Students of West Cape May Elementary School Present CAPTAIN HENRY SAWYER AND THE CIVIL WAR

On July 6, 1863, Civil War Captains Henry Sawyer and John Flinn were sentenced to death while in Libby Prison. Not only did the men avoid the noose, but Sawyer returned to his Cape May home after the war to build The Chalfonte Hotel. How these brave captains lived to fight another day had something to do with President Lincoln, General Lee, and Sawyer's wife.

On Wednesday, March 13 at 6:00 PM, after only seven rehearsals, fifth and sixth grade students at West Cape May Elementary School will perform "Captain Henry Sawyer and the Civil War" at the school, located at 301 Moore St. The script was written and directed by East Lynne Theater Company's artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth. Admission is free, but canned goods (no expired dates, please) for the Food Closet, will be gratefully accepted. For reservations, call ELTC at 884-5898 or e-mail eastlynneco@aol.com.

This in-school residency began on Monday, March 5, with a few acting exercises, reading the script, and everyone writing down what three roles they would like to play. Based on this information, parts were assigned and rehearsals began. Parents, teachers, and students, along with Stahlhuth and ELTC's technical director, Lee O'Connor, created the set, props, and costumes. After only ten hours of rehearsal, the students perform with lines learned, blocking complete, props in place and costumes done.

This is the twelfth year Stahlhuth has been able to provide this acting residency and performance for West Cape May Elementary School due to funding from New Jersey Theatre Alliances' (NJTA) "Stages Festival." To receive a full schedule of events, visit www.stagesfestival.org.

Founded in 1981, NJTA is the first statewide organization for professional, not-for-profit theater companies in the United States, of which ELTC is a proud member. NJTA is a leader in developing model programs that foster collaboration, cooperation and audience development. To learn more about NJTA, visit www.njtheatrealliance.org.

Meanwhile, ELTC is holding auditions for its 2019 Season on March 9; The Playwriting Workshop is on March 12 (funded partially by the NJTA "Stages Festival"); "Sherlock Holmes' Adventure of the Speckled Band" is on March 15 and 16; and our fundraising Social Sunday Brunch at Fins is on March 17, St. Patrick's Day.

Photo Credit: Gayle Stahlhuth