LANCASTER, WIS–The plot will thicken as Lancaster Community Players (LCP) returns to the Grantland Theatre stage March 24-26 with “Murdered to Death” by Peter Gordon. The cast will bring to life characters reminiscent of an Agatha Christie whodunit, only with all the side-splitting comedy of an Inspector Clouseau spoof. Prepare to be transported to a 1930s English country manor.
Director Ann Savides Dolan has assembled a talented group of nine LCP veterans and one newcomer, Andrea Washa of Highland. Washa plays Joan Maple, the neighborhood snoop who pops in just in time to witness–well, sort of–a murder! The audience will see the bumbles of Inspector Pratt played by Bill Haskins and assisted by Max Nalepinski as Constable Thompkins. Hosting the weekend getaway is Mildred Bagshot (Kim Martens); her niece, Dorothy (Amy Alcott), and sole heir; and Bunting the butler (Bill Mahaney). Visiting for the weekend are Colonel Charles Craddock (Shawn Steinhoff) and wife Margaret (Sally Harper), along with art dealer Pierre Marceau (Michael Steffel) and companion Elizabeth Hartley-Trumpington (Lisa Nicolai).
The group is anxious and excited to be back in production after their two-and-a-half year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Savides Dolan said, “I’m tickled to death to bring live theater back to Lancaster! When I asked about people’s interest in doing a show, I had an overwhelmingly positive response. This is a very talented cast, and the show is pure, unadulterated comedy.”
Tickets are available by contacting Angela Walter at 608-778-7726. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 24 and 25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 26. Reserved seating is $12 and balcony seating is $10. The show is presented by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Services, Inc.