Thursday, October 18,1978'

The Herald And The Lantern .

Page 13

Theatre Alive In County

(From Page i)

high school says the Cape May Community Theatre in which he has participated, has had '‘modest

"It’s kind of silly to expect to get the same kind of support here as you would in Cherry Hill, say,” Mathis explained. The problems involved in bringing theatre to Cape May County are the expense, organizational problems and the diversification of tastes, Mathis said. “You have such a diversity of tastes in a tiny, tiny community that you're always going to offend somebody no matter what you do.” he added. "There is a lot of talent going untapped because there's no market available,” he added. The dinner theatre market, however, is blooming in Cape May County, Marshall said. The sumptuous decor, massive buffet and affordable show are attrracting more and more area residents to the '76 House, the owner said.

Currently staging the three-hour Broadway production of Carousel, a romantic musical set in New England, the show has had enthusiastic response, Marshall said. Carousel is set in New England 100 years ago. It is a fantasy in which a dead man returns to show his love for his wife and

daughter.

The theatre is open to the general public Friday through Sunday with advance reservations. Monday through Thursday nights are reserved for groups and organizations. A $14 95 ticket includes a buffet dinner and the ihow. An intimate cockUtl lounge next to the theatre hall is open for after-show drinks. The -76 House had Its beginnings in, when else, 1976 with a staff of 15-» persons. The theatre was housed in a reconverted building on the same site as the new theatre. Marshall, who recently announced a partnership with Roy Blackledge of Avalon in opening the new theatre is no novice in the dinner theatre business

Pope John Paul II set foot on American soil this autumn and created the greatest Mutual Admiration Society in our nation's history. I called on the Rdv. Msgr. Vincent J. Giammarino, pastor of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church of Stone Harbor, the other day, to learn his views on the visit of His Holiness. The Monsignor replied that this was the most inspirational experience of his life and went on to say: “Pope John Paul II is the greatest moral leader of our time. He captured the hearts of all mankind. He loves us, and if we do not listen to Him we are the losers." Msgr Giammarino and his assistant pastor, Rev. James Ronan. S. 8. L., are very ecumenically oriented. Rev. Ronan conducted a series of lectures on the Old Testament during the summer and is now holding a similar series on the New Testament, to which all faiths are welcome. Since coming here five years ago. the Monsignor has

established ~

with his

private shippers traveled by motor boat to Angleeea and then took the trolley to St. Ann's in Wildwood. (And more than once the boot went aground on a sandbar!) One summer the poolroom of an old excursion house was wed for Catholic services and the churchgoers had to battle the sand dunes to reach R. On July 5, 1963, a new house of worship was blessed and dedicated. The original church seated 190; the impressive new edifice has room for 900. Until 1936 St. Paul’s sffrtained mission status and was assisted by the Holy Ghost Fathers of Philadelphia. The following year it was placed under the Jurisdiction of the Camden Diocese. A fascinating history of the growth of Catholicism on our island appeared in the Catholic SUr Herald on July 10. 1963, and I am grateful to Msgr Giammarino for lending it to me. Wish I had space to tell you more!

He started the first I Downingtown Inn Dinner Theatre in Downington,

Pa.

The idea for the'76 House in Swainton was bom after Marshall decided he wanted to move to the shore and set up his trade here. He has performed seven parts in the '76 House production erf "1776” and has also played roles in “South Pacific,” “My Fair Lady” and the "Pajama Game." To Marshall, dinner theatre is a bargain as well as a pleasant pasttime “It’s probably $e best value for your dollar in the country today,” he said. For those who perfer something a litUe less formal. Mathis at LCMR High School, says he is currently rehearsing 10-12 students in two one-act. plays to be presented Nov 30 and Dec. 1. The students will present Tennessee Williams’ "The Case of the Crushed Petunias” and John Balderston’s "A Morality Play for the Leisured Class." The play will be available to a limited audience with only 100 tickets sold per night, Mathis said. In the spring, the high school will present the musical, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." Attendance is always good at school plays because of the personal connection between the players and the community, Mathis said. Area merchants have always been very supportive, he

The school does not have a drama club but a drama workshop course is offered. Meanwhile, at the 76 House preparations are already being made for the next show "Man of LaMancha.” About 200-300 auditions will be held for parts in the musical and auditions are open to the public, Marshall said. "Carousel” will run until Dec. 16. “Man of LaMancha" will begin Dec. 20. “We have never had a flop. The public tells you. They are our monitor,” Marshall said. "It takes a lot of time, effort, drive; you have to give up your personal time to produce any play that gives a quality performance to the people,” Marshall said. "We want people to come and say, ‘Wow, what a show!’"

monsignor nas , iSS Harrington Honored

At Celebration

well.

Many Stone Harborites are active workers in St. Paul's. Ray DeLaurentls is president of the parish council, Marguerite Klotzbuchar is treasurer, and Fred Bauman and Leonard Hilbig are members. Rose Pretzn and Betty Dirtdn keep busy with fund-raising projects and various other church

and Francis O'Leary are lectors, and Pat Dwyer, John and Allen Bernard and Michael Ertx serve as altar boys. A1 Westhoff and Ms wife, Jean, are in charge of the church

bulletin.

The original St. Patf's Church celebrated its first Maas oa July 2,1911. Prior

to ' ‘

RIO GRANDE-Sunday Evening, September The 9, a surprise Anniversary Party was hold for Pastor Clifford Harrington in honor of Ms 78th Birthday Mrs. Mary Childs pinned a corsage on Mrs. Harrington and as the Sunday School Children sang Happy Birthday a boutoniere was pinned on the Pastor. Grace was said by Mabel Oolwell and then a H|ft>ed cake with the numbers 78 was presented to the Pastor, along with other refreshments prepared by the Ladies Aid Society.

sang a

of Gospel Chora's followed betd- ia -by piano aoiaa played bp

Debbie Marriner and Doreen Marriner. Betty Robbinson presented Pastor a personal gift from the congregation, Mr. Horace Childs then presented a check from the church. Catherine Hocker presented a basket of birthday cards prior to the closing prayer made by the Pastor Pastor Harrington is presently the Interim Pastor at the Rio Grande Bible Church. Before Ms retirement he was affUated with the Philadelphia Colleg< Of The Bible. Pastor and Mrs. Harrington reside in Ocean Jdly.

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