This year marks the 35th anniversary of Cape May Stage, the premier professional theater in South Jersey. With a rich history and a long-standing commitment to the performing arts, Cape May Stage produced its first official play, “Sea Marks,” at the Chalfonte Hotel and Cold Spring Village in 1989. In 1993, Cape May Stage moved into its permanent home at 405 Lafayette Street in the historic downtown district, where it still performs today.
Over the past 35 years, many people have contributed to the success of Cape May Stage. But none more so than its founder, Michael Laird. By his own account, Laird was an “equity actor and a director and a producer and a sculptor and a playwright and a poet and a clown.” Before settling in Cape May he appeared Off-Broadway in New York, at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, and at Asolo State Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. Michael ran Cape May Stage until he passed away in 2001.
Cape May Stage is housed in the Robert Shackleton Playhouse. Named after the late actor Robert Shackleton, whose family has deep roots in Cape May, the theater pays tribute to his acting career. Mr. Shackleton was raised in suburban Philadelphia, graduating from Temple University and then moving on to perform in Broadway and London theaters, as well as in the movies. His acting career was interrupted by World War II and in 1956 he tragically passed away at the age of 42. His love of theater lives on in Cape May as his daughter, Leslie Shackleton Martel, serves as the president of the Cape May Stage board of directors.
Thanks to the generosity of the Shackleton family along with other members of the Cape May Stage community, the building was renamed the Robert Shackleton Playhouse in 2007 and this historic structure is now a state-of-the-art theater known to residents and visitors as “the jewel in the crown of Cape May’s architectural gems”.
Roy Steinberg, the Producing Artistic Director of Cape May Stage for the past 15 years, took the helm in 2009, bringing with him a new vision for the restored theater. Roy expanded the offerings at Cape May Stage, including a new Broadway concert series and the prestigious National Playwright Symposium. He also continued the theater’s tradition of showcasing talented actors and award-winning plays, casting stars from Broadway, TV, and film.
Steinberg expressed his enthusiasm about this sea- son’s lineup, stating “We are thrilled to celebrate our 35th anniversary season with such an exceptional lineup of productions. And we invite theatergoers to join us for what promises to be a season filled with unforgettable performances.”
For more information about Cape May Stage’s 2024 season, please visit www.capemaystage.org.
