East Lynne Theater presents The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

Where did Claus grow up? Who raised him? What was the first toy he made? Why does he deliver toys only on one night? How did he become immortal?

These and other questions are answered in L. Frank Baum's "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" presented by the award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company on November 26, 27, and December 5, 10, and 11 at 8:30p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St. in Cape May, where the company is in residence. This adaptation is written by ELTC's artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth who also performs the thirty-some characters in storytelling fashion. Her past solo Christmas performances of stories by Louisa May Alcott and O. Henry were praised by reviewers and audience alike.

Baum gave Claus an exciting life that evokes all the charm, warmth, and fantasy that
made his "Oz" stories American classics. He took Claus out of his conventional trappings,
and placed him into the world of folklore, complete with fairies, nymphs, and the Master Woodsman.
Gayle Stahlhuth is in her twelfth year as ELTC's artistic director, and as such, has directed over half of the 57 different shows she's produced (not including repeats), including "Why Marry?," the first play to win the Pulitzer Prize, and the time-travel adventure "Berkeley Square." She's appeared in Off-Broadway, regional, touring productions, and on the Chautauqua circuit, and she and her husband, Lee O'Connor reside in West Cape May, NJ and Manhattan.

"The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" was selected by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts to be part of the American Masterpieces Series in New Jersey. American Masterpieces is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, acknowledging those who introduce Americans to "the best of their cultural and artistic legacy." This marks the third year in a row that an ELTC production has been so honored.

Tickets are $23 for general admission, $13 for full-time students, and, as always, anyone age 12 and under is free. For information and reservations, call 884-5898 or go online to www.eastlynnetheater.org.

Don't know what to give someone for the holidays? ELTC's 2011 season tickets are available. See five fun-filled shows for only $100, and celebrate "The Battle of the Sexes." Who garners the prize in Rachel Crother's "He and She?" Is a career ruined or made in Kaufman and Connelly's "Dulcy?" Who wins in the cast-of-four "An Evening with Dorothy Parker?" Plus ELTC's new radio show "Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Norwood Builder" and "Christmas Presents from the Past" just in time for the holidays. Season tickets are flexible, allowing patrons to even use all five for one show if they wish. Ticket prices next year are $30 for general admission and $25 for seniors.

East Lynne's production season would not be possible without season sponsors Curran Investment Management, Aleathea's Restaurant, and La Mer Beachfront Inn; The NJ Dept. of State, Division of Travel & Tourism; NJ State Council on the Arts/Dept. of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; and the generosity of many patrons.

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