Royal Players Presents THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940

The Royal Theater and Johnston's Home Center proudly invite you to join us for an evening of mystery, suspense, and laughter, as they present "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940;" a hilarious high-society Who-dunnit murder mystery written by John Bishop. Brought to life by Director Tim Huddleston, with an All-Star cast and crew, it's sure to be a truly killer show.

In the middle of the worst blizzard in years, the elite of Hollywood society gathers at the mansion of a wealthy patron of the arts in upstate New York, to plan their new production. The team's last production was shadowed in a murderous scandal by the infamous "Stage Door Slasher" who remains at large. Is the slasher among them? No one knows for sure.

Is it the Irish tenor, Mr. Patrick O'Reilly (Jeremy Clay)? Or the eccentric film director, Mr. Ken De La Maize (Joshua Grandon)? Could it be comedian Eddie McCuen (Nick Bell), or even fabulous fashionista Marjorie Baverstock (Jamie Partain)? Is chorus girl Nikki Crandall (Destiny Marchesse, understudied by Savannah Price) the slashers next target? Or will it be the inspired writer, Ms. Bernice Ross (Hillary Bell, understudied by Madelynne West)? Is the wealthy patron, Madam Elsa Von Grassenknuten (Jennifer Medford) safe in the company of the musical composer, Mr. Roger Hopewell (Matthew Burns) or Mr. Michael Kelly (Johnny Jackson)? Do any of them dare trust the German maid, Ms. Helsa Wenzel (Kenzi Brenton)? Rounding out the cast are the voice talents of Eric McCallister as the radio newscaster, and Nicholas Love as the mysterious Phantom. Is anyone whom they seem to be? Who is the slasher!? Who's next!?

Paired with the amazing cast is a stellar production crew. Producer Tony Clay, Stage Manager Phoebe Earles, Prop Master Paige Carpenter, Lighting Specialist Michelle Griffis, Sound Engineer Charles Johnson, and Costumer Rebecca Minton make for a deadly team. The set and lighting designs by Tim Huddleston and Tony Clay, play bills by Chaska Richardson, and publicity by Phoebe Earles and Carissa Lumpkins, are simply to die for!

The mystery is unfolding June 14-17, and June 21-24, on the stage of the historic Royal Theater (111 South Market Street, Benton, AR). Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; and 2 p.m. on Sunday. General admission tickets are $12, but are slashed to $10 for seniors 60+, military and college students, and $6 for high school students and younger.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.theroyalplayers. ticketleap.com For phone reservations, call (501) 315-5483. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on a first-come, first served basis.

This play is a product of Dramatists Play Services, Inc. and all rights reserved to Flora Roberts Inc., 157 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019.

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