Edition 21, Volume 3
November 1, 2008

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The Great Vacation Staff
“Making Vacations Great in 2008!”

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Cape May Stage Presents Musical Portrait of Billie Holiday in
“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill”

   The setting: it's almost midnight in March 1959 in a South Philadelphia nightclub, Emerson's Bar & Grill, where Billie Holiday is about to perform.
   The life, times, and music of the jazz legend will be celebrated in Cape May Stage’s production of "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" November 1-22 at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse on the corner of Bank and Lafayette Streets in downtown Cape May.
   In this skillful blend of biography and cabaret, playwright Lanie Robertson sets the stage in the intimate setting of an old friend's bar where Holiday delivers one of her final performances.  June Ballinger, Producing Artistic Director of the Passage Theatre in Trenton, makes her Cape May Stage debut in directing and casting this poignant musical portrait.
 
   Performing the role of Billie Holiday, also known as "Lady Day”, is actress and musical director Miche Braden. Like Ballinger, Ms. Braden marks her debut at Cape May Stage in what will be her eighth production of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill.  Other theater credits include Bessie Smith and Musical Director in The Devil's Music: The Life & Blues of Bessie Smith (Connecticut Critics Circle Award nomination, Carbonell Award Nominee); Bluest Eye at Hartford Stage and Longwharf Theater in CT; Mahalia- A Gospel Musical; Hot Snow, The Story of Valaida Snow; Ma Rainey's Black Bottom; The People's Temple, and HATS: The Red Hat Society Musical.
 
   On stage from a young girl to an old-before-her-time 44, Billie Holiday mesmerized audiences with a commanding presence, evoking pathos and passion.  During the show, Holiday gives a swan-song performance for a few regulars at Emerson's.  Between her soulful renditions of such classic standards as "God Bless the Child," "Don't Explain," and "When a Woman Loves a Man," the singer recounts the highs and lows of her troubled life as an entertainer, from the mother she adored to the lover who introduced her to an unshakable heroin addiction.
 
   You'll be transported back to 1959 Philadelphia and Emerson’s Bar & Grill through the magic of set designer Adam Rigger and lighting designer Dominic Chacon.  Costume designers Gail Cooper Hecht and Ray Vincente Fashion will create Holiday’s flowing gown and signature look. And most importantly, Scott Trent, a gifted and talented musician, joins the cast in the role of pianist Jimmy Powers, bringing with him a natural and extraordinary flare to play music.
 
   The Star Tribune calls “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” “…beautiful and heartbreaking," and the London Times hails the show as "original and riveting."
 
   This show previews on Wednesday, November 5th and ticket prices that evening will be half-price. The official opening night performance will be Thursday, November 6th with an after party at the Mad Batter on Jackson Street immediately following the performance.
 
   During the current run Cape May Stage is participating with 14 Cape May gourmet restaurants in a money-saving “Dinner & A Show” package promotion - a special night out. Restaurants involved in the promotion include The Blue Pig Tavern, Bloody Mary’s Bar and Grill, Café Promenade, Copper Fish, Cucina Rosa, The Ebbitt Room, The Mad Batter, Martini Beach, Merion Inn, Oyster Bay Restaurant & Bar, The Pier House, Tisha’s Fine Dining, Union Park, and The Washington Inn. Call the individual restaurants for reservations and information. “Lady Day” performances are Wednesdays thru Sundays at 8pm thru November 22nd at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse of the Cape May Stage. Tickets are $35 adults, $25 seniors, and $12.50 students. For more information (click here)
Box office at (609) 884-1341.
The box office is open Monday through Sunday from 10AM – 5PM. Assisted Listening devices are also available upon request.
 
