Rehearsals are well underway for the 100 Mile Performing Arts Society’s production of Murders In the Heir.
A murder-mystery comedy with a twist, Murders In the Heir stars an ensemble cast of 15 South Cariboo residents, all with speaking roles. Director Donalda Speers said she and her co-director, Nicki Jackson, are loving how the production is coming together.
“The cast is working hard to memorize their lines, always be in character when they are on stage, and learn their blocking, or how they move around the stage,” Speers said. “We have a very talented group to work with. I am proud that in the true spirit of community theatre, we have some experienced veteran thespians, as well as some who will be making their stage debut.”
Over the next two months, Speers said she and Jackson plan to focus on getting their cast off-book and deeper into their characters. She said her favourite part of the rehearsals so far is the laughter the cast shares and watching the ‘ah ha!’ moments as actors sink their teeth into the script.
Murders In the Heir follows the story of reclusive billionaire Simon Starkweather and his many scheming heirs. On one stormy night, he calls them all together to announce a radical change in his will. Simon will cut them all out, in favour of his own clone.
Abruptly nine of his former heirs now have ample motivation for murder and, to no one’s surprise, Speers said Starkweather soon ends up dead before he can sign his new will. It’s left to the audience to decide during the intermission who the killer is.
“As in the game of Clue, there are multiple choices for the murderer, weapon, and killer. All suspects have a weapon, the motive and the opportunity to commit the unseen murder,” Speers said.
Speers said that part of the charm of this show is that the audience will get to vote on who they believe the killer is. After the votes have been tallied the character who received the most votes will be revealed as the murderer in the second act.
“As directors, the idea of the audience being involved in choosing the murderer intrigued us. The possibility of a different ending every night? Awesome! Our hope is that the audience will be extra attentive to the scenes unfolding in front of them as they use their best detective skills to figure out who is most likely to be the killer,” Speer said. “That any one of the suspects can be the killer gives each actor/actress the motivation to make their character compelling enough to win the audience’s votes.”
Speers said she’s looking forward to sharing the play with the community. Her favourite part of theatre remains when the lights go down and a hush falls over the crowd for the first time. Watching their reaction to something she, the cast and the crew put so many hours into is incredibly rewarding for her.
Murders In the Heir is coming to Martin Exeter Hall on Feb. 29 with shows running March 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9 with one matinee performance on March 3. Tickets are $20 and are available at Didi’s Boutique, Donex Pharmacy and Department Store and at the door on show nights.
“I hope everyone sharpens their observational skills and comes out to enjoy this hilarious murder comedy. Seriously, we can’t end the show without you,” Speers quipped.
Speers encourages the community to keep an eye on the Performing Arts Society’s Facebook page for further information on Murders In the Heir.
