"Here's what the critics are saying about Cape May Stage's hit productions…."

"Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill" –2008  “Whether you are a jazz fan, a lover of drama, or a political and history junkie, you should really see this one.” Wismer, The Cape May Star and Wave

"[Braden] is the embodiment of Billie Holiday.” Wismer, The Cape May Star and Wave

“Her rich, flexible, and dramatic vocal impressions serve [Braden] well, and as an actress she is a natural.” Wismer, The Cape May Star and Wave

“Lady Day is sheer theatrical magic!” Wismer, The Cape May Star and Wave

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"Rounding Third" –2008 “Rounding Third will have you laughing in the stands!” Schaad, Cape May Gazette

 “Wood and Hoehler are fascinating to hear and watch.” Wismer, The Cape May Star and Wave

“The two actors and the play are extremely funny.” Wismer, The Cape May Star and Wave

"Actors Wood and Hoehler are hitting grand slam home runs in this absolutely hilarious baseball play.” Schaad, Cape May Gazette

“…you’ll laugh all the way to the dugout.” Schaad, Cape May Gazette

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"Doubt" –2008  “Mary Baird does an excellent job of portraying Sister Aloysius as the strict disciplinarian that she is.” Whelan, The Herald

“Paul Bernardo’s performance as Father Flynn is commanding.” Whelan, The Herald

"Sameerah Luqmann-Harris gives a big performance and while only in once scene holds the audience spellbound.” Schaad, Cape May Gazette

“…gripping and provocative.” Schaad, Cape May Gazette

“Abby Royle, playing Sister James, carries off her portrayal perfectly as the epitome of a young teacher, her actions exuding enthusiasm, idealism, and concern for her students.” Whelan, The Herald

“Cape May Stage performs in a deconsecrated Presbyterian church whose ecclesiastical yet intimate air enhances the effectiveness of its superb production of “Doubt.” Teachout, The Wall Street Journal

“Paul Bernardo, Mary Baird, Abby Royle, and Sameerah Luqmann-Harris [were] every bit as good as their better known predecessors.” Teachout, The Wall Street Journal

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"Private Lives" –2008 "Gonglewski has long been Cape May Stage's most valuable player, but she may have never had a role that has fit her so well. Her native sense of elegance and aristocratic walk are perfect for Amanda. What's more, her silvery smooth voice is just right for droll lines such as "Honeymooning is an overrated amusement." Filicia, The Star Ledger

"Rob Maitner… creates a believable, full-bodied, three-dimensional human being." Filicia, The Star Ledger

"…the production is well worth attending." Filicia, The Star Ledger

"Michael Carleton has done well in assembling and directing a cast, sparked by Grace Gonglewski, to make this version a pleasant and laugh-filled evening of theatre." Schaad, Cape May Gazette

"Abetted by a fine supporting cast, it is Gonglewski as Amanda makes this play sparkle." Schaad, Cape May Gazette

"Kristin Collins, Grace Gonglewski. Rob Maitner, and Mark Rector were perfect choices for their roles." Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

"Anyone seeing Private Lives should have a grand time and the show should provide fodder for lots of scintillating conversation." Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

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“Fully Committed” –2008 “This show is a must see!” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“Cape May Stage hit the jackpot with Tim Williams, who bounded across Adam Rigger’s intricate set like a berserk tennis ball, changing personas and personalities with breathless rapidity.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“Playwright Becky Mode likely had an actor in mind as adept as Williams when she wrote Fully Committed.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

"Tim Williams' performance is a hilarious verbal juggling act that you absolutely have to witness!" Wright, Exit Zero magazine

“ Fully Committed will make you laugh when you're not catching your breath during Williams' rapid-fire, all encompassing performance.” Schaad, Cape May Gazette

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Cape May Stage receives the New Jersey Theatre Alliance 2007 'Award of Excellence' Pictured: Artistic Director Michael Carleton and Artistic Advisory Board Member Robert Prosky with Pulitzer-Nominated playwright Lee Blessing and Actors Grace Gonglewski and Claudia Robinson on the set of 2007's "Going to St. Ives."

On Monday, October 29, Cape May Stage received a most prestigious award given in the State of New Jersey – the Theatre Alliance’s 2007 ‘Award of Excellence’. The award was part of a celebratory evening hosted annually in New Brunswick by the Theatre Alliance.

Deb Cooperman, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Theatre Alliance, remarked, “It is not every year that one of our member theatres receives our ‘Award of Excellence’. We only give it to a theatre company that warrants it. This is a very special award given to a theatre in New Jersey for significant achievement during the year. We felt that Cape May Stage, along with the Growing Stage Children’s theatre, clearly demonstrated its excellence during this past year.”