Photo credit: Arden Theatre Company
Pictured: Miche Braden as Billie Holiday

East Lynne Theater Company Applauds Tom and Peg Curran 

 On Monday, October 27, at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, NJ, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance (NJTA) held its annual Applause Awards. The evening consists of dinner, entertainment, and an awards ceremony where not only the Alliance as a whole, but the individual Equity professional member theaters throughout the state, have the opportunity to "applaud" a person and/or an organization.
     East Lynne Theater Company is a proud member of the Alliance, and ELTC's Artistic Director, is a Member of the Board of Trustees.
     The Alliance gave its "Star Award" to Melvin J. Wallerstein, Esq. and The Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement, for their help in making theater more accessible to all. The Alliance also honored Stephen L. Fredericks, Artistic Director of The Growing Stage, for his commitment to the Alliance as its President of the Board, and David Miller, who served as Executive Director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
     This year, the Alliance recognized the support and encouragement of small businesses in the community, who are valuable partners with the member theaters.  East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) chose Tom and Peg Curran and Curran Investment Management as its honoree.  Accepting for them at the dinner was their son, Kevin, who is Vide-President of the company.
     Peg and Tom Curran have been strong supporters of ELTC since 2000, when Peg joined the board.  She helps organize the November fundraiser, is responsible for helping to produce ELTC's "Tales of the Victorians," short-story readings on the porches of B&Bs, and is an advocate for the company.  Her husband, Tom, founder and owner of Curran Investment Management, financially supports the company, through his organization, by being one of the sponsors for the mainstage season. 
     In the past, ELTC has honored Al and Sue DeRosa and The Cliveden Inn for sponsorships, housing, and Sue’s commitment as a board member; the Craig family for help with fundraising events at The Washington Inn and The Pelican Club; and Frank Smith for his tireless support as President of ELTC’s Board of Trustees.
     East Lynne Theater Company would not be able to provide Educational Outreach from grade-school students to adults with special needs, and keep mainstage production qualities high while maintaining modest ticket prices, if it were not for the passion and commitment of the following: ELTC’s Board of Trustees, Advisory Board, Volunteers, Season Sponsors Curran Investment Management, La Mer Beachfront Inn, and Aleathea’s Restaurant; and Show Sponsors The Henry Sawyer Inn and The Cliveden Inn.
     ELTC was also fortunate this season to receive funding from the NJ State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; the NJ Dept. of State, Division of Travel and Tourism; Cape May County Freeholders’ Fund administered by Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage; and The Puffin Foundation.
     But the restaurants who partner with ELTC in the Dinner/Show Packages also have a role in supporting the company, and Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts in partnering with the "Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides" and help with advertising, as well as all of the individuals and businesses who provide items for ELTC's yearly auction, advertise in ELTC's playbill, and make financial contributions. 
     The very best way to support East Lynne Theater Company is to see our productions.  And ELTC gives a hearty "Thank You!" to our Season Ticket Holders and patrons we've come to know.
      As plans are in the works for 2009, we're not finished with 2008! "Sherlock Holmes' Adventure of the Speckled Band" is on November 7 and 8 at 8:00 at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May; "Variety: The Spice of Life," ELTC's annual Cape May fundraiser is at Aleathea's Restaurant on November 13; and "O. Henry's Christmas Stories" begin right after Thanksgiving.    
For information and reservations, contact ELTC at 884-5898, or (click here).

Great Vacation Things To Do

Mangia Mangia    
110 North Broadway
West Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone 1-609-884-2429   

   Bring the family to this laid back Italian restaurant in West Cape May "for lotsa pasta" and other specialties. Known for its large portions and family friendly menu, the line of waiting customers moves quickly, even in peak season.

   Choose from an extensive list of appetizers and entrees, remembering to leave room for one of their homemade desserts. All entrees are served with a house salad and fresh bread.
They will happily prepare all menu items for take-out as well as dining-in. Mangia Mangia is BYOB. They gladly provide ice and glasses for any wine and beer you supply.  Looking to host a party? Mangia Mangia is party central! Offering the very best in small to medium sized on-site parties. Birthdays, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, family reunions, we accommodate all.
For information: (click here)

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All content above is subject to change without notice, please check with the event organizers before making plans!