Cape May Stage offers engaging theater, unique musical performances, and special event programming from May through December. Check out our 2025 season lineup below! For more details about each show, just click on “Learn More” or to purchase tickets choose “Buy Tickets”. To see a monthly calendar view of all 2025 shows and events, click on the button below. For assistance with tickets or season subscriptions, please call the box office at 609-770-8311.
2025 Main Stage Shows
Vanities
Written by Jack Heifner
Directed by Roy Steinberg
Sunday at 3 PM
“Unnervingly funny… Fast moving, sneakily stinging dialogue.” — Newsweek
This poignant comedy explores the evolving friendship of three Texas women as they navigate the shifting landscape of their lives from high school cheerleaders in 1963 to independent adults in 1974 New York. A blend of humor and heartfelt moments, Vanities captures the bittersweet reality of growing up and growing apart.
Love, Loss, and What I Wore
Written by Delia Ephron and Nora Ephron
Directed by Penny Bergman
Nightly at 8 PM
“A bittersweet meditation on the joys and tribulations of women’s lives, reflected through the prism of their clothes.” —Variety
Based on Ilene Beckerman’s bestselling book, this tender and witty play weaves together monologues and ensemble pieces to explore the deep connections between clothing and memory, touching on themes like mothers, prom dresses, bras, purses, and the timeless appeal of black clothing.
This show is not included in our subscription packages.
Sexy Laundry
Written by Michele Riml
Directed by Roy Steinberg
July 16th – August 24th
Tuesday – Sunday at 8 PM
Don’t miss this international hit with ongoing productions in Canada, USA, France, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Finland, Germany, Italy and Hungary.
The relatable story line of “Sexy Laundry” follows Alice and Henry, a long-married couple, attempting to reignite the spark in their relationship by escaping to a trendy hotel with a copy of the book Sex for Dummies in hand. As they navigate their vulnerabilities and desires, their weekend getaway becomes a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of love, marriage, and rediscovery.
Dutch Masters
Written by Greg Keller
Directed by Gregg Daniel
Wednesday – Saturday at 7 PM
Sunday at 3 pm
“An intelligent thrill ride that is as moving as it is entertaining.” – Third Coast Review
Set in 1992 New York City, this thought-provoking play follows a chance encounter between two young men—one Black, one white—on a subway ride. As their journey unfolds, this compelling play examines race, privilege, and the complexities of human connection, revealing hidden tensions beneath seemingly ordinary interactions.
Let's Catch Santa
Written by Dan McCormick
Directed by Roy Steinberg
Wednesday – Saturday at 7 PM
Sunday at 3 PM
WORLD PREMIERE PLAY – Written exclusively for Cape May Stage.
2025 Broadway Series
Carole J. Bufford in Concert
Saturday, May 24, at 7 pm
ONE NIGHT ONLY at Cape May Stage’s Robert Shackleton Playhouse.
Gold Medal winner of the American Traditions Vocal Competition
With fresh takes on classic multi-generational songs, expect an evening of powerhouse vocals, stories behind the music, and Bufford’s inimitable delivery of songs you love and perhaps a few new discoveries. The show features music made famous by Judy Garland, Sophie Tucker, Louis Armstrong, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, The Animals, The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Sting, Tina Turner, Prince and more.
Kevin Smith Kirkwood
ONE NIGHT ONLY at Cape May Stage’s Robert Shackleton Playhouse.
“Kirkwood breathed so much life into this classic favorite while staying true to how Whitney performed it, creating an exhilarating and moving performance.” – Washington Square News
Cape May Stage presents Broadway performer Kevin Smith Kirkwood on Monday, September 29, as part of our 2025 Broadway Series.
Kevin Smith Kirkwood’s Classic Whitney: Alive! is an electrifying tribute to the legendary Whitney Houston, showcasing Kirkwood’s powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence. Through a soulful celebration of Houston’s iconic hits, the show captures the magic and energy of one of music’s greatest voices, delivering an unforgettable experience for fans old and new.
Kevin Smith Kirkwood has performed in multiple Broadway musicals including RENT, Kinky Boots, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and The Wiz.
Julie Benko In Concert
ONE NIGHT ONLY at Cape May Stage’s Robert Shackleton Playhouse.
“Broadway’s breakout star!” – CBS Mornings
Cape May Stage presents acclaimed actor, singer, and writer Julie Benko on Sunday, December 14th, as part of our 2025 Broadway Concert Series.
Any Julie Benko performance is a captivating celebration of her incredible vocal talent and dynamic stage presence. For her show at Cape May Stage she will share a newly conceived concert for the holidays. With her engaging storytelling and powerful voice, Benko creates an intimate and unforgettable experience, bringing a fresh and heartfelt twist to every song she performs.
