WILSON, N.C. — Take a summer home in Connecticut. Add one wealthy spinster, her cockney maid, an old butler, beautiful niece, young man, suspicious gardener, hard-boiled detective, assorted gunshots, and a dead body. Gently stir… and you’ve got the makings for a delightful night of theatre! Theatre at Barton is pleased to present Ed Dixon’s “Whodunit…the Musical,” opening on Thursday, April 11, at 8 p.m. in the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre on the campus of Barton College in Wilson. Additional performances will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings, April 12-13, at 8 p.m. A Sunday, April 14, matinee will be held at 3 p.m.
“This clever, campy script crosses multiple theatrical genres and spins its bold, farcical tale around a classic Agatha Christie-style murder mystery,” shares Adam Twiss, director of Theatre at Barton and producer for “Whodunit…the Musical.” “The show challenges our students in a new way and brings renowned Raleigh-based director and choreographer Sherry Lee Allen to Barton for a brand of outrageous comedy not seen on this campus in recent years. We are pleased to have you join us for Ed Dixon’s Whodunit, the Musical!’
As guest director for “Whodunit, ” Sherry Lee Allen brings a wealth of talent as an accomplished actor, director, dancer, and choreographer. Studying musical theatre, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Point Park University in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pa. As a performer, Allen has been a member of Actors Equity for 20 years and has appeared in the National Tour of “Evita” and the European Tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Regionally, Allen has worked with numerous companies, most recently appearing in North Carolina Theatre’s production of “Evita” and Hot Summer Nights’ “Marvelous Wonderettes” in Raleigh.
As an educator, Allen has served as an adjunct professor in dance and theatre at Grand Valley State University, Aquinas College, and Cornerstone University. She currently teaches at the North Carolina Theatre (NCT) Conservatory, and William Peace University. Allen has been assistant director for several of North Carolina Theatre and Hot Summer Nights’ hit productions, including “Evita” (starring Lauren Kennedy.) “Dames at Sea,” and “The Great American Trailer Park Musical,” as well as the NCT Conservatory’s Master STAS productions of “Fame” and “All Shook Up.”
The cast includes guest artists Kody Corbin, Michael Webb in addition to Barton students Katelyn Barr, Adam Barr, Sue Murphy Johnson, Kerstin Conrad, Lillian Sarvey, Chris Byrd, Beatrice Urtecho, and Zachery Rivera. Sarvey is also serving as assistant director for the production. Mark Peterson is the musical director and pianist and Chris Bernier is providing scenic and lighting design as well as technical direction. Will Hine is assistant technical director. Denise Schumaker is overseeing costume design. The stage management crew includes Allison Dellinger as stage manager and Elizabeth Capps, Hannah Finkelstein, and AJ Williams as assistant stage managers.
Barton College students, faculty, and staff may receive tickets for free at the door (or in advance at www.barton.edu/theatre) with their Barton ID. The price of admission for $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65 and over) and military, and $6 for non-Barton students.
For additional information, contact Adam Twiss at 252-399-6484 or email: ajtwiss@barton.edu.
END