ELTC's Annual January Fundraiser Set for 1/26

This is the seventh year in a row that Elizabeth and Stuart Hodes are hosting a fundraiser in Manhattan for the nonprofit East Lynne Theater Company. The date is Sunday, January 26 at 3:00p.m. Although ELTC performs mostly in Cape May, NJ, the Hodes are longtime friends of the company, and artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth wrote a two-person play just for them. The musical titled "The O'Tooles Tonight," premiered in Cape May in 2000 under Stahlhuth's direction, receiving excellent reviews, including in "The Newark Star-Ledger."

The afternoon soiree is comprised of scenes from American classics, which is in keeping with ELTC's unique mission. By bringing the American Spirit to the stage with its blend of provocative premieres and timeless dramas and comedies first produced before World War II, this award-winning company provides a portal to the past for a better understanding of the present. Although the characters are from another era, the stories are as relevant today as when originally written and experienced. When ELTC was founded in 1980, it was the first Equity professional theater dedicated to producing classic American works and new plays based on American literature and history. Many have praised ELTC for its engaging perspective on this country's theater and its contribution to the world of theater.

Selections from Eugene O'Neill's 1922 "Anna Christie" will be performed by Elizabeth Hodes, Thomas Cox, and Nick Byrne, under the direction of Michael Hagins, followed by a staged reading of highlights from "Zorro!" Adapted by James Rana from Johnston McCulley's 1919 novel, "The Curse of Capistrano," the masked avenger will have its world premiere at ELTC this summer.

James Rana, who's "The Poe Mysteries" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" both premiered at ELTC under Stahlhuth's direction, will be on hand to answer questions and talk about his work. Other 2014 ELTC events will be discussed by Stahlhuth, including the mainstage season in Cape May, playwriting workshop, murder mystery weekends, educational outreach, and touring shows.

After the performances, a light supper, prepared by Stuart Hodes, along with wine, will be served. It's a great time to mingle with fellow theater lovers.

A minimum $10.00 donation is requested, and all proceeds will go to benefit ELTC. Not only is the company's mainstage season enjoyed by patrons throughout the country - and several countries abroad - visiting Cape May, but ELTC's touring shows are seen regularly from Maine to Texas. ELTC is the only nonprofit company in South Jersey that has been providing school residencies, with no funding from schools or local tax dollars, yearly, for the last fourteen years.

Space is limited and reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling the Hodes at 212-532-8977 or online at Lizhodes@yahoo.com. The location is the corner of 31st Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan.

For more information, go to ELTC's website at www.eastlynnetheater.org or e-mail eastlynneco@aol.com.