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Award-Winning Director and Stage Legend Make Magic with Groundbreaking Production in Cape May

Issue #412

August 02, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

‍🎭 Award-Winning Director and Stage Legend Make Magic with Groundbreaking Production in Cape May

🌊 Rip Current Warning Issued for Cape May and Atlantic Counties

⛳ Jersey Shore Gem: Wildwood Mini Golf Spot Named One of America's Finest

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: East Lynne Theater Company

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 August 2

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Award-Winning Director and Stage Legend Make Magic with Groundbreaking Production in Cape May

 Cape May’s summer theater scene is taking a powerful turn with the current production of Every Brilliant Thing, at East Lynne Theater Company’s Clemans Theater.  The show is a heartfelt, immersive play that tackles mental health, grief, and healing with a surprising mix of humor and emotional depth.

It opened Thursday night, and despite the chill and the rain, it was warm and welcoming inside the playhouse. The one-person show centers around a narrator who, as a child, begins making a list of all the brilliant things in life worth living for—starting with ice cream. The list grows over the years as the narrator grapples with the impact of a parent’s steady decline into depression, illustrating how hope and joy can exist alongside sorrow. And it works on every level.

The decision to bring this play to Cape May was not made lightly. Initially, the script felt too personal and too emotionally risky to stage, especially for those who, like the show's producer, have lived with the loss of a loved one. But over time, it became clear that this was exactly the kind of work the community needed—a chance not just to be entertained, but to connect, to reflect, and to heal.

What sets this production apart is its deep engagement with its audience. It’s performed in the round, emphasizing connection and making everyone in the theater part of the experience. Attendees were asked to read short lines from cards placed on their seats, blurring the line between spectator and participant in a gentle, thoughtful way. There was the option to ‘opt out’, but no one did, and on Thursday, the interaction connected with the audience immediately.

At the helm is Deirdre McLaughlin, a celebrated London-based director, is known for her socially engaged theatre that prioritizes accessibility and innovation. She’s coming home to the States to ensure the relevancy of the message is forefront. Under McLaughlin, the theme is handled with grace and the type of resilient humor that carries each of us through our daily travails. She directs internationally acclaimed artist/actor Rohan Tickell. Tickell is best known for his commanding presence in iconic musicals, having starred in numerous celebrated productions on London’s West End. His credits include leading roles in Les Misérables, Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, and Rock of Ages, among many others. Tickell has also been a frequent collaborator with Andrew Lloyd Webber, contributing to high-profile productions and tours. East Lynn’s Executive Director Mark David Boberick says having both of these talents in Cape May was quite a coup.

The two make an impressive international team. McLaughlin returned to collaborate stateside for the first time in two decades and to be with family, as Cape May has been a summer retreat for her family since she was a child. Tickell headlines the one-man show; he flew directly from a one-night-only production at London’s Drury Lane Theatre to open the show here in Cape May.

The new venue hosting Every Brilliant Thing—a lovingly restored historic building—provides an intimate, flexible space that allows for immersive staging and creative freedom. The restored church can strike an even balance between a cavernous hall and a truly intimate setting. For the East Lynne Theater Company, this production represents a new chapter: one that’s less about tradition and more about impact.

Though not easy to market due to its delicate themes, the play has a long-standing reputation for resonating deeply with audiences wherever it’s performed. It’s not a show about depression and its reach; it's about surviving, connecting, laughing through pain, and remembering what makes life worth living. Jane and Mark Sucher from Washington, DC agree. “He (Tickell) took us on his journey; we were able to relate to what he was dealing with and how he coped, and yes, we laughed. By the show’s end, we were both very happy!”  The hope is that those who see it will leave a little lighter, a little braver, and more willing to talk. Deb V also said as much, “It brought light and a sense of humor to something that affects us all. I’m so happy I came here tonight.” Audience members were in awe of the energy and humanity that Tickell breathed into the character.

Adding further depth to the production is the Talk Back Thursday series. After each Thursday performance, audience members can stay for a guided discussion with mental health professionals, theater artists, and community leaders. These conversations aimed to deepen understanding, remove stigma, and offer resources for those affected by mental health challenges.  The Talk Back Thursday Schedule:

  • August 7: “Breaking the Silence: Men’s Mental Health & Vulnerability” (‘Sponsor a Vet Night’ for $25 buy a ticket for a US Military Veteran to enjoy this night’s performance)

  • August 14: “Brilliant Things: Practicing Everyday Joy and Resilience” 

  • August 21: “Mental Health in the Family: Listening, Loving, Supporting” 

  • August 28: “Creative Coping: The Arts and Mental Health” 

An important show opened this Thursday at East Lynne Theater Company’s Clemans Theater. You don’t want to miss it. As audience member Colleen K put it, “I give this show a ‘high-five,’ I guarantee you will too.”

Rip Current Warning Issued for Cape May and Atlantic Counties

The National Weather Service has issued a rip current statement for Cape May and Atlantic counties, effective from 8 p.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Saturday. The advisory warns of dangerous rip current conditions that could pose a serious risk to swimmers. Rip currents are powerful channels of water that can pull swimmers away from the shore and into deeper areas. Even experienced swimmers can find themselves in trouble if caught in one. Beachgoers are strongly urged to swim only near lifeguards and to remain aware of surf conditions during this period. With this advisory in effect, beach safety officials are reminding visitors to take extra precautions and follow lifeguard instructions throughout the weekend.

Jersey Shore Gem: Wildwood Mini Golf Spot Named One of America's Finest

 Mini golf is a beloved summer tradition along the Jersey Shore, and for those looking for the ultimate spot to play, Wildwood may just be the top destination. Among the many courses lining the coast from Cape May to Long Beach Island, one standout location has earned national attention. According to Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, Starlux Mini Golf in Wildwood has been ranked the 6th best miniature golf course in the entire country. Located at 4800 Ocean Avenue, this popular attraction has become a must-visit for both locals and tourists. 

Which of the following historic buildings in Cape May was designed by the architect who also contributed to the design of the United States Capitol?

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Answer to the August 1st Trivia Question

Cape May is recognized as one of the oldest seaside resorts in the United States. Which of the following events helped establish Cape May as a popular vacation destination in the 19th century?

A) The construction of Congress Hall in 1816
B) The discovery of oil off the coast of Cape May
C) The establishment of a naval base during World War II
D) The opening of the first casino in New Jersey

Answer: A) The construction of Congress Hall in 1816

Congress Hall, built in 1816, played a significant role in making Cape May a prominent resort destination. It attracted visitors from Philadelphia and beyond, helping establish the town's reputation as one of the finest seaside resorts in America by the 19th century​.

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