Media Relations
William Woods University

The title of the next theatrical production by William Woods University is somewhat of a misnomer. "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" is not a musical, but is certainly a mystery and a comedy.

 

A backers' audition for a new musical turns deadly, with plenty of confusing murders and knotty plots to unravel, in John Bishop's comedic thriller. The play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, 24, and 25 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 26 in Dulany Auditorium.

 

The action takes place on the Westchester estate of Elsa Von Grossenknueten in a mansion replete with sliding panels, secret passageways and a German maid who is apparently four different people"”all of which figure diabolically in the comic mayhem that follows when the infamous " Stage Door Slasher" makes his reappearance and strikes again"”and again.

 

A classic who-dun-it murder with a farcical twist, the plot journeys through an hilarious overload of twists and turns resolved by final unmasking of the "Stage Door Slasher."

 

WWU student cast members are Jen Steindorf of San Diego, Calif., as Helsa Wenzel; Kayla Jo Pulliam of Bloomington, Ill. as Elsa Von Grossenkneuten; Stephen Chamineak of Hazelwood, Mo., as Michael Kelly; T.J. Green of Brandon, Miss. as Patrick O'Reilly; Drew Arnett of Columbia, Mo., as Ken De La Maize; Bailey Campanini of Camdenton, Mo., as Nikki Crandall; Nick Hoover of Kingdom City, Mo., as Eddie McCuen; Maggie Hunter of Columbia, Mo., as Marjorie Baverstock; Jason Cavallone of Chicago, Ill., as Roger Hopewell; Paige Runge of St. Louis, Mo., as Bernice Roth.

                                               

The production will be directed by Melissa Alpers-Springer. The late Dan Springer designed the set. Jane Friedman will provide the costume design.

 

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens (62+) and children 6-12, and $8 for WWU faculty, staff and students. For tickets, call the box office at (573) 592-4267. The box office opens Feb. 6.