Ryan Genualdi and Mike Newman in East Lynne Theater Company’s “A Year in the Trenches.” Photo credit: Gayle Stahlhuth
“Director Gayle Stahlhuth has taken me down the Mississippi on a raft, in a sword fight in old California, and now in the trenches of WWI. My expert tour guide brings me there with attention to detail and unsurpassed artistic style. I don’t just see Stahlhuth’s shows – I experience them,” wrote Dottie Knapp in her review of “A Year in the Trenches” for Exit Zero.
Meet poet Joyce Kilmer, pilot Kenneth Russell Unger, nurse Amabel Scharff Roberts, “Hello Girl” Grace Banker and others from New Jersey who went to Europe when the U.S. entered World War I in 1917. The play is based on Charles Edward Dilkes’ book “Remembering World War I: An Engineer’s Diary of the War,” and other historical sources. Live music from the period is performed throughout.
Due to popular demand, this show returns from last fall. Written by James Rana and developed with Gayle Stahlhuth, who directed, it was commissioned by the NJ Historical Commission and the NJ State Council on the Arts, and was highlighted on “State of the Arts” on NJTV and WHYY.
The talented cast includes Osborn Focht, Ryan Genauldi, Matt Baxter Luceno, Mike Newman, Tara Reuter and Hillary Wilson.
The show runs from May 16-26, Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m. On Wednesday, May 23, the show starts at 2 p.m. On May 16, it’s “Pay What You Can” as a thank you to the community. Location is First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May. For information/reservations, call (609) 884-5898, email eastlynneco@aol.com or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org.