East Lynne presents an L. Frank Baum classic for the holidays

These and other questions are answered in L. Frank Baum's "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" presented by the award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company on Friday, November 27, Saturday, November 28, Sunday, December 6, and Thursday through Saturday, December 10, 11, and 12, all at 8:00p.m., with a matinee on December 12 at 2:00p.m. The location is The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St. in Cape May, where the company is in residence.

Baum gave Claus an exciting life that evokes all the charm, warmth, and fantasy that made his "Oz" stories American classics. He took Claus out of his conventional trappings, and placed him into the world of folklore, complete with fairies, gnomes, and elves. In fact, it is because of Baum's book, that Santa Claus is believed to have elves to help him.

This adaptation of the Baum classic was written by ELTC's artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth who also performs the thirty-some characters in storytelling fashion. Not only has she been praised by patrons and reviewers alike for her solo work, but when she last performed this one-person tour-de-force in 2010, it was designated an "American Masterpiece": part of the

National Endowment for the Arts' Masterpieces Series, acknowledging those who introduce Americans to "the best of their cultural and artistic legacy." From 2008-2010, one ELTC production yearly had received this national honor. (Due to lack of funds, the final year of the Series was 2010.)

Since becoming artistic director in 1999 of this 35 year-old company, Stahlhuth has produced over 100 shows, and directed over half of them.

Opening nights this season are dedicated to the memory of someone the cultural community lost during the past year - and who had an impact on ELTC. Opening Night, November 27, is dedicated to the memory of Dolores Roehrenbeck (1941-2015) who was a staunch volunteer and friend of ELTC. She and her husband owned and operated Bob's Art & Framing in West Cape May.

Tickets for general admission are $25; students and for those currently serving or retired from the military, $15; and, as always, anyone age 12 and under is free. For information and reservations, call 884-5898, e-mail eastlynneco@aol.com, or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org.

Mainstage productions and educational outreach programs would not be possible without season sponsors Curran Investment Management, Aleathea's Restaurant, The Henry Sawyer Inn and The Washington Inn; Show sponsor La Mer Beachfront Inn; The NJ Dept. of State, Division of Travel & Tourism; NJ State Council on the Arts/Dept. of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; and the generosity of many patrons.

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