Cape May Stage Offers a Sign-Interpreted Performance For HAPPY DAYS

Cape May Stage, Cape May's premier professional Equity theatre, with the generous support of PNC Arts Alive, is proud to announce a spectacular evening of live theatre on Saturday, September 11. Theatrical interpreters for the Deaf Celeste Herse and Anne Maselli will interpret the Stage's 8:00 PM. performance of Samuel Beckett's postmodern, award-winning play Happy Days. The ASL signed performance will take place at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse at Bank and Lafayette Streets.
Herse, a local interpreter in the South Jersey area, is thrilled to return to the Stage this fall after previously interpreting several of the Stage's productions last season. "I love theater because it takes you to different places and signing performances is such a unique experience. As an interpreter not only do you have to listen, but also translate and communicate each emotion like an actor to make the story come alive," explains Herse. Herse will be joined on stage with theatrical interpreter and colleague, Anne Maselli. "Having a partner to work with on stage creates great interaction. It's more meaningful for the Deaf to see two people interpreting and it's a lot of fun," states Herse.

In Happy Days, playwright Samuel Beckett explores the questions of existence, communication, and mortality with long-term partners. The plot unfolds as Winnie, "a woman no longer young", offers a chilling inspection of the futility of life, inspecting the burdens we all bear. Joined by Willie, her henpecked mate, Winnie's burdens are somewhat literal; nonetheless, she is able to approach her life with an expectation of happiness. While the title of the play is ironic, Winnie finds reasons to consider the days of the play "happy". Starring real life couple Lynn (Sex and the City, Munich) and Ron Cohen, Happy Days is sure to challenge the audience through its many funny, touching, and enlightening moments.

PNC Financial Services Group is the presenting sponsor of Cape May Stage's ASL Interpreted Performance. The support is part of PNC Arts Alive, a five-year, $5 million investment from The PNC Foundation to help area residents gain access to the arts, and help arts organizations expand and engage audiences.

Happy Days featuring theatrical interpreters is scheduled for Saturday, September 11 at 8:00 PM. at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse at the corner of Bank & Lafayette Streets in downtown Cape May. Performances are Wednesday through Sundays at 8:00 PM through September 25. Tickets are $35 adults ($40 on Saturday evenings), $30 seniors, and $12.50 students. Call (609) 884-1341 for reservations and information or visit the theatre's Web site, www.capemaystage.com.

This production is generously sponsored by Wilsey Realty, LLC and The Mad Batter. This season's sponsors include 410 Bank Street/Frescos, Exit Zero, The Washington Inn, Cape May Winery, and Lucky Bones.