The Cambridge-Isanti High School Theatre Department brings to stage, the audience-interactive comedy, “Murder’s in the Heir.”
The script turns the game of Clue into a play … with almost every character in this hilarious mystery having the weapon, opportunity and motive to commit the unseen murder. It’s up to the audience to decide who actually did it. When the heirs to the tyrannical billionaire Simone Starkweather find out the will becomes invalid, mystery and suspicion abound, as the billionaire is found dead. The play’s unique ending, utilizes audience votes to determine the killer in this Billy St. John maze of murder.
“I am excited to bring this show to the stage. The show was written for ‘modern day,’ but we have taken it back a few years to the 1940s—sort of,” said Director Viva Anderson. “The set design uses a minimal set and brings the unique stage lighting in close, with cues being run by the actors. Props are imaginative; hair styles and costuming have been great fun—aiming for 1940s, with a slight slant, and adding a touch of red color to every character. Written for 16 actors we have expanded the script to 23—utilizing the capabilities of these young performers to bring out their ‘comedic’ self.
“Taking the audience participation even further, we have pulled small portions of the script out—and will be assigning these parts to the audience members when they arrive. The thunder and lightening of the raging storm will also be created by audience members. Teaching a slightly different style of stage performance to these students has been a treat. We are enjoying the process of learning comedic timing and characterization and are hoping for and looking forward to sell-out crowds,” Anderson added.
Performances:
Thursday, March 31, at 7 p.m., at the Richard G. Hardy Performing Arts Center, Cambridge-Isanti High School. This is the only stage performance in this venue. General admission tickets are $5 per student and $8 per adult. Available at www.showtix4u.com and at the door.
Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and April 3, at Spirit River Community Center, (formerly known as Spectacular Events) in Isanti. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; 5:15 p.m. dinner buffet (LeFebvre Catering); 6:15 p.m. show. General admission tickets available at www.showtix4u.com, and at the door. Pre-sale of tickets is preferred for the dinner theatre shows.
THE FAMILY
Simone Starkweather, Billionaire: Celia Mellang
Fiona Starkweather, her niece: Sophie Wahlstrom
Jordan Starkweather, her great-nephew: Gabe Shau
Paula Thompson, great niece: Nicolle Ulrich
Simone Starkweather III: Celia Mellang
THE STAFF
Bensonhurst, The Butler: Sadie Broll
Mrs. Trent, The Housekeeper: Shiri Samsa
Minerva Walker, The Cook: Ceanna Starr
Cook’s Assistant: Annabelle Zortman
Nancy Pollard, The Maid: Amanda Hosch
Lillian/A Maid: Kiara Marohn
Gertrude/A Maid: Camilla Hawley
Rufus/Limo Driver (The Rufi): Ian McVicker
Rufus Assistant/Ruth (The Rufi): Jasmine Stevens
Rufus Assistant/Ruby (The Rufi): Maggie Walsh
THE PROFESSIONALS
Lois Van Zandt, Lawyer: Hannah Haglund
Miss Withers, Nurse: Annie Lind
Kathy Collins, Secretary: Samantha Swanson
Mike Davis/Investigator: Caleb Merwin
Mike’s Assistant/Maggie: Hailey O’Connor
Photographers: Julia Fisher, Cecilia Bredeson, Jean Culpepper
Director: Olivia Lindberg
Stage Manager: Kara Olson
DIRECTORS
Student Directors: Hailey O’Connor, Olivia Lindberg
Stage Managers: Celia Mellang, Shira Samsa
Production-Tech Crew: Jenna Jannusch, Gabe Maxwell
Director: Viva Anderson
Scene-Set Design: Tim Anderson