Spring Valley Stagehands announce theatre season opener Murder’s in the Heir

THE CAST of “Murders in the Heir” presented by the Spring Valley Stagehands is pictured above. Front row (L to R): Luke Hayes, Derek Huebel, Michael Butts, Paula Knutson, and Matt Summers. Back row (L to R): Edria Nyhus, Kelly Johnson, Sarah Erickson, Makenna Johnson, Merrick Johnson, Nan Becker, and Scott Thayer. —photo submitted

Submitted by Lori Peterson, Spring Valley Stagehands

SPRING VALLEY, WI – The setting: the dark and gloomy living room of the Starkweather Mansion, a home nestled on an isolated country estate surrounded by woods, on a stormy night. Family and staff gather to hear why the family patriarch, billionaire Simon Starkweather (Michael Butts), has brought them together. By midnight, the lights have gone out, the storm has raged, and a murder will has been committed. Detective Mike Davis (Luke Hayes) and Simon III (Merrick Johnson), the patriarch’s grandson, will be looking for answers among the many potential scenarios and culprits. They are assisted by Simon’s Attorney, Lois Van Zandt (Kelly Johnson), and his Personal Secretary, Kathy Collins (Edria Nyhus). Was it the great niece (Makenna Johnson), or the great nephew (Derek Huebel) and/or his mother (Nan Becker)? Perhaps the butler (Matt Summers), the cook (Ann Siegal), the nurse (Paula Knutson), the handyman (Scott Thayer), the housekeeper (Sarah Erickson), or the maid (Olivia Dumond)? Part Agatha Christie spoof, part Clue, this theatre season opening show in rehearsal at the Stagehands theatre promises intrigue, laughs, and a climactic twist. Audience members, in casting votes during intermission, get to decide the answer to the big question of who dun it? The play’s climactic ending changes depending upon the audience vote. The show is scheduled to run March 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 at 7 p.m., with Sunday March 2 and 10 matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available soon at www.svstagehands.org