"Alice in Wonderland" at West Cape May Elementary School

West Cape May Elementary students, with Gayle Stahlhuth in the center in the back row, who performed "Robin Hood" four years ago as part of another East Lynne Theater Company residency. 

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- On Thursday, March 24 at 7:00pm, enter the wonderful world of "Alice in Wonderland" at the West Cape May Elementary School, 301 Moore St., West Cape May, performed by 23 students under the direction of East Lynne Theater Company's artistic director, Gayle Stahlhuth.  The script is based on Chicago playwright Alice Gerstenberg's 1919 Broadway production adapted from Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and "Alice Through the Looking Glass."

     The residency began on Monday, March 14, with a few acting exercises, reading the script, and everyone writing down what three parts they would like to play.  The next day, based on the above information, Gayle assigned roles and rehearsals began.  On Wednesday, Gayle met with Cindy Smilyk to discuss props and costumes, and with the support of teachers, Ms. Stoner and Ms. Calabro, students were encouraged to memorize lines and think about their own props and costume needs. There are only eight one-hour rehearsals before the show goes up, with lines learned, blocking complete, props in place and costumes done. 

     This is the fifth year Gayle has been able to provide this acting residency for West Cape May Elementary School due to funding from New Jersey Theatre Alliances' (NJTA) "Stages Festival and Family Week at the Theatre."  NJTA is the statewide consortium of professional theaters in the Garden State, of which East Lynne Theater Company is a proud member.  For an up-to-the-minute schedule of "Stages Festival" events throughout March, visit the website at www.stagesfestival.org.

     Admission to "Alice in Wonderland" is free and open to the public, but donations of paper products for The Food Closet will be gratefully accepted.

     For reservations and information about this and other East Lynne Theater Company events, contact the theater at 884-5898 or online at www.eastlynnetheater.org.