East Lynne Theater's TALES OF THE VICTORIANS Begins 6/23

The award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company's popular "Tales of the Victorians" returns for its twenty-seventh year! Take tea at a lovely inn, indulge in homemade tasty treats, and listen to stories by famous American authors like O. Henry, Mary Wilkins Freeman, Mark Twain, and Zora Neale Hurston, read by ELTC performers and friends, for only $12.00. Children are always welcome, and ages 12 and under are free. As usual most of the "Tales" are in Cape May, but as of two years ago, a North Wildwood location has been added.

Performers include Michele LaRue, who tours with several shows including "Someone Must Wash the Dishes: An Anti-Suffrage Satire," and whose late husband Warren Kliewer founded ELTC; James Rana, who plays a detective in the upcoming cable series "Falling Waters" and Van Helsing in ELTC's "Dracula;" Stephanie Garrett, who was in ELTC's "Lost on the Natchez Trace" and "Rain;" Lee O'Connor, Sherlock in ELTC's radio-style "Holmes' Adventures;" Suzanne Longacre, who's performed throughout the country and in TV's "Guiding Light;" and ELTC's artistic director, Gayle Stahlhuth.

The summer schedule is 4:00p.m. on most Thursdays beginning on June 23 at The Blue Rose Inn and Restaurant, 653 Washington Street, with Stephanie Garrett and Lee O'Connor performing. There will be no "Tales" on June 30 and July 21.

Other "Tales" include: July 7 at The Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard Street with Stephanie and Lee; July 14: The Peter Shields Inn, 1301 Beach Avenue with Suzanne Longacre; July 28: The Blue Rose Inn and Restaurant with Stephanie and Lee; Aug. 4: Avair Tea and Guest House, 2400 Central Avenue, North Wildwood with Stephanie and Lee; Aug. 11: The Chalfonte Hotel with James Rana; Aug. 18: The Leach House, 1011 Lafayette St.; and Aug. 25: The Peter Shields Inn.

Since "Two Scoops and a Story" was successful last season, ELTC is bringing it back on Tuesday, June 28 from 3:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. Hosted by The Henry Sawyer Inn, 722 Columbia Ave., homemade ice cream made by The Vanilla Bean Creamery will be served, and Gayle Stahlhuth will read selections from Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women." Adults are still $12, and ages 12 and under are $6.

Another sell-out event last year was "Poe by Candlelight," which returns on Saturday, October 22 at 8:00p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., where ELTC is in residence. Several ELTC actors will be reading their favorite stories by the master of the macabre just in time for Halloween.

Meanwhile, on ELTC's mainstage is the musical revue and trivia competition, "Rodgers' Romance," running from June 15 through July 23, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:30p.m.

For information and to make reservations for "Tales of the Victorians" and the mainstage season, call 609-884-5898 or go online to www.eastlynnetheater.org.