CAPE MAY – Steaming up Cape May Stage is “Sex with Strangers,” a compelling comic drama about intimacy and ambition. When Ethan, a successful twenty-something blogger, tracks down his idol, the gifted but obscure novelist Olivia, he finds they each crave what the other possesses. This sexy and provocative play about ambition, fame and lust poses the question, what would you do and who would you become to get what you want? The show runs June 30 through July 29.
Award-winning director, producer, actor and producing artistic director of Cape May Stage, Roy Steinberg, will direct the hit Off-Broadway play “Sex with Strangers,” created by “House of Cards” writer Laura Eason. Steinberg says, ““Sex with Strangers” is a dark romantic comedy that shines a light on dating in the digital age, while exploring what privacy means in the 21st century.” Steinberg chose this play not only because of its popularity, but because it raises questions about identity, art and ambition.
Steinberg assembled a stellar cast of two veteran actors, who’ve starred in numerous Off-Broadway and regional theatre productions that will be bringing this provocative and seductive play to life.
Playing Olivia, a teacher whose writing career has stalled, is Catherine Frels, an actress who has performed on stage, television and film. Her role as Maggie Callaway in “Thurston” earned a Webby Award for Best Individual Performance. The role of Ethan, a confident bad boy blogger, is played by Jackson Thompson, whose numerous stage roles include “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, “The Three Musketeers,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Sex with Strangers” at Shaker Bridge Theatre.
“Sex with Strangers” runs from June 30 through July 29, with a half-price preview on June 29. There will be a half-price senior matinee on Sunday, July 16, and a post-show discussion with cast and crew on Thursday, July 23. Opening night tickets – which include an after-party with the cast at the Merion Inn – are $53. Tickets are available through capemaystage.org or by calling (609) 770-8311.