North Putnam thespians to stage murder mystery Friday, Saturday

Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Courtesy photo In a scene from the North Putnam High School production of “The Red House Mystery,” Antony Gillingham (Zach Koll, left) explains his theory on the murder to Angela (Haley Wilson) Betty (Josie Lyons) and Bill (Blaine Kimmell).

North Putnam High School will present “The Red House Mystery” Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3-4.

Both shows start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students.

The sudden violence of murder erupts at an English house party hosted by Mark Ablett (Brandon Burgess). To the police, Inspector Birch (Jenna Spangler) and Officer Joe Turner (Dylan Arnold), it’s obviously just another case of sibling rivalry between Mark and his twin brother Robert (also played by Brandon Burgess). But a guest Antony Gillingham (Zachary Koll) is suspicious of this slick solution.

There are others besides the brother who hold grudges against the murdered man, including Major Rumbold (Zoe Hagymasi) who had previous business dealings with Mark, or perhaps it was Bill Beverly (Blaine Kimmell) who wants to marry Mark’s ward Betty (Josie Lyons) but Mark has said no to the request.

Could it possibly be the actress Miss Norris (Rachel Hamilton) whose career feels threatened by her host? We have not one but several complex life patterns to keep us enthralled including the possibility that the murder was because of the warning of the Ghost of Lady Ann of Red House.

Other guests include Angela Norbury (Haley Wilson) who is sought after by many, including Mark, Mrs. Norbury (Anne Peabody) Angela’s mother is also in attendance.

Mrs Calladine (Elizabeth Graves) Betty’s mother helps to put the party together, only to have it ruined by murder.

Matthew Caley (Mason Allen) Mark’s cousin and assistant, along with the servants, Mrs. Stevens (Mady Williams), Audrey Stevens (Grace Elmore), and Elsie (Carleigh Copeland) are at the party to serve.

Directed by Dustin Bond, the production is assisted by Justice Boulton as stage manager. The set design is by Linda Gjesvold.

Assistant director Craig Armitage does the tech work as well with Jessica Neild as Thespian sponsor, assisted by Jason Lafever.

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