Photo of Poe
The award-winning East Lynne Theater Company presents two events in time for Halloween: “Poe by Candlelight” on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. and the classic silent thriller, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” accompanied by Wayne Zimmerman on the organ, on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Location for both is the First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St.
For the third year, Lee O’Connor and Gayle Stahlhuth read several favorites penned by the master of the macabre in “Poe by Candlelight.” O’Connor is the company’s technical director, who also portrays Holmes in ELTC’s radio-style productions. Stahlhuth has been ELTC’s artistic director since 1999. Light refreshments will be served in the lounge, including deserts from The Magic Brain.
Created in 1920, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” is considered the first horror film, and the first example in cinema of German Expressionism. It begins at a carnival where a sideshow operator, Dr. Caligari, played by Werner Krauss, exhibits Cesare, a Somnambulist, played by Conrad Veidt. Caligari claims that Cesare has been sleeping since birth, and keeps him in a coffin. Caligari also claims that he can answer any question, including when someone will die.
Wayne Zimmerman has played in a variety of venues from coast-to-coast and in Hawaii, regaling audiences with his silent-film accompaniment and concerts. He’s accompanied films presented by ELTC since 2011.
For tickets, call (609) 884-5898 or visit eastlynnetheater.org. Tickets for “Poe” are $12, and for “Dr. Caligari,” $15. Ages 12 and under are free for both.