Theme: Spinning Tales

March 16 and 17 at 8:00: Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Norwood Builder ELTC's exciting 1930 radio-style adventure returns, complete with live sound effects and commercials.  Adaptation is by Gayle Stahlhuth, based on the story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  Inspector Lestrade is convinced that a young lawyer committed murder.  But did he, or is he being set up?  Another adventure for Holmes and Watson!

June 13-July 21 at 8:30: Ruth Draper’s Company of Characters Beginning in 1920, and continuing for forty years, Ruth Draper held the stage in this country and in Europe, with her one-woman shows where she played a vast array of characters. From New York society matrons and New England crones, to British schoolgirls and Continental divas, she knew how to create and perform these humorous and touching scenes with precision. ELTC is only the second production company - ever - to be allowed to produce this incredible material since Ms. Draper's death. Performers are Karen Case Cook and Suzanne Dawson under the direction of Gayle Stahlhuth.

Monday, July 2 at 8:00: Storybook Theater: An Evening of Fables, the Student Workshop Production.  Twelve students, ages 11-17 meet for 9 sessions from June 19-July 2.  The performance is free and open to the public – and it’s standing room only! 

July 25-Sept. 1 at 8:30: The Poe Mysteries, a World Premiere, adapted by James Rana, based on “Murders of the Rue Morgue,” “The Mystery of Marie Roget,” and “The Purloined Letter.”  Follow the adventures of Auguste Dupin as he solves macabre mysteries in Paris of the 1840s, as created by Edgar Allan Poe. A cast of 6 portray 50 characters to bring these mysteries to life.  

Sept. 19-Oct. 13 at 8:00: It Pays to Advertise by Roi Cooper Mergue and Walter C. Hackett was a hit when it opened on Broadway in September of 1914, and the Metropolitan Playhouse in NYC had a great success with its 2009 production.  This screwball comedy was twice made into a movie: a silent in 1919, and in 1931 with Carole Lombard. The premise – and promise – that anything can be sold in America is at its core, but it also examines the very nature and romance of advertising and its influence.  All it takes is one adventurous young man to announce, “Advertising is responsible for everything!” and he and his two friends are off and running in this delightfully sly farce, with a cast of 10.  

Nov. 2 and 3 at 8:00: Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Norwood Builder

Nov. 23, 24, Dec. 2, 7, 8, 9, and 14 at 8:00, and a special 2:00 matinee on Sat. Dec. 8: Louisa May Alcott’s Christmas.  Three of Alcott’s tales, including the opening of Little Women are beautifully brought to life in storytelling fashion by Gayle Stahlhuth.  A holiday treat for the whole family.

Shows run Wednesdays through Saturdays unless otherwise noted.

                 Location: First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May               

Tickets: $30 general; $25 senior; $15 students; ages 12 and under free. EXCEPT:

Tickets for Holmes and the Christmas Show: $25; $15; age 12 and under free