Kicking off the summer season at Cape May Stage is “Chapter Two” by Neil Simon. This charming romantic comedy opens on June 27 and runs through Aug. 3. Set in Manhattan in the 1970s, “Chapter Two” tells the story of successful writer George Schneider, who is mourning the recent death of his beloved wife when he meets a bright, vivacious actress. George is eager to rush into another marriage following a whirlwind courtship, but the memories of his wife threaten to ruin his second chance for happiness. This witty romance deals with not only love and grief, but also what it means to have a fresh start and a new lease on life.
Award-winning director, producer, actor and producing artistic director of Cape May Stage, Roy Steinberg, will direct the comedy by Neil Simon. This season Steinberg additionally directs the world premiere of “The Shuck” and will perform as King Henry in “The Lion In Winter,” which runs Aug. 8 through Sept. 14 at Cape May Stage.
Playing George Schneider, an author who is mourning the loss of his wife, is John Patrick Hayden. Hayden’s credits include “Tartuffe” at the Roundabout and Jack Murdock in “Daredevil,” “Bluebloods” and “Law and Order.”
Returning to Cape May Stage as Leo Schneider is Michael Basile. Michael last joined Cape May Stage in 2016 as the telephone repairman in “Barefoot in the Park.” Audiences will know him from his performances in “Most Dangerous Man in America,” “Mistakes Were Made” and “All Dolled Up.” When Michael is not acting, he is working for the FDNY as a Firefighter at Engine 242 in Brooklyn.
Making her Cape May Stage debut as Jennie Malone is Alexis Bronkovic. Her off-Broadway credits include “Silent Sky,” which she was nominated for an IRNE award as Best Actress in a Play, “Born Yesterday” and “Amadeus.” She has also been seen in “Blue Bloods” and “Royal Pains.”
Rounding out the cast is Lianne Marie Dobbs playing Faye Medwick. Lianne recently was off-Broadway playing six different characters in “Himself & Nora,” and as Hildy in the revival of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” You can also see Lianne on July 30 with Carole J. Bufford as they perform their one-night only cabaret act “When Broadway Hit the Billboards” at 8 p.m. at Cape May Stage. Tickets for “When Broadway Hit the Billboards” are only $40 each and are available online at www.capemaystage.org.
“Chapter Two” runs Tuesday through Sunday at 8 p.m., with a Best Value night on July 8 and a Pay-What-You-Wish Night on July 13. For ticket information, visit www.capemaystage.org or call the box office at (609) 770-8311.
In addition to the main stage, PNC Arts Alive presents the 2018 Broadway series. PNC Arts Alive is a multi-year, multi-million dollar grant initiative of the PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. In its eighth year, PNC Arts Alive challenges visual and performing arts organizations to put forth their best, most original thinking in expanding audience participation and engagement. Kicking off the Broadway series on July 9 are the Brooklyn-born, classically trained singing and comedy duo, Will & Anthony Nunziata. On July 16, the dynamic Jimmy Webb will be rockin’ Cape May Stage. Making his Cape May Stage debut on July 23 will be Andrew Keenan-Bolger, and closing the series on Aug. 13 are two multi-award winning Broadway actresses Anita Gillette & Penny Fuller. All performances start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50, which includes an after party directly following the performance. Don’t miss your chance to experience Broadway at the Jersey Shore!