THE MISSION
THE MISSION
To present story readings and plays about the human condition that have stood the test of time, as well as new works that relate to the many facets of what it means to be “American.”
A NOTE BY CAT FOUNDER GAYLE STAHLHUTH
I can’t remember a time I didn’t love storytelling. Whether it’s by reading a book, listening to someone’s personal story, watching a live performance, a film, or a well-produced television series, I eagerly await the outcome, while still, many times, not wanting the story to end.
By the time I was five, tap dancing in front of audiences, I was in love with performing because I knew even then, I could make people smile, and that made me happy. There is nothing like the camaraderie and collaboration found in live theater. This is between the creative team who present the production and the connection between the audience and the performers. Theater continues to fill my life because Constantin Stanislavski’s quote: “Love the art in yourself, and not yourself in the art” has never let me down.
With CAT, I intend to continue the ever-evolving process of helping to bring old and new works to public attention by giving actors and playwrights nurturing platforms in which to work. The “base of operation” will be in Cape May.
The adventure is just beginning – one Tale at a Time.
To watch a brief video created by "The Press of Atlantic City" in December 2022 in which Gayle Stahlhuth explains her role in East Lynne Theater Company, founded in 1980 by Warren Kliewer, click here.
For the complete article on-line, in "The Press," click here. For a PDF version of the article, click here.

THE LEE O'CONNOR MEMORIAL FUND click here for the Background for this Fund
From 1999 - 2021, Lee O'Connor was the technical director for the Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company. Shortly after he passed away in March 2021, Gayle Stahlhuth, his wife and producing artistic director of ELTC, created The Lee O'Connor Memorial Fund to help to convert the AME Church into a performing space. For those who wish to contribute to this Fund, please make checks payable to The Lee O'Connor Memorial Fund and mail to Gayle Stahlhuth, 121 Fourth Avenue, West Cape May, NJ 08204. CAT is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. For making donations to the General Operating Fund, please make checks out to Classic American Tales. Thank you!
From 1999 - 2021, Lee O'Connor was the technical director for the Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company. Shortly after he passed away in March 2021, Gayle Stahlhuth, his wife and producing artistic director of ELTC, created The Lee O'Connor Memorial Fund to help to convert the AME Church into a performing space. For those who wish to contribute to this Fund, please make checks payable to The Lee O'Connor Memorial Fund and mail to Gayle Stahlhuth, 121 Fourth Avenue, West Cape May, NJ 08204. CAT is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. For making donations to the General Operating Fund, please make checks out to Classic American Tales. Thank you!