East Lynne Theater Company
East Lynne Theater Company
East Lynne Theater Company
5
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East Lynne Theater Co. (ELTC) is an Equity Professional theater company in beautiful Cape May, New Jersey, since 1980.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
93 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
RalphK328
Whippany, NJ249 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We have gone there the last two years to see a play while in Cape May. Both plays we saw were very good. Would recommend.
The director of the theatre informed the audience the other night that they are talking over another church to make a proper theatre where they will have more control over the stage.
The director of the theatre informed the audience the other night that they are talking over another church to make a proper theatre where they will have more control over the stage.
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas R
Wildwood, NJ8 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
I went to see THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS last night at East Lynne Theater Company. The two-person show tells the story of the ups and down of a 50-year marriage in seven very powerful and well directed scenes.
Beckley Andrews and Samuel Douglas Clark's performances were "spot on" in flawlessly portraying the wide spectrum of dynamics and emotions that exist in all relationships, from head-over-heels love to raging anger, not to mention jealousy, compassion and complacency. Their skill in conveying these basic human natures was evident in the countless laughs, groans and gasps from the audience. Of the many shows I have seen or acted in, I have never experienced one in which the audience seemed so connected and involved with the story unfolding on stage. Sitting toward the rear of the theater, I could see many of those in the audience nudge the person or spouse next to them and share a brief look with each other, as if to say, "see? it's not just us." This play touched each person and each couple in the most fascinating way. . . . It touched me too, with some lessons to be learned.
More than just a play, the entire production seemed to be a large mirror held up for each person and couple to look into for nearly two hours. One leaves the theater with the feeling they've just been given a glimpse into their own faults and short comings along with the needed tools to grow in harmony with themselves and the one they love.
The play is certainly not without its share of laughs and light moments (as any relationship would be.) The dialog was realistic, timeless, and as entertaining as it was insightful. The direction by Gayle Stahlhuth was wonderful. In my opinion, not only one of the best directed plays I've seen at East Lynne, but one of the best I've seen anywhere in quite some time. The manner in which she directed FIRST FIFTY YEARS was with the deepest understanding and passion for the playwright's vision, without making the mistake most directors make by adding that which is not always needed. Her directing approach made the performance inseparable from the script. I believe this was a major factor in the audience been drawn so deeply into what was unfolding before them.
The direction along with the acting was as if the only harmonious marriage was that between the overall production and the script. Bravo, to cast and crew for that accomplishment.
Hats off to costume designer Marion Brady whose wardrobe creations and fashion selections were the quintessential styles of each era being represented during rapidly changing decades of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The attention to detail in the costumes, along with very subtle set changes ( the addition of an old telephone, for instance) perfectly conveyed to the audience what period of time we were in as the lights came up on each scene, making the costumes and changing props a vital element (if not characters themselves) in the story-telling process.
Please do yourself a favor and SEE this beautifully and lovingly produced piece of theater. THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS is a complete human experience. Theater simply does not get any better than this.
Beckley Andrews and Samuel Douglas Clark's performances were "spot on" in flawlessly portraying the wide spectrum of dynamics and emotions that exist in all relationships, from head-over-heels love to raging anger, not to mention jealousy, compassion and complacency. Their skill in conveying these basic human natures was evident in the countless laughs, groans and gasps from the audience. Of the many shows I have seen or acted in, I have never experienced one in which the audience seemed so connected and involved with the story unfolding on stage. Sitting toward the rear of the theater, I could see many of those in the audience nudge the person or spouse next to them and share a brief look with each other, as if to say, "see? it's not just us." This play touched each person and each couple in the most fascinating way. . . . It touched me too, with some lessons to be learned.
More than just a play, the entire production seemed to be a large mirror held up for each person and couple to look into for nearly two hours. One leaves the theater with the feeling they've just been given a glimpse into their own faults and short comings along with the needed tools to grow in harmony with themselves and the one they love.
The play is certainly not without its share of laughs and light moments (as any relationship would be.) The dialog was realistic, timeless, and as entertaining as it was insightful. The direction by Gayle Stahlhuth was wonderful. In my opinion, not only one of the best directed plays I've seen at East Lynne, but one of the best I've seen anywhere in quite some time. The manner in which she directed FIRST FIFTY YEARS was with the deepest understanding and passion for the playwright's vision, without making the mistake most directors make by adding that which is not always needed. Her directing approach made the performance inseparable from the script. I believe this was a major factor in the audience been drawn so deeply into what was unfolding before them.
The direction along with the acting was as if the only harmonious marriage was that between the overall production and the script. Bravo, to cast and crew for that accomplishment.
Hats off to costume designer Marion Brady whose wardrobe creations and fashion selections were the quintessential styles of each era being represented during rapidly changing decades of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The attention to detail in the costumes, along with very subtle set changes ( the addition of an old telephone, for instance) perfectly conveyed to the audience what period of time we were in as the lights came up on each scene, making the costumes and changing props a vital element (if not characters themselves) in the story-telling process.
Please do yourself a favor and SEE this beautifully and lovingly produced piece of theater. THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS is a complete human experience. Theater simply does not get any better than this.