During the award ceremony held at the Heldrich Hotel ballroom, the Theatre Alliance presenters were lavish in their praise for the work being done at Cape May Stage. They particularly noted the brilliant building restoration work and new landscape gardens that are part of Project Encore and the successful production of the play, ‘The Price’, produced in the summer of 2006 at the theatre. This production is scheduled to be performed at The Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia in January, 2008. Michael Carleton, Artistic Director and Jim Moffatt, Project Encore Chairman, accepted the award on behalf of Cape May Stage.

Later in the evening, Cape May Stage Board Chairman Connie Felicetti received the prestigious Applause Award, given every other year to the outstanding volunteer nominated by each of the Theatre Alliance’s member companies. Connie has served as the tireless Board Chairman of Cape May Stage for the last five years and is a leading proponent for the Equity theatre in the community.

The New Jersey Theatre Alliance is the consortium of professional, not-for-profit theatres in New Jersey. Founded in 1981, it is the only statewide service organization for professional, not-for-profit theatre companies in the United States and is viewed by New Jersey's arts community and its colleagues in the service industry nationwide as a leader in developing model programs which foster collaboration, cooperation and audience development. It exists to promote and develop professional theatre in the Garden State.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told!” –2007 “…a lot of fun for the audience at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse.!” South, Cape May Star and Wave “Every Christmas Story Ever Told! moves at a fast pace and has a surprise ending which should put you in the holiday mood if nothing else does.” Schaad, Cape May Gazette

“I caught it on opening night and am trying to score tickets to see it again before it closes on December 30th.” Hart, On Deck Magazine

“Alvarez is often a scene stealer in his roles as the green-nosed Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman.” Schaad, On Deck Magazine

“Go see Alvarez as the fairy princess from the Nutcracker. Nowhere has one man done so little to be so funny.” South, Cape May Star and Wave

“The cast and crew at Cape May Stage always entertain.” Hart, On Deck Magazine

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told! is totally addictive.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“…entertainment that shouldn’t be missed by any avid theatre fan or insane spontaneity.”- Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

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“Seven Poor Travelers” -2007 “From beginning to end, Bethel delivers a bravura performance.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave “[Bethel’s] mobile facial features and vocal dexterity provided a kind of magic that enthralled the audience.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave “…A marvelous solo performance!” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

"Flying Solo Festival IV" -2007 “Bromka [in Tea for Three] gives remarkable, warm, and very personal insight into the lives of these first ladies and their presidents through them.”- South, Cape May Star and Wave “Tea for Three: A Must-See!” South, Cape May Star and Wave Click here for some audience comments

"The Turn of the Screw" -2007 “The fabulous acting, appropriate stage setting and the use of lighting made the production a great success.” Hart, On Deck Magazine “…be prepared to laugh one minute and be startled the next.” South, Cape May Star and Wave

“Erin Reilly and Timothy Williams shined equally in this two-person show.” Hart, On Deck Magazine

“Reilly and Williams give life to James’ dreary tale and stand out from the dark, sometimes ominous background.” South, Cape May Star and Wave

“Reilly, an experienced Philadelphia actress, nailed the over exuberant, emotionally volatile governess character.” Hart, On Deck Magazine

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"Going to St. Ives" -2007 “Both performances [by Gonglewski and Robinson] will be talked about for a long time to come.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave “Both women create almost unbearable intensity.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave “Robinson is absolutely majestic.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“Both actresses put on stellar performances.” Hart, ‘On Deck’ Magazine

“I highly recommend you see ‘Going to St. Ives. It was my first play at Cape May Stage, but it definitely won’t be my last.” Hart, ‘On Deck’ Magazine

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“Moonlight & Magnolias” –2007 “Watching the development of the movie’s most famous line, the one beginning with ‘Frankly, my dear…’ is worth the price ofadmission.” South, Cape May Star and Wave

“Cape May Stage is known for presenting plays that usually bring belly laughs to the audience. This one is no exception.” Schaad, The Cape May Gazette

“If you don’t get the impression the actors are giving it all they’ve got, you’re simply not paying attention.” South, Cape May Star and Wave

Cape May Stage has a great way with comedy as well as with drama.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“If you love to laugh, you owe it to yourself to see “Moonlight & Magnolias” while you can.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

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"Bad Dates" - 2007 “ Bad Dates is a must see!” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave “Petersen is absolutely delightful, sometimes hilariously, in this demanding part and shows great comedic talent.” Schaad, The Cape May Gazette

