East Lynne Theater's Hosts BERKELEY SQUARE Talkback, 10/1

Where else have these actors performed and how did they become part of "Berkeley Square?" How does ELTC's artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth choose a show and a season? How and why do actors even do what they do? And who is playwright John L. Balderston and how did he come to write this highly original time-travel adventure? 

Audience members have the opportunity to ask these and other questions of the talented ten-member cast and the company's artistic director, Gayle Stahlhuth (who also has two small roles in the play) on Friday, October 1, immediately after seeing the award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company's production of "Berkeley Square." As usual, ELTC seeks out rarely produced American plays that speak to today's audiences, and this play is no exception. The reviews for the original 1929 production were stupendous, including Brooks Atkinson's review in "The New York Times" where he wrote: "Berkeley Square" is the finest play of the season - a play that casts a spell." This delightful cast has a wide range of backgrounds.

New to ELTC is Michael Kirby, who plays the time-traveler, Peter Standish. Michael has worked extensively in California at the Mark Taper Forum, The Old Globe, and LA Theatre Works. The three ladies who captivate him are Erin Callahan, in the present, and two sisters in the past played by Megan McDermott and Emily Cheney. Erin was in ELTC's "You and I" and was recently in a production of "The Fifth of July" in NYC. Megan appeared in ELTC's "Why Marry?" and has also performed with Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, The Wilma Theater, McCarter Theater, and EgoPo Production in Philadelphia. Emily, new to ELTC, has also worked at EgoPo, as well as The Walnut Street Theater and The Ritz Theatre Company. The brother of the two sisters in the past is portrayed by Drew Seltzer. Drew, also new to ELTC, has performed with Princeton Repertory Theater, Hedgerow Repertory Theatre, and was in "Tony and Tina's Wedding" in NYC. The mother of the three siblings in 1784 is played by SuzAnne Dawson who has appeared in several ELTC productions including last season's "The Butter and Egg Man." She has also worked at Buffalo Studio Arena, The Alliance in Atlanta, Paper Mill Playhouse here in NJ, and was in "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" on tour with Gavin MacLeod. The suitor to one of the sisters is portrayed Morgan Nichols who was in ELTC's "The Butter and Egg Man," and recently in NYC played the lead in "What Happens to Women Here" at the Richmond Sheppard Theater. Rounding out the cast are Thomas Raniszewski and Rachel Handler. Thomas has appeared in many ELTC productions during the past five years, including the recent "The Dictator" and last year in "The People of Cape May v. Johan van Buren." Rachel, new to ELTC, has worked at Bucks County Playhouse and was in "The Best of Lerner and Loewe" at Carnegie Hall.

Gayle Stahlhuth, since becoming ELTC's artistic director twelve years ago, has produced 53 different productions (not including shows that were remounted), including 14 World Premieres and 7 New Jersey Premieres, and this marks her 28th ELTC production as director.

Mainstage 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.com. To make a reservation using a credit card, call 866-280-9211.

The production of "Berkeley Square" would not be possible without show sponsor The Henry Sawyer Inn, and 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.