Murdered To Death

By Peter Gordon

Directed by Phil Jackman

In the first in a trilogy of comedy-murder mysteries from playwright Gordon, Murdered to Death revolves around a bumbling sleuth, aptly named Inspector Pratt. With Josh Ryan perfectly cast as the inspector, we're transported back to the 1930s and a spoofed Agatha Christie type plot involving murder in a country mansion with an assembled group of eccentric house guests.

Hostess Mildred (Terri Jackman) and her niece Dorothy (Cheryl Petsche), along with their quirky butler, Bunting (Phil Jackman), welcome guests, Mildred's old flame Colonel Craddock (John Buford) and his wife Margaret (Sandy Janicke). Their arrival is swiftly followed by French art dealer Pierre Marceau and his accomplice Elizabeth Hartley-Trumpington (Brandon Mills and Emily Evans). The final piece of this murderous jigsaw puzzle is provided by Sue Wichman as the inquisitive neighbor Joan Maple. Terrie Miller acts as the perfect foil in her role of Constable Thomkins to the Inspector. The very large cast of ten performs very well together on this tiny stage, bringing havoc and laughter throughout.

The show stars local and regional actors, including MRPDT Board President Sue Wichman (Little Red Schoolhouse, A Year With Frog and Toad, Two Pairs of Shorts), board member Sandy Janicke (Uncle Bill’s Funeral, Two Pairs of Shorts), and John Buford (A Year With Frog and Toad, Radio Gals).

The intermission provides a luscious dessert choice of a large, warm slice of chocolate bunt cake or apple crisp, both drizzled with a complementary sauce and accompanied with a generous scoop of New York vanilla ice cream.

Produced by Mighty Richland Players Dinner Theater at Orangeville Masonic Lodge, 203 W. High Street, Orangeville, IL 61060

Performances: September 11-19, 2009

Performance Times: Scheduled to run for two weekends (11-13 SEP; 18-19 SEP), doors will open at 6:30 on Friday and Saturday, show at 7:00 PM, and doors open at 1 PM with show at 1:30 PM on Sunday.

Ticket Prices: Tickets are $20 per seat, group rates available.

Call 815-819-1310 for reservations or more information.