Cape May Opening For 'Lunar Eclipse' Will Coincide With Real Partial Lunar Eclipse

CAPE MAY, NJ — East Lynne Theater Company will open its New Jersey premiere of Donald Margulies’ “Lunar Eclipse” on Aug. 27 in Cape May, the same night a partial lunar eclipse is expected to unfold above the city.

After the opening performance, Cape May Astro will provide a live, high-definition view of the eclipse from the parking lot at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Historic Allen AME.

The production runs through Sept. 20 at the theater, 717 Franklin St., Cape May. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. A special preview performance is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Directed by East Lynne Executive Director Mark David Boberick, “Lunar Eclipse” marks his theatrical directing debut. Boberick also created the scenic design. The production features lighting design by Kirstin Ritch, original music by Mark Lehnowsky and production stage management by Ben Simonetty.

The play follows George and Em, a long-married couple who watch the stages of a lunar eclipse from their family farm. As the moon moves through Earth’s shadow, memories surface and long-held truths emerge, revealing moments that have defined their life together.

Real-life couple Andy Prosky and Rita Rehn star as George and Em. Prosky has appeared in the films “Up Close & Personal,” “Men in Black” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and on television in “Blue Bloods,” “John Adams” and “Law & Order,” according to the theater company. Rehn appeared on Broadway in “A Chorus Line” and “Nine” and is a two-time New Jersey theater critics’ award recipient.

“I wish I could claim we planned it, but the coincidence of a real lunar eclipse is completely genuine,” said Boberick. “We had selected the play, scheduled the production and secured the rights before I discovered that opening night would fall on the night of an actual lunar eclipse. For a play about love, loss and the mysteries we live with, it feels as though nature has become part of the production.”

Tickets are $40 for general admission, $35 for seniors and $25 for students and military personnel. Preview tickets are $25. Opening-night tickets are $45 and include the post-show celebration and Cape May Astro’s live HD viewing of the partial lunar eclipse from the theater parking lot, with no discounts applying. Additional information is available at EastLynneTheater.org.