BWW Interviews: POSTMORTEM at the Old Opera House to Feature Murder, Mysteries and More!

In a mystery show featuring the murder and intrigue of Sherlock Holmes, normally actors would expect a theatrical death onstage......but not the murder of an actual cast member! Directed by Susan Thornton, Postmortem premieres this Friday, Oct. 17 at the Old Opera House in Charles Town, WV.

Ken Ludwig, the playwright best known for fast-paced farces Lend Me a Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo and Leading Ladies, offers an unusually spooky selection with the quick-witted thriller. In the 1920's, the cast of the latest revival of Sherlock Holmes have gathered at the leading actor's luxurious castle for a weekend of relaxation. Little do they know, the actor believes someone is setting the scene for a murder off stage within the company and he intends to hold a séance and find the killer before the show is really over!

"Postmortem is a difficult show to learn due to the speed and similarity of the lines. Everything is very faced paced, and since my character is learning of a murder, she is trying to put the pieces together amidst the chaos" said Ashley Snow, who plays May Dison.

"A challenge was adjusting my usual way of speaking to better fit the sharper diction of Americans in the twenties. Bobby likes to use a lot of British terms so I wanted to reflect the kind of upper crust snobbery he wishes he belonged to in his voice" said John Glymph on playing Bobby Carlyle.

"There are lots of special and necessary props, gunshots and physical struggles that needed to be timed perfectly for effect. I enjoyed when fast-paced scenes came together and achieved the effect that I think the playwright intended" said director Susan Thornton.

"Leo is an interesting fellow. Like Gillette, he's been playing the same role for twenty years, but unlike Gillette, the spotlight has never really been his. He is very fond of Gillette, and considers him his closest friend, but he can't help but feel as if he has been consigned to the fringes of the spotlight - always playing the villain. Add to that the violence of murder, and mortal peril that threatens to shatter the life he's built, and he's off his game" said Kit Thornton on playing Leo Barrett.

In a fast-paced, character driven murder mystery, complete with witty dialogue and quick action, a good rapport among cast mates was essential to the success of the show.

"This rehearsal process is great because this cast and crew is full of very quick witted people" said Ellen Nichols, who plays Lilly Warner.

"We work hard, and support each other. This is an ensemble show, and the chemistry is very, very good. The actors "play into" each other extremely well" said Kit Thornton "In rehearsal, we are having a blast. We get along with each other in equal proportion to how our characters dislike each other" added Glymph.

"This cast is fantastic. Not only are they incredibly talented, but we have a lot of fun, even when things on stage can be tense at times. There is no shortage of camaraderie in this cast!" said Ashley Snow

The cast is excited to bring a lesser-known murder mystery to life this Halloween season.

"A strong cast, a thrilling, mysterious plot, and first-class staging are going to make for a stimulating night at the theatre" said Kit Thornton

"Audiences will love this show due to the quick wit and humor, as well as the thriller pace. It provides everything with the qualities of a budding romance, fragile relationships, mystery, determination, and some plot twists along the way!" said Snow.

"It is a great murder mystery with so many great plot twists and set ups. It is not a well known play, so audiences probably won't know "who done it" until the end" said Susan Thornton

Postmortem also features Karen Paone as Marion Barrett, Jack Brennan as William Gillette and Tia Coode as Louise Parradine. Postmortem will run October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 at the Old Opera House, located at 204 N. George Street, Charles Town, WV. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinee performances are at 2:30 p.m.. Tickets are reserved. Please call 304-725-4420 or visit www.oldoperahouse.org to make reservations.

Photo Credit: Old Opera House

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