wizard of Oz at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) from May 8-10, 2026. We're off to see the wizard! Follow the yellow brick road to the SOPAC stage for a delightful adaptation of L. Frank Baum's beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the classic MGM film.
UPCOMING EVENTS
George Street Playhouse presents "My Lord, What A Night"Friday, May 01, 2026 @ 7:30pmNew Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) New Brunswick, NJ
