The story of a group of strangers coming together under mysterious circumstances, only to be murdered, one by one, is a familiar one to many.
But, with Theatre Kent’s production of Nooses Off, the tale takes a comedic twist as a theatre group bands together to present the knock-off version of a classic, titled Nine Little Indians.
Nooses Off, which runs May 10-12, beginning at 7:30 p.m., is being presented at Living Faith Community Church at 530 Victoria Ave. in Chatham.
“This is a completely new venue for us,” said Nooses Off director Karen Robinet in a media release.
She noted that the Theatre Group has been operating out of one end of the building for a couple of years, but this is the first time they are presenting a show in the church sanctuary.
“It’s quite a nice space,” Robinet said. “Luckily there’s a large stage, which this show needs with the number of people running around.”
Billed as a murder mystery comedy, the emphasis is on comedy in Nooses Off and a large group of local actors has been working to make sure there are plenty of laughs to be had.
The “play within a play” is being directed by Lila (Christine Baribeau), who happens to be in the midst of a fling with her leading man (Tony Erdelyi). But that’s not the only romance that threatens to take down the show, which is riddled with break-ups, shake-ups and make-ups.
In typical murder mystery style, there is a butler (Cade Robinet), a wealthy businessman (Bill Tye) and a pretty, but not overly bright blonde (Linda Schinkel).
The show’s “guests” are rounded out by Jennifer McMonnies, Janice Sellen, Erik Shaw, Kevin Oates, Courtney Gorman and Heather Vander Pol.
The onstage production team consists of a stage manager (Steven Reinhardus), possibly the world’s worst playwright (Janice Devlugt), a costume designer with an edge (Sharon Jubenville) and a props person (Rachel Laderoute) with a criminal past.
“We are mining this play for every laugh,” said Robinet, adding that audiences can expect a full evening of entertainment.
Tickets for the show are available through the Cultural Centre box office at 519-354-8338 and online at www.cktickets.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Tickets are $20.25 for adults, and $18.25 for seniors and students. Because the show is taking place at the church, all seats are general admission.
Doors will open at 7 p.m.
More information is available online at www.theatekent.com or by calling the box office.
