Email
Print
Many Twists and Turns in 'Axe of Murder'
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: January 1, 2010
SPRING HILL - "Axe of Murder," opening at Stage West Community Theatre Jan. 7, adds a satirical twist to the classic "who dun it" genre of theatre.
A play within a play, this story follows a cast of characters, all actors in the theater, who meet as a play reading committee to make their play selections for the upcoming season and find that the plot they are reading in the script by resident writer Colin Chambers (Patrick Gonzalez) begins to mirror the lives of the actors.
As things begin to happen in the theatre just as they are described in the play, Chambers warns them that the play is haunted, and demands they cease the reading of the play, but now they are irresistibly drawn in and can't stop.
When someone is murdered onstage, the troupe is frantic to solve the mystery of just who is behind the "haunting" of their theatre.
As mysterious events begin to take place in the theatre, putting everyone's life at risk, the question becomes, "Who will be next?"
"If you appreciate theater's ability to surprise you, then I think this is really a show you will enjoy," says Director Angela Sarabia. "Axe of Murder" has enough convoluted twists and turns that will stump any audience, and just enough zaniness for a few belly laughs.
You will find yourself unraveling the clues along with the cast, and being surprised at the end, because nothing is as it seems.
"Axe of Murder" is a comedy with a sense of mystery and fun and is a little different in that it is interactive and both comedic and suspenseful. Actors don't stay on the stage; they move through the theatre and involve the audience as the mystery unfolds.
Murder weapons appear and disappear on stage and classic creepy sound effects add to the hysteria.
The cast is relatively new to the Stage West stage, but is anchored by several seasoned performers, including Peter Clapsis, (Sergeant Mike) who has directed and served as leading man for many Stage West productions, Dave Stenger, who recently played Moonface Martin in "Anything Goes," Mitchell Gonzalez, who was Billy Crocker in "Anything Goes," and Patrick Gonzalez of "1776."
"Axe of Murder" is an ensemble piece, where every actor is a main character and most are on stage for nearly the entire production.
Sarabia is a prosecuting attorney for Pasco County, with a passion for the theatre.
Last season at Stage West, she played Kay Mostyn in "Murder on the Nile," she was Beatrice in "Much Ado about Nothing," at Richey Suncoast Theater, and also directed "Hamlet" there.
"Axe of Murder" is her directorial debut at Stage West, and in March she will become a mother for the first time.
"Most of the fun of the show comes from the actors trying to figure out what is going on," said Sarabia.
"As they unravel the mystery, there is a lot of physical comedy as well as some suspense." Sarabia says that the set will be minimal for "Axe of Murder. "
With all the action taking place in a theatre, Sarabia chose interesting set pieces from previous Stage West shows to help set the stage as a working theatre.
Adding to the seasoned Stage West performers are actors with other community theatre experience. Elizabeth Cramton plays Cassandra, who recently starred in "Run for Your Wife," at Richey Suncoast Theatre.
Cast members also include Star Verosic, Emilee Andrade, Mickey Mandel, Caroline Logsted, Chris Venable, Megan Perry, Heather Brosi, Liz Vorhees, Holly Kirchman, Ryan Rogers, Tom Venable, Butch Trainer and Gerry Mandel. "Axe of Murder" opens Jan. 7 and plays weekends through Jan. 24
Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8 p.m., and the Sunday matinee starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18, and $9 for students, and may be purchased by calling 352 683- 5113.
Stop by the box office, which is open one hour prior to each performance or Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stage West Community Playhouse is located at 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd, Spring Hill. Visit their Web site at www.stagewest.net.
Marsha Reiniers writes regularly for the Hernando Today Out & About section. She lives in Spring Hill and can be contacted at Marsha@LTC-FLA.com.
TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online ©2010 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company. | Member Agreement | Privacy Statement | Work With Us
| * To: | |
| Your Name: | |
| Your Email Address: | |
| Personal Message [optional]: | |