“Petersen is well equipped for her one-woman role. She has an elephantine memory and an attractive rubber visage that telegraphs the inner workings of her mind which changes as frequently as her costumes.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“Jessica Perich directed Petersen with consummate finesse.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“Petersen earned the thunderous standing ovation she got when she was finished.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“Carleton's decision to cast her [Petersen] in this part was right on target.” Schaad, The Cape May Gazette

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“This Wonderful Life – 2006" ** Winner of the 2006 Jacoby Award for ‘Most Outstanding Male Acting Performance** “It’s equal parts high energy and pure talent. [Carleton] moves effortlessly from the goofy innocence of Clarence the angel, to the sneering Potter, and his Jimmy Stewart is almost faultless.” Wright, editor of Exit Zero Magazine

“Carleton’s performance is remarkable; especially by his change of characterizations, including facial expressions, and his athleticism.” Schaad, The Cape May Gazette

“This Wonderful Life will probably go down in history as one of [Cape May Stage’s] best.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“The show is a tour-de-force for Carleton. It gives him a marvelous opportunity to utilize his talents for both comedy and drama to their fullest.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“Carleton narrates, changes voices, and faces while delivering hilarious asides without flagging. He is superb and his performance is virtuosic.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“If you are a sucker for not only the best Christmas movie ever made, but probably the best movie, period, then you’ll have a great night.” Wright, editor of Exit Zero Magazine

"The Woman in Black - 2006" “The acting by Fitzgerald and Bethel, both of whom have performed at Cape May Stage in other plays, is excellent.” Schaad, The Cape May Gazette “Fitzgerald and Bethel are perfect.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave “Cape May Stage has been successfully making hair stand on end since the days of Michael Laird and they’ve gotten even better at it.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“This Cape May Stage production makes the trip to Cape May worth it, even for extreme out-of-towners.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

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"The Price - 2006" “The Proskys, father and sons, have become an accomplished theatrical dynasty and their interaction in their roles is fascinating to watch.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave “Arthur Miller wrote a very good Tony nominated play, and when the cast is as good as this one is, you come close to perfection.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“Mather accomplishes the almost impossible, in making Esther, the shew, likeable and understandable.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

"Theatre audiences here expect quality productions and fine performances, but the bringing together of a famous father, with two talented sons in a drama by one of America's most respected playwrights supplies a real treat that should not be missed." Cote, On Deck Magazine

"Andrew Prosky, as Victor Franz, exudes his character's increasing anxiety so well his uniform appears to tighten to a point of strangulation." Cote, On Deck Magazine

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"Big Bang - 2006" "Laugh a minute gags with a burlesque quality that is perfect summer fare.” Cote, On Deck Magazine "…A nonstop 90-minute piece sure to get you in a good mood if not have you holding your sides!” Cote, On Deck Magazine

“…A laugh a minute good time!” Cote, On Deck Magazine

“Whether you are a Darwinian or a fan of Creative Design, as long as you bring your funny bone along you will be glad you came.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“It will be hard for Cape May Stage to top this one, but they will. They always do.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“Cape May Stage is one of Cape May's biggest cultural assets.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“The Big Bang moves along at light speed and makes time fly almost as fast as the multitude of sight gags and one-liners that infest this romp through recorded hysterical history.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

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"K2- 2006" "K2 is not to be missed!” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave “Carleton is a natural for the part!” Schaad, Cape May Gazette “…An impressive opener for the professional theatre’s 2006 season!” Schaad, Cape May Gazette “The high drama with subtle comic overtones is the kind of thing Cape May Stage does best.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“Bob Phillips has transformed the back wall of the theatre into a dizzying mountain crest and it doesn’t require much stretch of the imagination to convince the audience that the two are stranded on the ledge.” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

“Their performances kept audiences on the edge of their seats!” Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

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"Every Christmas Story Ever Told! Vixens' Revenge! - 2005" "Cape May Stage Christmas Show Really Terrific. To the editor: For years we have been told that the Cape May Stage Christmas show is really terrific and we should go and see it. So this year, along with a few dear friends, we decided to take part in the Dinner & A Show package. We started at The Blue Pig, where the food was excellent. We then walked to the show. Right from the start till the end it was funny, crazy, quick-witted, and filled with great talent.

