Shirley Stiles, Winner Of 'Walk-on part' Prize, To Appear On Stage In THE RANSOM OF RED CHIEF 9/4

In November, East Lynne Theater Company has its annual gala, and last year, among the auction items, was a "walk-on part in 'The Ransom of Red Chief.'" Long-time Cape May resident Shirley Stiles won the prize, and on Friday, September 4, will appear, in costume, onstage in this comedy based on O. Henry's famous story about two people who find kidnapping more difficult than they thought it would be. The regular ensemble cast includes Tom Byrn, Karen Case Cook, Rob LeMaire, Aidan Koehler, who plays the fiddle as well as takes on several roles, and 11-year old Bobby LeMaire who portrays the hard-to-handle youngster. And, soon, after only a few rehearsals, Shirley will join them for one night only! This world premiere was directed by artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth, who also wrote the adaptation.

Tickets are $28 general admission; $23 for seniors and those with disabilities and their
support companions; and $13 for full-time students. Children ages 12 and under are always
free. The location is The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May, where the company is in residence. "The Ransom of Red Chief" runs every Wednesday through Saturday through Sept. 5 only, except there is no performance on Aug. 27 due to a special event to celebrate the founding of Cape May 400 years ago, but another performance has been added on Sunday, Aug. 30. For information and reservations, call 609-884-5898 or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org. To make a reservation using a credit card, call 866-280-9211.

Patrons can save on ticket prices with Dinner/ELTC Theater Packages at the following restaurants: Aleathea's, 410 Bank Street, Frescos, The Washington Inn, The Merion Inn, and Church of the Advent. Saving are also available online through njArtsTix.org.

East Lynne Theater Company, recently voted one of the Top Two Equity theaters in the state in the Discover Jersey Arts' "People's Choice Awards," will have its next gala on Thursday, November 12, celebrating 30 Years of unique American Stage Classics and World Premieres.

The 20th year of "Tales of the Victorians," the popular reading series, continues on Thursdays at 4:00p.m. at the next locations: Aug. 27 at The Fairthorne, 111 Ocean St., and Sept. 3 at the Seaville Hotel, 5 Perry St. Tickets are only $10 and ages 12 and under are free.

The production of "The Ransom of Red Chief" would not be possible without season sponsors Curran Investment Management, Aleathea's Restaurant, La Mer Beachfront Inn, and funding received through grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, and the generosity of many patrons.

Rob LeMaire, Tom Byrn, Bobby LeMaire, Karen Case Cook, and Aidan Koehler

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Orchestrations - Top 3

1. Ethan Popp, The Rescues - The Lost Boys

30.7% of votes

2. Lux Pyramid - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

14.7% of votes

3. Anders Eljas, Brian Usifer - Chess

12.3% of votes

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