Comical farce uses murder as theme for campus play
by Ashley Clark, entertainment editor

     The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 will be presented by NE Campus Oct. 3 -7.
     A humorous farce, the play revolves around the cast of a failed Broadway production in which three of the cast members were murdered. The cast then assembles to hold auditions for its new show.
     A wealthy angel offers his estate as the rehearsal hall for the cast.
     During their stay, the characters are trapped inside when a blizzard strikes, putting them at the mercy of several crazy events that take place.
     “The infamous ‘Slasher’ reappears and strikes again,” Stacy Schronk, director, explained. “Bodies start to drop in plain sight, knives spring out of nowhere, masked figures drag their victims behind swiveling bookcases and accusing fingers point in all directions.”
     NE Play House (NEPH) traditionally has opened a new semester with a musical production. However, this semester Schronk opened with a straight farce because he felt it would present a welcomed challenge to the student actors in the production.
     Of the 11 members of the cast, Eric Wilder, Damien Harris, Andrew Oxley, Randy Johnson, Kate Bornemann and Lisa Wash have all appeared in the NEPH before this production. Sara Phillips, Ansley Hamlin, Vanessa Marcado and Sal Caruso are all making their debut this October.
     “Rehearsals are a lot of hard work,” Schronk said. “Because it is a farce and because of the tricky murders, timing is extremely important—not so much so that the actors will be where they need to be at the right times, but so that no one will get hurt.”
     Through all the fast-paced timing and tiring rehearsals, the cast is enjoying the new experience.
     “The freshness of the cast, their spirit and enthusiasm and their talent” are what Schronk said he will remember about this company when the play has reached its end.
Show time is 8 p.m with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 7. Call 817-515-6687 for reservations and additional information.