East Lynne Theater Celebrates 30 Years With 'The Ultimate Theater Party,' 11/12

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A year in review for the East Lynne Theater Company begins in January when it was voted One of the Top Two Equity Professional Theaters in the State in The Discover Jersey Arts' "People's Choice Awards." In August, The 400th Anniversary Committee presented ELTC with a plaque acknowledging ELTC's work to help celebrate Cape May's founding. On October 26, at The New Jersey Theatre Alliance's Applause Awards, ELTC will receive a "Certificate of Achievement Award" for bringing American Classics to life and educating young and old about American plays, literature and history, throughout the state. George S. Kaufman's comedy "The Butter and Egg Man" is currently running through October 24.

On Thursday, November 12, East Lynne Theater Company celebrates thirty years of entertaining audiences in Cape May and throughout the country at Aleathea's Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, and everyone is invited to the big birthday bash: "The Ultimate Theater Party." 

Warren Kliewer founded ELTC hoping "it could become a vehicle for rediscovering the enduring values of the American heritage and for deepening our understanding of what it means to be an American." The current Artistic Director, Gayle Stahlhuth, Technical Director, Lee O'Connor, Frank Smith, President of the Board, and Michele LaRue, the wife of ELTC's founder, have considered it a privilege to be part of this unique organization, and all four will be present to join the celebration.

The evening begins at 5:30p.m. with hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Dinner and entertainment begin at 6:30pm.

This year, Special Guest Celebrities perform with ELTC Equity professionals in scenes from some of ELTC's most popular plays from the last ten years. Celebrities include Michael Clark, Vicki Clark, Bernie Haas, Ed Henry, Teresa Henry, Dave Kurkowski, Jim Moffatt, Candace O'Donnell, Sally Sachs, Shirley Stiles, Terri Swain, and Susan Tischler. They are joined with ELTC favorites Patti Chambers, Karen Case Cook, SuzAnne Dawson, Mark Edward Lang, Marty McDonough, Alison J. Murphy, and Fred Velde. Some of the scenes selected, which will be familiar to many ELTC patrons, are from "Spoon River Anthology," "Rain," "Why Marry?," "The Dictator," and "Anna Christie."

There will also be a costume exhibit from ELTC's collection and hands-on sound effects used in ELTC's popular radio shows. Chris Sooy supplies the live piano music, and Phil Pizzi, camera in hand, will greet people and document the Party. The result: DVDs that may be purchased for $10.

The recipient of the Historic Jackson Street Neighborhood Association Scholarship Fund in the Name of Bob and Toni Green will also be announced.

ELTC is selling 50/50 Raffle Tickets for $50 each, with the opportunity to win $3,000, $1,500, or $500, and purchasers don't have to be present to win. Only 200 tickets will be sold and The Kiwanis Club of Cape May is graciously co-hosting this event and supporting the raffle. Checks should be made out to Kiwanis Club of Cape May Foundation and mailed to ELTC's office, 121 Fourth Ave., West Cape May, NJ 08204.

The only auction item this year will be the popular "A Day in Manhattan with Gayle and Lee."

Plans for the upcoming 2010 Season are shaping up, and will be revealed on this night. In the works are a world premiere about Emma Goldman, "Berkeley Square," about an American time-traveler traversing between 1784 and 1928 London, and the return of ELTC's 2001 comedy hit, "The Dictator." Season tickets will be available.

All of the proceeds for the evening go to the Equity professional nonprofit East Lynne Theater Company to support the production season and educational outreach.

Tickets for the birthday bash cost $50, and checks should be made out to East Lynne Theater Company and mailed to the office. Reservations must be made by November 2. For information and reservations, call ELTC at 884-5898.