To quote the great William Shakespeare, “All the world is a stage…” And, all around this big world, theaters can be found in many venues. Most notably, New York has Broadway and London has its East End. However, South Jersey proudly boasts several theaters that have been offering professional plays and performances to local audiences for almost 50 years. The Cape May Stage and East Lynne Theater Company in Cape May and the Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point continue to deliver professional and innovative theater experiences. From Tennessee Williams to Neil Simon, local audiences have enjoyed live theater in their backyard — without having to travel hours away to New York or elsewhere.
Cape May Stage
As one of South Jersey’s premier professional theaters, Cape May Stage has been producing plays since 1988. During its long and vibrant history, the theater has featured nationally recognized Broadway actors and musical performers, including Maureen McGovern, Christine Ebersole, and Robert Prosky. All in all, more than 30 Broadway artists have graced the Cape May Stage.
If you prefer uplifting comedies like Neil Simon’s Last of the Red-Hot Lovers, Cape May Stage offers a variety of options each year. In addition, the theater balances their selections with serious performances like No Exit or Becoming Satchel Paige for those looking for a more meaningful story. Holiday plays are also part of the theater experience, with classics like A Tuna Christmas — yes, something for every theater goer’s tastes.
Although you may buy individual tickets to any performance (if available), Cape May Stage Season Subscriptions ensure that you get a guaranteed seat at a discounted price. For example, the 4 Show Adult Subscription includes four discounted tickets with your selected seats. In addition, Season Subscriptions allow you to exchange your tickets at any time without an exchange fee.
A great way to enjoy an evening out is the Cape May Stage Dinner and a Show option. When you make a reservation for a discounted dinner at one of Cape May’s participating restaurants, you automatically receive a code for specially priced tickets to Cape May Stage. In the past, restaurants like Pier House and Ocean 7 have been part of the dining and theater experience.
East Lynne Theater Company
East Lynne Theater Company
Named after a popular melodrama in the 1800s, the East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) has been producing plays on its Cape May stage since 1980. Since then, their mission - to resurrect plays from America’s theatrical past - has been their guiding light. Over the years, the mission has expanded to include more contemporary works of American themes. As a result, ELTC was selected by The New York Times as “One of the top 75 theaters offering summer productions in North America.”
The 2025 season offered several examples that hold true to their mission. For example, the season started off with Ken Ludwig's Dear Jack, Dear Louise — a real-life World War II love story. The final play offered that season was the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes Scandals — a radio-style performance based on two stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
ELTC prides itself on being a “bridge” for Cape May theater goers and visitors by connecting the past to the present through its play selections. In addition, the theater melds talent from coast to coast along with local artists and audiences that all add up to “a unique, compelling theatrical experience.”
Avid theater goer, Donna Josephs, thoroughly appreciates the Cape May theater scene. Josephs explains, “I've enjoyed everything from Jimmy Webb's live music to comedies and dramas. During the pandemic, the East Lynne Theater had an outdoor performance in a back yard, which was novel and innovative. This summer, it was great to see Every Brilliant Thing in the restored church on a lovely side street. The enthusiasm of the two venues' directors, Roy Steinber and Mark David Boberick, is contagious.”
Another ELTC “bridging” goal has been to strive for a diverse local audience - seniors and students. In addition to performances held at the Cape May Presbyterian Church, the theater has begun to stage performances at the Clemans Theater for the Arts (the former Allen A.M.E. Church) as part of a commitment to honor Cape May’s Black History through its programming, collaboration, student workshops, and community outreach.
Gateway Playhouse, photos by Katelin Kane Photography
Gateway Playhouse
From 1920 silent films to 1976 box office hits like Taxi Driver and Rocky, the Gateway Playhouse served as a movie theater. Since closing almost 50 years ago, and after many changes and refurbishing projects, the theater has been presenting year-round entertainment, offering live musicals, plays, and concerts.
Through its theatrical history, Gateway has staged many top shows, including Funny Girl, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, White Christmas, and many more theater-goer favorites. The 2025 season finished up with a production of Into the Woods – a must-see for Stephen Sondheim fans. In 2026, the Gateway Playhouse will offer another season of popular shows for all tastes, including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar and the classic Guys and Dolls.
In addition to offering entertainment, local theaters like Gateway provide opportunities for South Jersey thespians to strut their stuff. Shirlee DiBacco, a local actress, explains why the Gateway theater “holds a special place” in her heart. After answering a call in 2017 for auditions for Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, DiBacco was hooked. She explains her connection to the Somers Point theater, “I had never acted before; however, my long-time obsession with this play gave me the courage to try out for - and snag - a small part. It was thrilling to actually be a part of Grover’s Corners for a short time, and the experience encouraged me to continue acting.”