John Alvarez could make you cry from laughter in a tutu, then cry with emotion as a Sheperd telling the true Christmas message. He was super. The vixens were also top notch. We are all so lucky to have such talent so close to home. We are now hooked. We will always make sure that the Cape May Stage Christmas Show is a part of our holiday plans. Just wish we had not missed previous years."
— Janet & Joe Wescott, Cape May Point (Letter to the Cape May Star & Wave editor 12/22/05)

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"Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker - 2005 " "...The most amazing performance in the history of Cape May Stage!" Jacob Schaad Jr., Cape May Gazette "This show is designed to deliver the kind of good scare that theatergoers love to experience." Ed Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

"Without the help of grotesque makeup, Carleton transmogrified himself into several diverse characters while never really leaving the stage.
...Carleton's interpretation can be described as amazing." Ed Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

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"The Last 5 Years - 2005" "Jessica Perich and Steven Lyons are two very personable actors who fill their roles quite believable." Ed Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave "Perich and Lyons, accompanied on the piano by Eddie Guttman, show plenty of energy and talent in their demanding singing roles." Jacob Schaad Jr., Cape May Gazette

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"The Guys - 2005" "This is a complete production from drawing board to curtain call. It is an excellent way to start the season in Cape May." Jacob Schaad Jr. The Cape May Gazette Click here for some audience comments

"Around the World in 80 Days - 2005" "...absolutely hilarious, fast moving, well acted version being offered by Cape May Stage." Schaad, The Cape May Gazette "Playwright Mark Brown has combined with his friend, director Michael Carleton, and five very talented professional actors to present an outstanding production suitable for grandparents and grandkids alike. " Schaad, The Cape May Gazette

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"Flying Solo Festival - 2004"

"Watermelon-Git It While It's Hot," I'm sure, was just the beginning of a great miniseries in the finest tradition of Cape May Stage." Ed Wismer, Cape May Star & Wave

"If you don't feel good leaving the theater after you watch "Richard Hoehler's Rich in Character", then you better seek help."

"As good as all the other productions are, Charlie Bethel's performance of "Beowulf," the classic monster tale and mythic morality poem, is the most dramatic and amazing of them all!" Jacob Schaad, Jr., Cape May Gazette

"Stalhuth proved once more her mastery of this kind of presentation and I'm glad I witnessed it." Ed Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

"Each solo performer in the series gave what amounts to a virtuoso turn on stage, unsupported by other actors, elaborate sets and props." Ed Wismer, Cape May Star and Wave

"Park Your Car In Harvard Yard - 2004 " "Bob Phillips has created the most intricate and elaborate set ever seen at Cape May Stage." "The gradual evolution of the characters of Hogan (Grace Gonglowski) and Brackish (Tom McCarthy) and their discovery that they actually need each other is wondrous to behold a it is portrayed by the two expert actors." Ed Wismer, Cape May Star & Wave

"Simply put, Grace Gonglowski and Tom McCarthy are mixing their acting talents into an outstanding performance." Jacob Schaad, Jr., Cape May Gazette

"Stones in His Pockets - 2004" "In Seth Reichgott and Scott Greer, artistic director Michael Carelton found the ideal pair and Jim Helsinger molded the two into perfection in their hyperkinetic multi-role performance." "It is the kind of show you hate to see end." Ed Wismer, Cape May Star & Wave "The movie extras who take center stage in Stones in His Pockets are stars indeed." Peter Filicia, The Star Ledger

"If artistic director Michael Carelton ever wants to produce a big scale musical on his stage, he can save considerable cost by casting Seth Reichgott and Scott Greer in all of the roles." Jacob Schaad, Jr., Cape May Gazette

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"The Drawer Boy - 2004" " 'The Drawer Boy', currently at Cape May Stage, presents the best evening of amusing and thought provoking entertainment you'll likely find this summer."

"I recommend the play wholeheartedly." Ed Wismer, Cape May Star & Wave

"Life on a farm is the setting for Cape May Stage's newest offering, but the real drama in this well acted thought-provoking play comes from the lives of the two men who toil it."

"Carleton continues to bring plays to the professional company that are not normally seen on the big stages of the Broadway theatre, but are noteworthy nevertheless. He has succeeded with 'The Drawer Boy' in its script and its performance." Jacob Schaad, Jr., Cape May Gazette

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"Hyde, In The Shadows - 2004" " 'Hyde, In The Shadows', currently at Cape May Stage, provides a real Halloween treat with lots of tricks." "Rector has become my favorite thespian ...I recommend the show without reservation. If you enjoy being occasionally scared out of your gourd, you'll love it. Guaranteed." Ed Wismer, Cape May Star & Wave

"It's hard not to like the 19th century sociopath, even after he begins employing a heavy silver-headed cane to bloody up the theater's walls." Cronin, AC Press

"Rector is absolutely amazing in his multi-faceted characterizations. I believe Robert Louis Stevenson would be pleased and so will fans of his work." Schaad, The Gazette

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"Every Christmas Story Ever Told - 2004" Click here for some audience comments