East Lynne Theater Company presents Paul Robeson

Paul Robeson said: "To be free - to walk the good American earth as equal citizens, to live without fear, to enjoy the fruits of our toil, to give our children every opportunity in life - that dream which we have held so long in our hearts is today the destiny we hold in our hands."

The Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company is proud to present his story four nights a week, Wednesdays through Saturdays, from July 14-July 24 at 8:30p.m. in "Paul Robeson Through His Words and Music." The production is an interweaving of two dozen songs that were sung by Robeson ("The House I Live In," "Joe Hill," etc.) with a narrative of his life as actor, singer, activist, and humanitarian. This is the story of the son of a former slave who became one of the most popular entertainers of his day, performing on Broadway and in films, and touring the world. He believed in the universality of music and that by performing spirituals and folk songs, he could promote intercultural understanding.

Written by East Lynne's Artistic Director, Gayle Stahlhuth, the performer is Derrick McQueen, who has created his own characterizations based on the lives of Alfred P. Smith, Congressman George White, and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Derrick's past performance venues for "Robeson" include Crossroads Theater in New Brunswick, the Wildwood Convention Center for an NAACP Fundraiser, The Puffin Foundation, numerous libraries in New Jersey and churches in New York City, garnering standing ovations and encores. It was last performed in Cape May for only four performances as part of ELTC's 2006 season, and its return has been requested by many.

There is an opening night party on Wednesday July 14 at The Merion Inn, located across the street from The First Presbyterian Church, at 106 Decatur Street, where patrons have the opportunity to meet and talk to the performer, playwright, and members of ELTC's staff and board. This Opening Night is also dedicated to the memory of Marie Krill, who thoroughly enjoyed seeing shows at ELTC and was particularly looking forward to Derrick's performance.

Tickets are $28 for general admission; $23 for seniors and those with disabilities and their support companions; $13 for students; and anyone age twelve and under is free. The location is The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes Street, Cape May, where the company is in residence. For information and to make reservations, call 609-884-5898 or go online at www.eastlynnetheater.org. To make a reservation directly using a credit card, call 866-280-9211.

Meanwhile, "Emma Goldman: My Life," is only running through July 10. Come see what audiences and critics are raving about. The next "Tales of the Victorians" are on Thursdays at 4:00 at The Cliveden Inn (July 1), The Dormer House (July 8) and The Fairthorne (July 15).
East Lynne is partnering with the following restaurants for dinner and theater ticket savings: Aleathea's, 410 Bank Street, Fresco's, The Merion Inn, and The Washington Inn. Call the restaurants for reservations and mention the ELTC-Dinner-And-A-Show Package for savings.