Cape May’s award-winning, Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company – now in its 45th year – has just announced its 2025 Season which includes a wide variety of performances that will take place between two venues: the Cape May Presbyterian Church and the company’s new permanent home, the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME Church. The shows include: “Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack/Dear Louise;” “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan MacMillan; “No Regrets: An Evening with Edith Piaf” starring Yael Rasooly; and “Sherlock Holmes: Scandals,” two Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories adapted by Mark Lang.
For the past 25 years, East Lynne has produced plays seasonally at Cape May Presbyterian Church. When the company moves into its new home at the Clemans Theater for the Arts this spring, it will not only permit them to expand their performance schedule, but allow the company to broaden the types of entertainment to include art and photography exhibits, cabaret shows, jazz performances, and more. Perhaps the biggest update for East Lynne Theater Co. is the conscious move to augment their theatrical lineup by producing shows outside of the American repertoire solely by including acts written by playwrights from around the world.
East Lynne’s 2025 season, which will alternate between Cape May Presbyterian Church and the Clemans Theater for the Arts, includes:
- “Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack/Dear Louise” – Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig (“Lend Me a Tenor,” “Crazy for You”) tells the true story of his parents’ courtship during World War II. Jack and Louise start off as pen pals who hope to be together forever someday, but the war continues to interfere. Runs 7 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays from June 19 through July 12. There is a special matinee at 3 p.m. on July 4, and a preview performance 7 p.m. June 18. Shows will take place at Cape May Presbyterian Church.
- “Every Brilliant Thing” – British playwright Duncan MacMillan’s play about depression that’s both heart-wrenching and hilarious. It’s a fascinating tale about a 6-year-old trying to bring a smile to his mom’s face by listing the many brilliant things in the world. Runs 7 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays from July 31 through Aug. 30, with a preview performance 7 p.m. July 30. Shows will take place at Clemans Theater for the Arts.
- “No Regrets: An Evening with Edith Piaf” – Created and performed by Yael Rasooly, this unique one-woman show dedicated to the “Little Sparrow” Edith Piaf combines drama, music and puppetry. Runs 7 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays from Sept. 4 to 14, with a preview performance 7 p.m. Sept. 3. Shows will take place at Clemans Theater for the Arts.
- “Sherlock Holmes: Scandals!”: This world-premiere radio-style performance is based on two stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (“A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Adventure of the Cardboard Box”) and is adapted and directed by Mark Edward Lang. Runs 7 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 25. Shows will take place at Cape May Presbyterian Church.
The Clemans Theater for the Arts is located at 717 Franklin St., and Cape May Presbyterian Church is at 500 Hughes St. Through June 15, East Lynne is offering a flexible season ticket package of four tickets for $125. For tickets to and more info on all shows, go to EastLynneTheater.org