The father of literature, William Shakespeare, once wrote, “All the world’s a stage,” in his comedy As You Like It. But on a dreary Cape May County day, why not check out the indoor stages of talented local theater companies? When skies aren’t blue, let the latest shows in Cape May theater impress you.
“Blithe Spirit” – August 2 – September 19, Tuesday-Sunday at 8 p.m.
Presented by Cape May Stage
Noel Coward brings one of the funniest ghost stories to the stage in the classic “Blithe Spirit.” A zany medium accidentally stirs up the temperamental ghost of a novelist’s first wife after a séance that goes awry. It’s a hauntingly hilarious good time as wife #1 does her best to spook her husband’s current marriage to wife #2. This clever comedy is filled with the eccentric characters and witty dialogue that is Coward’s trademark. It may not send shivers up your spine, but it’s guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. You may die laughing!
Beat hunger AND rainy day boredom with Cape May Stage’s “Dinner & a Show” promotion. Treat yourself to an early evening dinner of your choice at one of Cape May’s finest dining rooms and then receive tickets for the 8 p.m. performance at Cape May Stage – all at a significantly reduced price! Each restaurant is running its own individual special, so reservations must be made directly through the restaurant. Participating restaurants include 410 Bank Street, The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall, The Ebbitt Room, Sea Salt Restaurant, The Mad Batter, Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille, The Washington Inn, Island Grill and more.
The Robert Shackleton Playhouse
Corner of Bank & Lafayette Streets, Cape May
www.capemaystage.com
Within the Law – September 17 – October 12 at 8 p.m.
Presented by East Lynne Theater Company
This Broadway sensation had the enviable record of being the most popular and financially successful play to hit New York in ten years. Part of its charm lies in the fact that it’s a drama, comedy, romance, and mystery all rolled into one hit. Opening in September, 1912 at the Eltinge Theatre, it ran for two years (a long run in those days), receiving praise from critics, social workers, city officials, and audiences alike. The plot involves Mary Turner, a sales clerk in a big Manhattan department store, being falsely accused of shoplifting. Her pleas for justice solicit a sneer from the store owner, but she warns him that, although she is no thief, if he doesn’t pay his employees a decent wage, there will be more thefts. After her prison term, Mary learns how to fight society and wealth with their own weapons, so she can seek revenge on those who wronged her by staying just “within the law.” This was familiar territory for playwright Bayard Veiller, who grew up poor in Brooklyn and spent many years as a police reporter before becoming a successful playwright. Within the Law was adapted into three successful films and a teleplay in the 1950s. It was last on Broadway as a limited run in 1928: part of a revived-play series.
The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May
500 Hughes Street, Cape May
www.eastlynnetheater.org