Cape May Stage, a premiere professional not-for-profit Equity theatre, is focused on a captivating 31st season. “The 2019 season explores the concept of surprises and major life changes, with stories that are ‘shocking and inevitable.’ We aspire to entertain you while you are provoked with new experiences. This season brings one of the most staged plays in the United States in 2018, the most produced female playwright in our nation, a new work, a musical – and a favorite text from our past. The high level of artistry may surprise newcomers to our theatre at Cape May Stage. That is no surprise to our returning patrons – our actors, designers, playwrights and directors work at the very highest level of expertise,” says Roy Steinberg, Producing Artistic Director.
The 2019 season opens May 22 with “Heisenberg” by Tony Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens. Heisenberg, one of the most produced plays in the U.S. in 2018, is a refreshing look into just how unpredictable life can be, especially when examined closely! Heisenberg runs through June 21. Up next, Cape May Stage unleashes a howlingly funny and touching tale that takes the term “animal lover” to a whole new level. “Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney, which runs from June 26 through Aug. 2, takes the classic love triangle and flips it upside down when Greg brings home a sassy and street-wise stray dog, which quickly becomes a bone of contention in his marriage in hilarious and touching ways.
Next in the 2019 lineup is “Sidekicked” by Kim Powers, the story of the last night of taping of “I Love Lucy” and America’s favorite sidekick – Ethel Mertz, played by Vivian Vance. This new play gives a glimpse into the behind the scenes drama of “I Love Lucy” as well as the incredible unheard stories from Vivian Vance’s extraordinary career. “Sidekicked” runs Aug. 7 through Sept. 20. The fall season begins with “The Taming” by Lauren Gunderson, the most-produced living playwright in America, opening Sept. 25 and running through Nov. 1. Tweeting, politics and undying giddiness for James Madison – what else could you expect to find at a Miss America pageant? In this hilarious, raucous, all female “power play” inspired by Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” contestant Katherine has political aspirations to match her beauty pageant ambitions.
The season wraps with “Murder for Two: The Holiday Edition,” which opens on Nov. 6 and closes Dec. 29 with book and music by Joe Kinosian/book and lyrics by Kellen Blair. It’s Christmas Eve…and a mystery writer has been murdered. With a bevy of suspects an intrepid police aims to identify the killer. This musical features just two actors – one playing the investigator, one playing the variety of suspects – and the only weapon at their disposal is a piano. “Murder for Two: The Holiday Edition” puts the laughter in manslaughter.
In addition to the main stage, PNC Arts Alive presents the 2019 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. PNC Arts Alive challenges visual and performing arts organizations to put forth their best, most original thinking in expanding audience participation and engagement.
Join us on July 8 for award-winning Steve Ross – The “Crown Prince of New York Cabaret” – performing his renowned cabaret act. Next on July 15, the legendary Lucie Arnaz performs her renowned one-woman cabaret show. Returning to Cape May Stage on Aug. 12 is Carol Bufford, one of the most sought after young performers in the New York cabaret and jazz scene. Finishing the Broadways Series is Will and Anthony Nunziata on Nov. 30, who will perform all of the holiday classics like you have never heard them before. Don’t miss your chance to experience Broadway at the Jersey Shore.
Subscriptions are now available through the CMS Box Office for the 2019 season. Subscribers can get three- to five-play packages and receive a 15-40% discount off single ticket admission. For more information on any of the performances, call the box office at (609) 770-8311 or visit the website at www.capemaystage.org. Don’t miss a single production of this very special 2019 season.