East Lynne Theater Company presents two events in time for Halloween: “Poe by Candlelight” on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. and the silent thriller, “The Cat and the Canary,” accompanied by Wayne Zimmerman on the organ, on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., both at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May located at 500 Hughes Street.
Like ELTC’s “Tales of the Victorians,” “Poe by Candlelight” involves actors reading some of their favorite stories. This time, the focus is on the master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. Tales this year include “The Mask of the Red Death,” “The Cask of Amontillado” and “Hop-Frog.” The performers are Sydia Cedeño, Lee O’Connor, and Gayle Stahlhuth. Refreshments will be served in the hospitality room before the show.
Based on John Willard’s 1922 Broadway play, “The Cat and the Canary” was directed by Paul Leni, who successfully blended horror with humor in what is considered the first successful “haunted house” film. This film is also the first of six adaptations of the play; the most notable being the 1939 movie starring Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard.
Providing his own original musical accompaniment is Wayne Zimmerman, who has been playing for ELTC’s silent films since 2011. He has played in a variety of venues from coast-to-coast and in Hawaii, regaling audiences with his silent film accompaniment and concerts.
For reservations, call 609-884-5898 or visit eastlynnetheater.org. Tickets for “Poe by Candlelight” are $12; “The Cat and the Canary” are $15. Ages 12 and under are free for both.