East Lynne Theater Company Presents THE RANSOM OF RED CHIEF 7/29-9/5

"This is a fool-proof kidnapping plan, I tell you. We carefully selected the only child of the wealthiest man in town. He'll melt down for a ransom of two thousand dollars. Just see if he doesn't"

Bill is speaking to his partner, Samantha, in O. Henry's hilarious tale, "The Ransom of Red Chief." The two thieves think that kidnapping is a simple task, but then O. Henry always came up with twists and turns in his tales. Those who love a good story - and particularly O. Henry - will delight in not only seeing "Ransom" come to life, but will relish all of the other references to and stories by O. Henry throughout this world premiere, adapted and directed by Gayle Stahlhuth.

O. Henry (1862-1910) was such a prolific writer that it took his publishers 13 years - from 1911 to 1923 - and four posthumous volumes of his collected stories to catch up with him. To this day, he is honored by having the most renowned annual collection of American short stories named after him.

"The Ransom of Red Chief," produced by East Lynne Theater Company, recently voted one of the top two Equity professional theaters in the state in the Discover Jersey Arts' "People's Choice Awards," can be seen from July 29 - September 5 at 8:30p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays, where The company is in residence at The First Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Decatur and Hughes Streets in Cape May. There will be no performance on Thursday, August 27 due to a special ELTC event to help to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Cape May, but a "Ransom" performance has been added on Sunday, August 30. An after-show opening night party, on July 29, is planned at The Merion Inn, right across the street from The Presbyterian Church, where theater-lovers have the opportunity to meet the talented cast and director. On Friday, August 7, there will be an after-show Q&A with the cast.

The two thieves, Bill and Samantha, are played by Tom Byrn and Karen Case Cook. Tom, new to ELTC, recently performed in the world premiere of "Gilgamesh" at Circle of Stones Theatre in Philadelphia. He has worked with other Philadelphia area companies, and, for eleven years, acted and directed at Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in Bloomsburg, PA. Karen, a New York City-based actor and director has worked for several years with ELTC, recently appearing in "You and I," and directing "Alice on The Edge." Soon, she goes back into rehearsal with Susan Tischler to help to bring "Helpful Hints" back to The Chalfonte Hotel for another run, beginning August 6.

Aidan Koehler, new to ELTC, has performed with Urban Stages and The Looking Glass Theatre in New York City, and Vermont Shakespeare Company and ArtsPower National Touring Theatre. Aidan not only plays several roles in "Ransom," but, as a skilled violinist, supplies the live fiddle-playing for the production.

Rob LeMaire, who plays "the wealthiest man in town," first performed with ELTC in "The Dictator" in 2001. Other shows followed, including "You and I," "Sherlock Holmes," "Helpful Hints," and "To the Ladies." Accompanying him to many rehearsals and performances was his son, Bobby, who portrays his son in "Ransom." It was after Gayle saw Bobby deliver the opening speech for "Helpful Hints" at The Chalfonte Hotel last season that she asked Bobby if he'd like to play 11-year-old Johnny in "Ransom." Bobby read the story, thought about it, and when he said "yes," Gayle began writing the script.

Tickets are $28 general admission; $23 for seniors and those with disabilities and their support companions; and $13 for full-time students. Children ages 12 and under are always free. For information and reservations, call 609-884-5898 or visit the website www.eastlynnetheater.org. New this season: to make a reservation using a credit card, call 866-280-9211.

The twentieth year of "Tales of the Victorians," the popular reading series, continues every Thursday at 4:00p.m. Tickets are only $10 and ages 12 and under are free. The next few locations are: July 16 at The Fairthorne, 111 Ocean St.; July 23 at Victorian Lace Inn, 901 Stockton Ave.; July 30 at The Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St.; and Aug 6 at The Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard St.
Dinner-and-an-ELTC-Show-Combo is at the following restaurants: Aleathea's, 410 Bank Street, Frescos, The Washington Inn, The Merion Inn, and the Church of the Advent.

The production of "The Ransom of Red Chief" would not be possible without season sponsors Curran Investment Management, Aleathea's Restaurant, La Mer Beachfront Inn, and funding received through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, as well as the generosity of many patrons.

Photo: Aidan Koehler, Rob LeMaire, Tom Byrn, Bobby LeMaire, and Karen Case Cook.