Photo from East Lynne Theater Company’s “Will Rogers’ U.S.A.”
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 from Cape May’s theater companies impress you.
Cape May Stage
“The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife”
June 28 through Aug. 4
Tuesday through Sunday at 8 p.m.
This side-splitting comedy takes place on the Upper West Side of Manhattan where Marjorie Taub is looking for meaning in her life. A mysterious figure from her past appears and at first infuses her with life but soon becomes an unwelcome and sinister guest in her home. Marjorie’s 80-year-old mother is obsessed with her bowels and the dialogue is scatological but smart and funny. The New York Times called it “a window rattling comedy of mid-life malaise…it earns its wall to wall laughs.” NY Magazine says it is “an intelligently funny and satirically relevant uptown comedy.” Written by Charles Busch and directed by Roy Steinberg. Recommended for ages 16+.
June 28: Best Value Preview; June 29: Official Opening Night with Party; July 7: Best Value Night; July 16: Talk-Back; July 21: Pay-What-You-Wish Performance.
Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors (62+), and $28 for students and active military. Prices may vary by performance. Cape May Stage performs at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse, 405 Lafayette St., Cape May.
For tickets and more information, visit www.capemaystage.org or call the box office at (609) 770-8311.
East Lynne Theater Company
“Will Rogers’ U.S.A.”
Now through July 22
Wednesday through Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
As a young man, Will Rogers worked on ranches. Being a master of the lariat led to his performing in Vaudeville. By 1917 he was a headliner for the Ziegfeld Follies, blending his unique style of poking gentle fun at current events with his rope tricks. In 1922, he started a syndicated column that was read in 2,800 daily papers. His wit, wisdom and understanding of the human condition are often compared to that of Mark Twain, and much of what he said and wrote is still relevant today. Also a film star, Rogers played the lead in the 1931 film version of Twain’s 1889 time-travel novel, “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.” In 1933, Rogers played the role of Nat Miller in the road company of Eugene O’Neill’s “Ah Wilderness!” Starring Tom Byrn, directed by Gayle Stahlhuth and conceived and first produced by George Spota.
Tickets are $32 for general admission, $27 for seniors (62+) or disabled and up to three companions, and $17 for full-time students and military. Ages 12 and under are free. East Lynne Theater Company performs at the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May.
For tickets and more information, visit www.eastlynnetheater.org or call (609) 884-5898.