Cape May Stage Presents A Husband and Wife Double Header With James Reynolds and Lissa Layng In A WOMAN OF INDEPENDENT MEANS And I, TOO, AM AMERICA

Dynamic husband and wife duo Lissa Layng and James Reynolds will inspire Cape May Stage audiences with performances of their popular solo shows on September 5 and 6, respectively, at The Robert Shackleton Playhouse. Based on the best-selling novel, A Woman of Independent Means stars Layng and tells the story of Bess Steed Garner, a woman ahead of her time whose credo was "The only defense against against death is life." Layng's real-life husband, James Reynolds, who has starred for over 20 years in Days of Our Lives, portrays over 20 characters in I, Too, Am America, which he created and describes as "a collage of African-American experiences."

Called "a striking performance" by the Los Angeles Times and ranging from "hilariously funny" to "heartbreaking and sad" according to the Winnepeg Free Press, A Woman of Independent Means is the grand unfolding tale of what it was like to be an adventurous spirit before the era of women's liberation and feminism. Following Layng's performance on Saturday September 5, the two-time Emmy nominated Reynolds will display his formidable talents on Sunday September 6 bringing to life such American heroes as Paul Robeson, Sojourner Truth, Deadwood Dick and others in a show that celebrates the African American journey and contribution to the fabric of America.

Artistic Director Roy Steinberg has suspended regular programming to bring these two exceptional solo shows on Saturday and Sunday evenings of Labor Day weekend, following the opening of the mainstage production, Visiting Mr. Green. Steinberg's vision for the theater is to provide audiences with a wide variety of entertainment all season long and taking advantage of the availability of these in-demand actors is yet another way to accomplish that. Hailing from the West Coast this talented couple brings their extensive credits and passion for storytelling to Cape May Stage and are sure to generate enormous enthusiasm from audiences.

Lissa Layng has garnered widespread praise for her role as Bess in A Woman of Independent Means, from "Pick of the Fringe" at the 2005 Vancouver Fringe Festival to "Best Production of a One-Person Show" from the VAlley Theatre League. Other stage credits include Fog of War and the musical comedy Much Adieux at the Whitmore/Lindly Theatre. Layng was also chosen One of the Top Ten Actresses in LA by ReviewPlays.com and received the DramaLogue Critics Award for her performance in the Los Angeles premiere of Station WVIP. Television credits range from guest starring appearances on Family Law, Unsolved Mysteries and Days Of Our Lives. She is co-artistic director of the Fremont Centre Theatre with her husband James Reynolds, where they received the Red Carpet Award from Women in Theatre, and the Gold Crown Award from the Pasadena Arts Council.

James Reynolds is well known for his portrayal of Commissioner Abe Carver on NBC's Days Of Our Lives. As a two-time Emmy nominee, Reynolds has won admiration from fans and critics alike with his commanding presence and nuanced performances. He has guest starred on such series as Seinfeld, Highway to Heaven and Hart to Hart. In addition to his television career, Reynolds also makes time for his role as co-artistic director of the Fremont Centre Theatre, which he runs with his wife, actress Lissa Layng. Reynolds has also lent his considerable talents to directing and has helmed productions of The Tangled Snarl and Murder Me Once, which was named "Critic's Choice" by the Los Angeles Times and BackStage West. Aside from his artistic endeavors, Reynolds remains committed to his charity work for such organizations as Ronald McDonald House and the USO and, with Ms. Layng, finds deep fulfillment in giving back to their local and national communities.

Ticket Information
A Woman of Independent Means performs Saturday, September 5 at 8PM and I, Too, Am America performs Sunday, September 6 at 8PM, both at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse of the Cape May Stage. Tickets are $35 adults, $25 seniors, and $12.50 students. Call (609) 884-1341 for tickets and information or visit the theatre's website, www.capemaystage.com. Audio enhancement, wheelchair accessible seating, and large print programs are available with advance notice by calling the box office at (609) 884-1341

Photo credit Steven Rae