Reston Players Present REHEARSAL FOR MURDER, Now thru 1/31

Reston Community Players opens the thrilling whodunit Rehearsal for Murder tonigh, January 16. Audiences are invited to test their wits as they enter a world of backstage drama where nothing is as it appears - or is it?

Rehearsal for Murder is the story of Alex Dennison, a successful playwright who, one year earlier, lost his fiancé, Monica Wells, a movie-star turned Broadway leading lady, in what police ruled as a suicide. Convinced it was actually murder, Dennison invites five acquaintances from the original production to read scenes from his new play. These scenes reveal surprising connections to the original death. "Whodunit?" asked producer Jay Stein. "You'll have to come see the show to find out. I can almost guarantee that whatever your theory is, it will be wrong."

Stein also plays Lloyd Andrews, the director of Alex Dennison's ill-fated play, Chamber Music. "The most interesting thing about being in a whodunit is being part of the process of confounding the audience, yet also knowing there are enough clues for them to figure it out if they are paying attention," he said.

Ian Brown, who plays the role of playwright Alex Dennison, has previously been seen on stage at Elden Street Players and is a voice actor in the metro area. Brown is also the scenic designer for Rehearsal for Murder. "This production of Rehearsal for Murder isn't just a murder mystery - it's a love story. Alex and Monica were deeply in love, very committed to each other, and really brought out the best in each other as people. Monica's death devastates Alex, and it motivates him to bring her killer to justice through the only means he would know - by writing another play. So this isn't your run of the mill whodunit. These characters aren't just cardboard. They are very rich and complex. Especially Monica..."

Christine Carter, who plays the role of understudy Karen Daniels, is known to metro audiences through her work in short films. "Audiences should definitely get bundled up and come see Rehearsal for Murder because this show keeps you excited until the very end," Carter said. "Every character is dynamic, there's a ton of movement and excitement, and it's a really creative take on live theater. The "fourth wall" is completely broken from the beginning, and I think it appeals to everyone's innate sense of voyeurism because the audience is literally a "fly on the wall" during the entire show. This is not a show to be missed!"

Joan Susan Zeigler, who plays Bella, a prominent Broadway producer, is well known for her theatrical work in Northern Virginia. "If you love murder mysteries or have never seen one, most certainly RCP's Rehearsal for Murder is the one to see," Zeigler said. "We will inspire the detective in you and keep you on your toes till the end. This is truly a different type of a fun evening."

Rehearsal for Murder is directed by Jessie Roberts. Producers are Jocelyn Steiner and Jay Stein. The cast includes Ian Brown (Alex Dennison), Kathy Ohlhaber (Monica Wells), Kevin Walker (David Matthews), Jay Stein (Lloyd Andrew), Joan Zeigler (Bella Lamb), Wilson Paine (Leo Gibbs), Christine Carter (Karen Daniels), Heather Miska (Sally Bean), Steven Palkovitz (Mr. Santoro), Matthew Wise (Policeman), Wayne Jacques (Frank Heller), Meg Miller (Policewoman), Carol Watson (Loretta), and Matt Cederholm (Ernie/Lt. McElroy). D.D. Brooke's Rehearsal for Murder is based upon the teleplay by Richard Levinson and William Link for the 1982 film featuring Robert Preston and Lynn Redgrave.

Rehearsal for Murder runs January 16-31, 2015. All performances are at 8:00 p.m. with the exception of a 2:00 p.m. matinee on January 25.

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