East Lynne Theater Company Presents HELPFUL HINTS Runs Through 8/23

"What was good for the baby forty years ago is not good for the baby of today. Today, it is widely recognized that if the baby wants to cry, let it do so. The best therapy for the baby is to leave it alone, to put it outdoors, and to seemingly forget all about it," says Mae Savell Croy, giving a lecture on children and household duties in the stand-up comedy-style production of "Helpful Hints."

The advice is real, however, taken from "Putnam's Household Handbook," written by Mrs. Croy, published in 1916. This witty adaptation, written and performed by Susan Tischler, was so popular last season that East Lynne Theater Company had to bring it back! Other "hints" include how to clean the stove and clothes with kerosene and the importance of a cheerful doctor. Along the way, Mrs. Croy also divulges something of her personal life, including her leanings towards the suffrage movement and her admiration for up-and-coming film star, Douglas Fairbanks.

The process of creating "Helpful Hints" began in December, 2007, when ELTC's Artistic Director Gayle Stahlhuth suggested adapting the book to Susan Tischler, but "Helpful Hints" is not the first play that Gayle has commissioned. She suggested to Jill Dalton that she research Lizzie Borden, and in 2008 this NYC-based actress performed the world premiere of "Lizzie Borden Live" in Cape May. It has since played in NYC, Arizona, Rhode Island, and Lizzie's hometown, Fall River, MA. Currently, Gayle is working with Lorna Lable on a one-person show that she also suggested, based on Emma Goldman. This play will have its world premiere in 2010 as part of ELTC's mainstage season. The mission of East Lynne Theater Company is to produce provocative classics and history-based contemporary entertainment that deal with the uniquely American experience, which means that Gayle spends time not only reading plays that haven't been produced for seventy-five years, but also pursuing American literature and topics that might work for adaptations. Since 1999, when Gayle took over the ELTC's reins, she has produced over fifty productions, including thirteen world premieres.

Karen Case Cook, who also directed East Lynne's recent comedy hit, "Alice on The Edge," is once more directing "Helpful Hints." Tommy Raniszewski, who was in last season's "The Guardsman," also directed by Karen, portrays the Stage Manager. Tommy is also in ELTC's upcoming fall production, "The Butter and Egg Man." Last year, this role was played by Rob LeMaire, but Rob is busy with his son and daughter in "The Ransom of Red Chief," currently playing at ELTC's usual venue, The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, at the corner of Hughes and Decatur.

There are only twelve performances of "Helpful Hints," playing Thursdays through Sundays, August 6-23 at 8:30p.m., at The Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard St, in Cape May. Ironically, this is where ELTC began performing in Cape May when Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts booked ELTC touring productions in the 1980's, and where ELTC produced its first full mainstage season in Cape May in 1989. Tickets are $23 for general admission, $13 for full-time students, and children ages 12 and under are always free. For information and reservations, call 609-884-5898 or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org. To make credit card reservations directly by phone, call 866-280-9211.

Patrons can save money with Dinner-and-an-ELTC-Show-Combo. For "Helpful Hints" only, $18 tickets may be obtained when dining at The Magnolia Room at The Chalfonte Hotel. For reservations, call 884-8409. Restaurant deals for all shows are at the following: Aleathea's, 410 Bank Street, Frescos, The Washington Inn, The Merion Inn, and the Church of the Advent. For an ELTC-B&B-And-A-Show, contact the Henry Sawyer Inn at 884-5667 and The Victorian Lace Inn at 884-1772.

East Lynne's popular American short stories read on the porches of Cape May's lovely B&Bs and inns, 4:00p.m. on Thursdays, "Tales of the Victorians," continues, with a ticket price of only $10.00. Anyone age 12 and under is free, and children are welcome. The next few locations are: July 30: Inn of Cape May; Aug. 6: The Chalfonte Hotel; Aug. 13: Windward House; Aug. 20: Victorian Lace Inn; and Aug. 27: The Fairthorne.

East Lynne Theater Company's season would not be possible without the support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Curran Investment Management, La Mer Beachfront Inn, Aleathea's Restaurant, and the generosity of many patrons. ELTC also received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

Photo: Susan Tischler

 

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