East Lynne ‘Meet the Cast’ Reception to Benefit Food Closet

CAPE MAY – For those who didn’t have the opportunity to meet the cast of East Lynne Theater Company’s world premiere of “Zorro!” at the opening night party at The Washington Inn or at the recent after-show Q&A, there is one more opportunity Aug. 8 at a special reception, starting around 10:00 p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St., where this Equity professional company performs. Tasty homemade hors d’oeuvres and barbeque sandwiches will be served. Those who attended the last reception, for “The First Fifty Years,” were very pleased with the camaraderie and the food.
The cost is only $10 and two-thirds of the proceeds go to The Food Closet, and one-third to the nonprofit ELTC. Patrons do not have to have just seen the show to attend, but reservations are appreciated and may be made by calling ELTC at 609-884-5898 or by e-mail at eastlynneco@aol.com.
“Zorro!” is the third play written by James Rana that ELTC has produced in the last three years. He also portrays Captain Ramon, the one who will do anything to capture Zorro. Rana has performed with companies in New York City, throughout the country, and in Europe, including the Royal Shakespeare Festival in England.
New to ELTC is also a performer who has performed here and abroad, Jed Peterson, who takes on the role of Don Diego. His numerous credits include “He Who Gets Slapped” at the Moscow Art Theatre where he became one of only two Americans to have appeared on the theater’s Main Stage, with the Russian company.
Also new to ELTC, is Mark Lazar, who has worked with People’s Light & Theatre Company, near Philadelphia, for fifteen years, and spent twelve seasons with The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival. He plays the Friar who has faith that Don Diego will save Los Angeles from the corrupt government, as well as Lolita’s father and several other roles.
Familiar to ELTC audiences are Suzanne Dawson, Mark Edward Lang, and Elisa Pupko.
Dawson, playing Lolita’s mother and an array of other roles, performed in leading roles in numerous Off-Broadway shows including “The Last Musical Comedy,” and her regional work includes Paper Mill Playhouse. Lang, whose roles include Sergeant Gonzales and Don Diego’s father, recently performed in a Nelson Mandela event in Tanzania. The love interest, Lolita, is played by Pupko whose work includes “The Children’s Hour” in NYC and numerous episodes of “College Humor.”
Playing young Don Diego is Evan Smilyk, who performed in several plays at West Cape May Elementary School, under the direction of ELTC’s artistic director, Gayle Stahlhuth, and has participated in ELTC’s Student Summer Workshop for five years.
“Zorro!” is directed by Stahlhuth who has produced over 70 ELTC shows since becoming the company’s artistic director in 1999, and directed over half of them. Joseph Travers is the fight choreographer. His recent work includes the Broadway production of “Bronx Bombers.” Beckley Andrews, who was in ELTC’s recent “The First Fifty Years,” choreographed the dance. Her numerous credits include dancing in the Broadway production of “Gypsy” starring Patti LuPone.
This swashbuckling adventure about the “masked avenger” who fights corruption in Old California runs through Aug. 30 at 8:30 p.m., with the usual Wednesday through Saturday schedule. The performances are at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St., where the company is in residence. Tickets are $30 for general admission; $25 for seniors (ages 62 and over); $15 for full-time students; and ages 12 and under are free. For information and reservations, call 884-5898 or go online to www.eastlynnetheater.org.