Erin Callahan and Merritt Reid in "You and I"

The return of two of last year's hits, three 1920's comedies, a musical revue, a magic show, three world premiers—it’s all in one jam-packed season at the Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company, New Jersey's home for American stage classics, now celebrating its 28th year.

There will also be the usual opening night parties, after-show Q&As with the cast, and American Sign Language performances.
Season tickets are available: five shows for $75 (a savings of $50) and they may be used at any time in any way. Mail checks to East Lynne Theater Company, 121 Fourth Ave., West Cape May, NJ 08204. Tickets must be purchased by July 1.

From June 18-July 12 at 8:30 p.m. is the return of Philip Barry's "You and I." Newspaper reviewers called it "delightfully timeless" and "top drawer."
It asks the age-old question: "After the children are grown, do parents get to do what they want to do?" The marvelous ensemble cast is back: Kevin Mahoney, Karen Case Cook, Erin Callahan, Merritt Reid, Alison J. Murphy, Robert LeMaire, and last year's Jacoby winner, Mark Edward Lang.

On Tues., July 8 at 8 p.m. is the admission-free performance of "The Little Princess" based on Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1905 novel, performed by the talented Thespians in ELTC's Student Theater Workshop, under the direction of Artistic Director Gayle Stahlhuth.
Students are from several locations in New Jersey, including Pleasantville, North Cape May, and Cape May, as well as Indiana and Pennsylvania. Last year's performance was to a standing-room-only crowd.

Next is "All the Things You Are: The Music of Jerome Kern," running from July 16-26 at 8:30 p.m.
This world premiere, written and performed by NYC cabaret performers Michael and Anne McFrederick, is a musical revue revolving around Jerome Kern, a master of melody, who published more than 650 songs for 117 musical shows (including "Show Boat"), plays, and films.

"Magic with Robert Aberdeen" will only be performed four evenings, July 30-Aug. 2 at 8:30 p.m., so catch it before it disappears.
Aberdeen has performed in several ELTC productions, and his "Victorian Magic" is one of the company's most popular touring shows. He's also delighted audiences with his illusions at several ELTC fundraisers.
Now, he brings a popular Vaudeville staple to ELTC's mainstage season with his amazing sleight-of-hand. Robert has performed on Broadway, in films, and on the road, including starring in the international tour of "The Magic Show."

From Aug. 6-30 at 8:30 p.m. is "The Guardsman" by Franz Molnar. This 1924 comedy, established Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne as Broadway stars.
The location is Vienna, during the Belle Époque, the "beautiful years" before World War I, when love, not war, was in the air.
Two actors have been married for six months, and everyone knows that the actress habitually changes men every 26 weeks. Thus, the actor is nervous, and goes to great lengths to discover whether or not she is faithful.

Cast includes Mark Edward Lang, Alison J. Murphy, Thomas Raniszewski, Gayle Stahlhuth, and new to ELTC, Edward Furs, under the direction of Karen Case Cook, who is making her ELTC directorial debut.
During the last two weeks of "The Guardsman," the world premiere of "Helpful Hints" runs from Aug. 20-31 at 8:30 p.m. at The Henry Sawyer Room at The Chalfonte Hotel.
Written and performed by Susan Tischler, adapted from Mae Savell Croy's 1916 "Putnam's Household Handbook," it is both witty and wise. Join Tischler as Mrs. Croy, as she explains everything from cleaning the stove and your clothes with kerosene, to leaving babies outside when they cry because children should not be spoiled.
She also discusses developing the mind, the importance of a cheerful doctor, and the comfort of the gymnasium suit. Karen Case Cook directs.

In the fall, it’s "To the Ladies!" from Sept. 17-Oct. 18 at 8 p.m.
Written by Pulitzer Prize winners George S. Kaufman and Marc Connelly, this comedy is about Leonard Beebe of Nutley, New Jersey, who wants to get ahead in the world. With the help of his young bride, Elsie, he might just do it.
In 1922, "To the Ladies!" was on Broadway starring Helen Hayes, but after 1924, no other productions can be found. George S. Kaufman's daughter has never seen "To the Ladies!" and will be spending time in Cape May just to see ELTC's production.
The cast includes Ken Glickfeld and Patti Chambers, with ELTC newcomers Tiffany-Leigh Moskow, John Morton, and Morgan Nichols, under the direction of Gayle Stahlhuth.

On Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. are the final fall performances of the crowd-pleasing "Sherlock Holmes' Adventure of the Speckled Band," adapted by Craig Wichman.
Let ELTC take you back to the early days of radio with live sound effects and commercials just like the original Sherlock Holmes series on NBC radio.
Holmes and Watson are pitted against a psychotic villain in a race against time to stop a murder in a country manor. The cast includes Lee O'Connor, Fred Velde, and Phil Pizzi.

Gayle Stahlhuth will once more be playing a variety of roles in ELTC's annual Christmas show. Last year, she portrayed 25 different characters in "Louisa May Alcott's Christmas."
This year, she portrays a variety of characters in the world premiere of "O. Henry's Christmas Stories." The dates are: Nov. 28, 29, and Dec. 7, 12, and 13 at 8:30 p.m.
East Lynne Theater Company is in residence at The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes Street, Cape May.
For reservations and information, call 609-884-5898, or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org.