Pat Dwyer in full performance of Thurber: Not Unmeaningless, photo by Stephen Mosher
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Classic American Tales (CAT) presents Thurber: Not Unmeaningless at The Dormer House on Thursday, September 11, 2025 - part of a new solo play conceived, compiled, and edited by Pat Dwyer and Sybille Bruun with assistance by Stephen Mosher, and performed by Pat Dwyer, based on the works of James Thurber, performed by arrangement with Rosemary A. Thurber and The Barbara Hogenson Agency, Inc.
James Thurber (1894-1961), humorist, joined “The New Yorker” in 1927 as an editor and writer; his cartoons began to appear there later. He co-wrote the Broadway play, The Male Animal and appeared on Broadway in A Thurber Carnival, a compilation of his humorous works, adapted for the stage. In 1947 his story “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” was made into a film starring Danny Kaye.
Pat Dwyer was last in Cape May in Silent Sky, directed by Tom Byrn and produced by Gayle Stahlhuth. Most recently, he performed the full production of Thurber: Not Unmeaningless for the Shakespeare Forum’s Harlem Summer Festival. Numerous regional credits include The Mousetrap at Casa Manana, Eastern Standard for Theatre 3, and Twelfth Night for Stage West. His film work includes the award-winning horror comedy, eVil Sublet, available on Amazon and Fandango.
“Tales at The Dormer House” continue through October 16 every Thursday at 4:00pm, where guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories. This historic B&B is located at 800 Columbia Avenue in Cape May, and performances are on the porch, weather permitting. Otherwise, they will be inside. Cost is only $12.00, cash at the door, and guests at The Dormer House and children ages 12 and under are free. Coming up later are works by H. L. Menken, Zona Gale, Zora Neale Hurston, and Louisa May Alcott. Reservations are made through CAT by calling 609-884-5898 or emailing [email protected].
The mission of Classic American Tales is to “Tell America’s stories one tale at a time.”
Funding for Classic American Tales is possible in part by the NJ State Council on the Arts/Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage, Season Corporate Sponsor OceanFirst Bank, and the generosity of many patrons.
