Mudds' Death of a Doornail features mirth, mayhem, murder March 19-20
Posted Mar 11, 2010 By Jeff Maguire
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Tweet ThisEMC Entertainment - It has been an average winter, especially by recent standards in Carleton Place and across eastern Ontario.
But if you have any remaining "hangover" from the cold months, the Mississippi Mudds will provide the cure as they raise the curtain on spring with their latest murder mystery dinner theatre production next week.
The Carleton Place theatrical troupe, who marked their 35th anniversary with a year of celebrations in late 2008 and early 2009, are currently preparing two more shows which are sure to delight area theatre-goers.
Their initial offering of 2010 will be the murder mystery presentation 'Death of a Doornail' by Lee Mueller. It will be staged at Carleton Heritage Inn, 7 Bridge St., Carleton Place next Friday and Saturday, March 19 and 20.
As has been the case with past murder mysteries, this particular show comes with what a Mudds' spokesperson calls, "An intriguing story line and a quirky cast of characters."
In 'Death of a Doornail', eccentric millionaire Albert Doornale invites his nerdy niece, irritating ex-wife, stuck up daughter, ditzy mistress and a sleazy old mobster to join him at his mansion one evening.
A night filled with mischief, mirth, mayhem and murder ensues.
The time period is the 1950s. The snobby relatives of the family patriarch (Doornale) are forced to rub shoulders with his less polished friends when all are invited to dinner on a stormy night.
Add an English butler, an embittered Irish cook and a detective, who just happens to be in the vicinity, and you have all the makings for a classic drawing room mystery.
Kathleen Everett, who handles some of the publicity duties for the Mudds, says what is particularly endearing about 'Death of a Doornail' is how writer Mueller uses the audience's familiarity with "this classic mystery format" to advantage.
"He counts on the fact we know these stereotypical characters and will revel in their selfishness, their sneakiness, their snobbery, stupidity and their innocence," Everett explains.
"Thus, while we are not generally surprised by these characters, we are entertained by them."
She says director Sandra Dunlop "works the familiar characters and plot angle to the hilt."
Everett says the English butler (played by Tony Scott) is "wonderfully over the top" and that the spoiled daughter Priscilla (Meredith Millman) "brilliantly portrays a deplorably snobby young woman." However, she notes Millman's character has also "managed to maintain the capacity to truly love her family."
Michele Eno as the "dumb yet endearing" new girlfriend of Doornale is "a hoot in every one of her scenes," according to Everett.
The cast of 10 "has done its homework," Everett observes, adding that Mueller's "quick, clever script" is delivered with a perfect sense of timing.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this "whodunit", enough to keep even the most ardent mystery lover thinking. As usual the audience will be invited to sift through the clues and make a decision.
Space is limited and these shows sell out quickly. So make sure you call the Carleton Heritage Inn at 613-257-2525 to reserve your tickets. The price is $45 per person and includes a delicious meal. Taxes are included in the price although gratuities are extra.
Interested people are urged to telephone or drop by the inn to see if there are tickets remaining. Don't delay!
The doors open at 6 p.m. next Friday and Saturday and the production begins at 6:30.
SPRING MUSICAL
In late April and early May the scene shifts to the historic Carleton Place Town Hall Auditorium, the home of the Mississippi Mudds.
On Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24 and again on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 the Mudds will present 'High School Reunion, A Mudds' Original Musical'.
"Our newest musical review is written by Jeannie Bright (who has penned several previous shows for the Mudds)," says troupe spokesperson Judith Scott.
It features songs from the `50s and `60s including Chuck Berry's 'School Days' along with numbers from such rock `n roll luminaries as Eddie Cochrane, The Kinks, Neil Sedaka, the Beach Boys, Dusty Springfield and many more.
The music helps weave together a story featuring three couples, Donna and Ray (who finally find true love), Diana and Bob (who realize that memories are best left as memories) and Dwayne and Sue (who fall in love all over again).
"With a mixed cast of local high school students and adults, this story will visit the past with nostalgia and the present with optimism," Scott observes.
"They will make sure that - like Chuck Berry - you are 'Feeling the music from head to toe'."
Tickets for High School Reunion, A Mudds' Original Musical will go on sale in mid-March. Telephone Don at 613-253-1571 for further details.
For more information about upcoming productions, or to browse the Mudds' archives visit the organization's website: www.mississippimudds.ca
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