East Lynne Sets Cape May Run of Jennifer Childs' 'Funny Girls'

CAPE MAY, NJ — The reimagined East Lynne Theater Company will launch its Philadelphia Summer Residency Series in Cape May with actress Jennifer Childs in her one-woman show “Funny Girls.” The production will run at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME from July 24 through Aug. 4.

According to East Lynne, the Philadelphia Summer Residency Series was devised by Executive Director Mark David Boberick to build what the company described as an artistic bridge between Philadelphia and Cape May. The new series draws on Philadelphia performers, directors and writers during a season when many theaters there are dark for the summer.

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“Philadelphia is one of our greatest resources for talent,” said Boberick, “so it only makes sense to utilize those actors, directors and writers for whom theaters are primarily dark in the summer, which, for us, is our busiest and most exciting time of year. This initiative is yet another new chapter for East Lynne and a way to connect two historic cities that share an artistic culture.”

“Funny Girls,” created and performed by Childs, focuses on women who changed American comedy. According to the announcement, the show highlights performers including Fanny Brice, Mae West, Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers and Gilda Radner, along with others who helped expand what women could do on stage and screen.

Childs is the co-founder and producing artistic director of Philadelphia’s 1812 Productions. According to the announcement, she has created more than 25 original works there, including “To the Moon,” “It’s My Party: The Women and Comedy Project,” “The Carols,” and the annual political humor show, “This Is The Week That Is.” The announcement also said Childs debuted another one-woman show, “She Gets Around,” this spring at 1812 Productions.

“We are elated to kick off this new summer residency with Jennifer Childs,” said Boberick. “She is one of Philadelphia’s most creative and celebrated comedic voices. If our audiences don’t already know and love her work, they soon will become huge fans.”

East Lynne said “Funny Girls” will be presented in the Clemans Theater’s cabaret setting, with musical direction by Owen Robbins. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, from July 24 through Aug. 4. Tickets are $40 for general admission, $35 for seniors, and $25 for students and military members. The Clemans Theater for the Arts is at 717 Franklin St. in Cape May. More information is available at EastLynneTheater.org.