Only four more opportunities to see East Lynne Theater Company’s “Huckleberry Finn:” Wednesday through Saturday at 8:30p.m. through September 5. James Rana’s adaptation beautifully captures the humor and heartache in this tale of a boy running away from an abusive father and Jim, a slave running away for fear of being sold to a plantation. Evan Smilyk portrays Huck, and Leon Morgan plays Jim. Those taking on many roles including the Widow Douglas, Sally Phelps, Duke and King, are Beckley Andrews, Samuel Douglas Clark, Thomas Raniszewski, and Marcia Sofley. Gayle Stahlhuth, in her 16th year as artistic director of this 35-year-old company, directed.
ELTC’s August productions are geared for the whole family and “Huckleberry Finn” has been attracting large audiences from ages 6 to 96. According to his grandparents, Henry, a 9-year-old from Haddon Heights, NJ, “was entranced from beginning to end and has not stopped talking about how much he enjoyed the production.”
Highlights from Tom Sims’ review for “Exit Zero:” “With Rana’s skillful writing and masterful direction from Stahlhuth, the story and its spirit come to life. The cast works together beautifully as they take on varied roles. It’s certainly a trip worth taking!”
Location: The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St. in Cape May. Tickets: $30; $25 for seniors (age 62+); $15 for students and military (active/retired); ages 12 and under free. ELTC’s mainstage season continues with “Strictly Dishonorable,” opening September 23.
ELTC’s “Tales of the Victorians,” in its 26th year, concludes its summer season on September 3 at Avair House by the Sea, 2400 Central Avenue, North Wildwood. Take tea, indulge in tasty treats, and listen to American stories read by Stephanie Garrett and Lee O’Connor. Cost is $10.00, and ages 12 and under are free.
“Tales” returns on Saturday, October 24 at 8:00p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church, with “Poe by Candlelight.” Several ELTC actors will read their favorite stories by the master of the macabre just in time for Halloween.
For information and to make reservations for the mainstage season and “Tales of the Victorians,” call 609-884-5898, e-mail eastlynneco@aol.com or go to www.eastlynnetheater.org.