Written June 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace W
Ocean City, NJ2 contributions
Oct 2011
I took my mother to see East Lynne's production of "Dulcy" (written by George S. Kaufman and Marc Connelly) last night and can't say enough wonderful things about this company and the show. The cast was outstanding, the staging extremely clever, and the whole experience a delightful one. What I appreciate about this company is that they give you a historical experience within a professional performance. Their purpose being to revive old American shows that have been long forgotten, you have the opportunity to witness performances that bring history alive, and make you laugh at the fact that we're still doing what we did 100 years ago . Such a lovely evening and a gem of a show. East Lynne is on the top of my list for local entertainment!!
Written October 13, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mollomar
New York City, NY1 contribution
Oct 2014 • Friends
East Lynne's most recent production, "Within the Law," was a delight. A hundred-year-old play as fresh as yesterday--funny, smart, with fast-paced, sure-footed direction, and a fine cast. All this, in beautiful Cape May. Looking forward to next season.
Written October 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheCFO
152 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
We lucked into a fine evening of theatre on a one night trip to Cape May November 1. Holmes and Carter Mysteries was a presentation of 2 radio shows from the 1940's, with the actors reading their parts and providing sound effects. Great fun, and very well done! All of the cast were great, and the venue is fine too. Will make sure we keep this company, and venue, in mind on our future trips to Cape May.
Written November 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CapeMayDiamond
Cape May24 contributions
Oct 2010
I've had the pleasure of attending several plays at East Lynne Theater over the years. I appreciate their professionalism, creativity, and entertainment value. Nostalgic plays and radio shows are revived with attention to every detail, with talented actors coming from near and far. Top notch stuff for our humble community!
Written May 10, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nava1203
Englewood, NJ360 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Had tickets for a concert at the Chalifonte which was overcrowded and frankly unsafe. The stage manager Lee was incredibly rude when I expressed my concern...much more cilvilized people gave me a refund but he was so brusk and rude that I won't attend another vent with this company...nice afters but horrible stage manager who does not appreciate the public.
Written August 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We at East Lynne Theater Company pride ourselves on our relationship with our audiences and have been known for years for our courteous behavior, from taking reservations on the phone to saying good night at the end of a show. When Nava1203 and her companion arrived at The Chalfonte Hotel to see our one-night-only musical soiree, they praised our production of "Arsenic and Old Lace" that they had seen the night before at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May which is home to our mainstage season of shows.
At "Arsenic," Nava 1203 saw Lee in his role as stage manager. He was not stage managing this event at The Chalfonte, and was only there to support it. The stage manager that evening was inside, working. Shortly after she and her companion went inside the performance space, she exited, complaining about the rude behavior of our volunteers. I was working the box office outside the room and did not know what happened inside, and didn't have time to interview others to figure out the situation. I quickly gave her her money back. Her companion wanted to stay and tried to convince her to stay to see the show, but she refused, so he didn't stay either, and I refunded his money, too.
Lee was not in the room when the incident occurred, and, like me, did not know what was said or who said what, and the show was beginning. I was still at the box office, and I guess she felt that Lee was the only one to complain to, but there didn't appear to be anything that one could do at that moment. Eventually, she presumably returned to her room, and her companion sat on the porch at The Chalfonte. Lee joined him to discuss what transpired. Not knowing what else to do, he went to the liquor store to purchase the couple's favorite bottle and gave it to him.
For over thirty years, the room at The Chalfonte has had small musical groups and one-person shows produced by the hotel, as well as co-produced with nonprofit organizations like East Lynne Theater Company.
All of those who attended our musical soiree that evening, enjoyed the performance and the reception afterwards.
Written August 19, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
whysper333
Cape May, NJ23 contributions
Jun 2018
I just saw the Sunny Side of the Street and a couple weeks ago A Year in the Trenches! Both performances were a Fantastic! The actors were so amazing and can not wait to see more shows! East Lynne Theater Company puts on the Best Shows. Should be on your to do list when you visit Cape May!
Written June 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you!
Written August 19, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MatthewRD
New York City, NY1 contribution
Oct 2015 • Couples
I had the pleasure of seeing Strictly Dishonorable recently at ELTC. It was a fantastic production with so many strong performances and excellent direction. The play was very engaging and kept us on the edge of our seats. Very funny.. the actors had great timing and it was also quite touching. The costuming was perfect and the set was resourceful and very charming. I've seen multiple shows here and I highly recommend catching a show! This is a unique and professional company that never leaves you disappointed. Seeing a play here always seems to fit in perfectly for a night out in Cape May.
Written October 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kadymar
Washington DC, USA31 contributions
Sep 2015
We annually go to the Cape once a year and always take in a East Lynne production. Its production is in a very pretty old church and scenery is very very minimal. Acting is always very good. Highly recommend it.
Written September 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josephine D
Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania
Are there any performances during the week? We will be arriving Mon night Sept 14.
Written September 8, 2015
Josephine D
Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania
Are there any performances during the week? We will be arriving Mon night Sept 14.
Written September 8, 2015
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