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 Whipping Man”
Now through June 24
Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
“The Whipping Man,” written by Matthew Lopez and directed by Gregg Daniel, takes place in Richmond, Va. in April 1865. The Civil War is over and Caleb Deleon, a Jewish Confederate officer is home after being severely wounded. His two former slaves care for him on the last night of Passover-the ancient celebration of the freeing of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt, noting with particular satisfaction the parallels to their current situation. But the pain of their enslavement will not be soothed by this tradition, and deep buried secrets from the past refuse to be hidden forever as the play comes to its shocking climax. This powerful drama is suggested for ages sixteen and older.
“Sex With Strangers”
June 29 through July 29
Tuesday through Sunday at 8 p.m.
“Sex With Stranger” by Laura Eason is the story of a twenty-something star blogger and memoirist who tracks down his idol, the 40ish gifted but obscure novelist at a bed and breakfast in rural Michigan. She gives him class, he gives her sex. It is a compelling comic drama about letting go of the past and embracing the future. It’s been called “a juicy, summer beach play” that is “twisty and timely”. A hit off-Broadway in 2014.
June 29: Half-Price Preview; June 30: Official Opening Night with Party; July 8: Pay-As-You-Wish; July 16: 1/2 Price Senior; July 23: Talk-Back.
Tickets are $38 for adults, $33 for seniors (62+), $18 for students and $18 for active military. 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
“Rogers’ Romance”
Now through July 23
Wednesday through Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
“Rodgers’ Romance” is a musical revue of songs with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein. It includes some of the best known theater songs from this canon, presented in an inventive format that breaks the fourth wall, engaging the hearts and minds of the audience. This is an exciting New Jersey premiere directed by David-Michael Kenney, who first created this musical event for Sellersville Theatre in 2004 and reprised it at Act II Playhouse in 2007. Accompanying the cast of four is internationally known composer, director and teacher, Charles Gilbert, who is also the musical director. Harking back to a time before microphones, none will be used in this production, allowing the singers’ voices to be heard naturally in the excellent acoustics of ELTC’s performance space. As if all this weren’t enough, the musical revue is also a trivia competition, with the winner of the night receiving a gift certificate to a local business!
June 24: After-Show Q&A.
Tickets are $32 for general admission, $27 for seniors (62+), $17 for students and $17 for retired and active 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.