Julie portrayed Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, skyrocketing to fame and joining the annals of theatrical lore for her sensational understudy-to-star trajectory in the show. Between her tenure as the standby, alternate, and full-time Fanny, she played the role over 180 times and received numerous accolades for her interpretation, including Theatre World’s Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theatre.
Reading Series
DRAMATIC READING
Redress at St. Brigid's
Written by Steve Murray
Directed by Roy Steinberg
Thursday, May 15, at 7 pm
In-Person Reading at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse
No Tickets Required – Free to Attend – Donations Accepted
“Redress at St. Brigid’s” by local playwright Steve Murray takes place in 1990 and tells the tale of three Irish friends who hatch a scheme to get back at the nuns who they feel ruined their lives but are no match for the elderly nuns who send them to the hospital.
DRAMATIC READING
Two Bad Men
By Ed Simpson
Directed by Roy Steinberg
Monday, August 11, at 7 pm
In-Person Reading at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse
No Tickets Required – Free to Attend – Donations Accepted
Two Bad Men by Ed Simpson is set in Randolphsburgh, PA, just 40 miles east of Pittsburgh, in the unassuming office of a local Property Management and Tax Services. The story follows a troubled man who returns to his hometown, only to be accused of a crime he may or may not have committed. Carrying a mysterious package that at first appears to be a rifle wrapped in a blanket, the reveal of its true contents is a powerful twist that exposes deeper truths about the character. This gripping drama explores themes of redemption, identity, and the choices that define us.
Additional live readings for 2025 will be announced soon! We look forward to sharing more new works and contemporary plays on our stage this season.
Special Events
ANNUAL GALA
Spring into Our Season
Saturday, May 31, at 6 pm
ONE NIGHT ONLY at the Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May.
Mark your calendars for our annual spring fundraising event on Saturday, May 31, at the stunning Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May. This unforgettable evening will feature exquisite dining, an open bar, a live auction with exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences, and music all night. Set against the backdrop of the Yacht Club’s breathtaking water views, it promises to be a night to remember. Join us in supporting professional live theater in Cape May, NJ, and be part of an extraordinary celebration!
Tickets and Sponsorships will be available to purchase on March 10, 2025.
ARTISTIC SHOWCASE
God Willing:
A Celebration of The Harlem Renaissance in Words and Art!
Sunday, March 16, at 3 pm
Join us for a rousing afternoon of poetry, art, dramatic readings and more in celebration of The Harlem Renaissance, featuring Stephanie Renee and Elijah Pringle.
Raymond Tyler, The Arts and Entertainment Editor for Atlantic City Focus and Vice Chair of The AC Arts Commission is curating a cultural mix of classics by the likes of Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson and Zora Neal Hurston with poetry and drama from new writers of the moment.
LUNCH & LEARN
Telling Your Story
Wednesday, March 19, at Noon.
In partnership with Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), Cape May Stage is proud to present this free community event.
Using the tools of the theatre like sets, lights, costumes and a written narrative, Producing Artistic Director Roy Steinberg of Cape May Stage will identify how a story can be told for a desired effect. Slipping on a banana can be a comic moment – or a tragedy if it is you who breaks your hip!
This Lunch & Learn presentation is a free event hosted by Cape May MAC at the Cape May Lutheran Church Hall, 509 Pittsburgh Ave. It is also available via Zoom. No RSVP needed to attend in person; Zoom attendees must register online in advance.
VIRTUAL LECTURE
Behind the Curtains
Monday, April 7, at 7 pm
Roy Steinberg, Producing Artistic Director at Cape May Stage, takes us on a fascinating exploration of what goes one “behind the curtain” at a professional theater. Learn about what goes into making a play come to life including set design, costume creation, lighting, and sound. Don’t miss this unique online experience!
This virtual lecture is free and open to the public to attend. Mark your calendars and watch your email for more information about how to attend via Zoom.
IN-PERSON LECTURE
By the Book: Traveling While Black between 1936 and 1968
Saturday, May 3, at Noon
In-Person Lecture at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse
In partnership with Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), Cape May Stage is proud to present this special lecture event.
During the Jim Crow era, African American travelers heavily relied on an annual publication, the “Green Book”, to navigate segregated areas, using it to find safe places like hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and even beauty salons that would serve them, essentially acting as a lifeline for safe travel across the country where they might face discrimination or danger due to their race. This presentation will provide a first-hand account of how the book served its purpose and uncovered even more discriminatory actions along the way. Presented by Cape May MAC in association with Chase Jackson.