East Lynne Theater Company presents the world premiere ZORRO!

The award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company's next production is a swashbuckler: the world premiere of "Zorro!" based on Johnston McCulley's "The Curse of Capistrano" (1919) adapted by James Rana. Spanish for "fox," Zorro fought the oppressive colonial government in Spanish California with a quick sword and wit. Wearing a mask, he kept his identity secret, even to the woman he loved. In 1939, Bob Kane and Bill Finger gave credit to McCulley's masked avenger, with his dual identity, as their inspiration for "Batman." Like Bruce Wayne and Batman, Don Diego and Zorro are never seen together at the same time.

In the past two years, ELTC has produced Rana's "The Poe Mysteries" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Also an actor, Rana is taking on several roles in "Zorro!" including Captain Ramon. He has taught juggling classes for ELTC in Cape May and Wildwood, and also appeared in "Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Norwood Builder" and "The Poe Mysteries." His numerous credits include performing for the Big Apple Circus, at the Bonn Biennale Festival and at The Globe in Neuss in Germany, the Royal Shakespeare Festival in England, and many New York City and regional theaters. He has also had lead roles in independent features and television shows including "Law & Order."

Taking on the role of Zorro, also known as Don Diego, is Jed Peterson. New to ELTC, he recently portrayed Stephen Foster in "Hard Times" in NYC. He made his stage debut in George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" at the New York City Ballet, and his international debut in "He Who Gets Slapped" at the Moscow Art Theatre where he became one of only two Americans to have appeared on the theatre's Main Stage, with the Russian company. Other credits include McCarter Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, and the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Also new to ELTC, is Mark Lazar. He's performed with People's Light & Theatre Company, near Philadelphia, for fifteen years, spent twelve seasons with The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, and has worked with most of the professional theaters in Wisconsin.

Three actors who were in other James Rana ELTC premieres are also in the cast: Suzanne Dawson, Mark Edward Lang, and Elisa Pupko.

Suzanne played leading roles in Off-Broadway shows including "The Last Musical Comedy." Regionally, she has worked at Florida Studio Theatre, Buffalo Studio Arena, The Alliance in Atlanta, and Paper Mill Playhouse. Mark's theater and corporate training events have taken him around the world. Recently, he performed in a Nelson Mandela event in Tanzania. Off-Broadway credits include "Welcome Home, Marion Anderson," which also toured. In NYC, Elisa performed in "The Crucible," "The Children's Hour," and "Three Sisters." Her work regionally includes playing Liesl in "The Sound of Music," and she can be seen in numerous episodes of "College Humor."

Playing young Don Diego is Evan Smilyk, who has played the title roles in "Rip Van Winkle" and "Hamlet," and a dozen other parts at West Cape May Elementary School, under the direction of Sally Bingham or ELTC's artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth, and has participated in ELTC's Student Summer Workshop for five years.

Joseph Travers, fight director, is on hand to create the swashbuckling moments. Travers' recent projects include the Broadway production of "Bronx Bombers" and Robin Robertson translation of "Medea" at Gallery Players in Brooklyn. Gayle Stahlhuth, who has produced over 70 shows since she was asked to helm ELTC in 1999, is directing.

"Zorro!" runs from July 23 through August 30, with an 8:30p.m. curtain, and a Wednesday through Saturday schedule. On opening night, Wednesday, July 23 there is an after-show party at The Washington Inn, 801 Washington Street, at no additional cost. On Friday, August 1, is an after-show Q&A with the cast and crew. A special after-show reception is slated for Friday, August 8, to be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, with homemade tasty treats and another opportunity to meet the cast. The cost is only $10 and all profits will be split between The Food Closet and the not-for-profit ELTC. On Friday, August 22, is an American Sign Language performance.

Meanwhile, "The First Fifty Years," showing seven scenes in a marriage starring Beckley Andrews and Samuel Douglas Clark, is running through July 19 only.

ELTC's main stage performances take place in the historic First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes Street, a block off the beach at the corner of Hughes and Decatur in Cape May. Ticket prices are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors and those with disabilities, $15 for students, and ages twelve and under are free. To make reservations, call ELTC at 884-5898, or e-mail eastlynneco@aol.com. Learn more about this show and the others, as well as our touring roster and educational outreach, by going to our website, www.eastlynnetheater.org.