“The arts are not somehow apart from our national life; the arts are at the heart of our national life.”
~ First Lady Michelle Obama

As we begin the second decade of the twenty-first century, our nation is in a period where people of good will are divided about policy in politics and many are concerned about their economic well being. Some people even fear some major change will occur in 2012 and feel anxious about global problems of climate change, famine, social revolutions and the friction of religious fundamentalism in secular societies. As you entered our gloriously restored Robert Shackleton Playhouse, you may have noticed that our building once housed a church which is most appropriate since western theatre began with medieval mystery plays emanating from the church. Both the theatre and religious institutions offer hope. Our president was elected, at least in part, by a campaign that promised change and offered hope. In a time of division and doubt, Cape May Stage endeavors to remind us of what it is to be human. We seize the opportunity to know ourselves a little better by observing what human beings do and seeing the common values that we share. The theatre allows us to walk in another's shoes and perhaps be transformed by that experience.

This season brings us a mix of comedies, dramas and musicals designed to stimulate our minds and uplift our spirits. We aspire to make you laugh and sing as we reveal certain truths. Mel Brooks describes his work as "unearthing the truth that is all around us". Cape May Forum launches their first series with the question "can humor save the world". Aristotle tells us, "in a comedy the people on stage are like us but less than us"(2.4). That is interesting to ponder as we watch the comic actors and clowns in our productions. Cape May Stage partners with Cape May Forum for a serious exploration of comedy!

In addressing an audience of artists, Pope Benedict XVI said, "Beauty.gives man a healthy "shock", it draws him out of himself, wrenches him away from resignation and from being content with the humdrum - it even makes him suffer, piercing him like a dart, but in so doing it "reawakens" him, opening afresh the eyes of his heart and mind, giving him wings, carrying him aloft." The dramas we are producing this season may indeed do just that. The painter Georges Braque tells us, "Art is meant to disturb, science reassures."

So allow us to "disturb" you while "unearthing the truth that is all around us" in this intimate venue just moments from the beach. We are truly blessed to be in beautiful Cape May watching artists from Broadway and film and television. Together, artists and audience can experience in the theatre a renewal of hope and the courage to live to the full the unique gift of life!

Roy B. Steinberg
Artistic Director