East Lynne Theater Company's NYC Fundraiser Set for Next Month

On Sunday, January 25, Elizabeth and Stuart Hodes are hosting their annual fundraiser for the award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company at 3:00 p.m. in their home located at the corner of 31st Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan.

Entertainment includes a presentation of Anton Chekhov's one-act "The Bear" starring Elizabeth Hodes, Thomas Cox, and Joanne Joseph. Popova, a charming widow with an estate, meets Smirnov, a landowner who asks her to pay him the money owed by her husband. Their relationship goes from impossible to joyous abandon.

ELTC's artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth, will also discuss highlights of the upcoming 2015 Mainstage Season in Cape May, NJ. This marks the company's 35th year of presenting American stage classics and world premieres. The season includes "Mr. Lincoln" written by Herbert Mitgang starring Tom Byrn, chosen to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the President's assassination, a new adaptation of "Huckleberry Finn" written by James Rana, and "Strictly Dishonorable," a Preston Sturges comedy.

After the performances, a light supper with wine will be served, prepared by Stuart Hodes.

Reservations are required, and may be made by calling the Hodes at 212-532-8977, or e-mail lizhodes@yahoo.com. The suggested donation is $10, with all proceeds going to the not-for-profit ELTC.

There are five exciting productions planned for 2015, along with a special silent film series with live organ accompaniment, staged readings, workshops, Tales of the Victorians, and lectures. For details, go to the web site at eastlynnetheater.org, or call the office at 609-884-5898.