We’re speeding down the tracks to our final show of the 2023 season. Our travels take us back in time once more to the Golden Age of British Railway. It’s the 1920’s, and the citizens of England are scandalized at a crime gobbling up the headlines. Or several crimes. Luckily, a wealthy man of leisure is sufficiently interested enough to try his hand at criminology. Or is it “unluckily”? Grab your bags and don’t miss this train because the next stop on our journey will have you laughing and pulling out your detective skills as we learn in our 35th Master Mystery Production…

How to Solve a Murder

AUDITIONS

Friday and Saturday,
September 1 and 2, 2023
4 to 6 p.m. at Red Rock Books
206 W. Ridgecrest Blvd.

How to Solve a Murder marks the playwriting debut of MMP Hall of Fame Artist Janis Kunz, a theatrical artist par excellence who was inspired by the Jeeves and Wooster stories she loved so much. A witty and bright comedy of manners, we are whisked to the railways of England where a murder and a missing body shock the passengers, some who definitely have secrets to hide. Who can solve such a crime? Enter Archibald Reeves and his valet, whose mishaps and misfortunes aboard the train will show an audience definitely how NOT to solve a murder. The script possesses all the warmth and wit of an Agatha Christie novel with a fresh sense of humor and style. And we need lots of actors for this show.

How to Solve a Murder currently has ten roles to fill.

Actors need to be age 13 and older to audition. Those under 18 will need a parent/guardian signature on a permission slip AND a parent/guardian MUST attend any and all rehearsals their child attends. Actors under 18 require a parent/guardian at the show dates.

The show dates are:
November 3, 4, 10, 17, and 18, 2023
at 7:30 p.m. at the VFW Ship 4084

During auditions, everyone will fill out an audition form which will ask for basics such as name, email, experience, availability, etc. These are just basics to give us an understanding on who the performer is as well as contact information. Then we pair up performers for cold readings of selected scenes from the original script by Janis Kunz. Rehearsal schedule will be finalized after auditions based on actor availability. After auditions, casting emails will be sent out to everyone who auditioned for the show.

If you are unable to attend the posted audition dates, but are still interested in trying out, message us on Facebook or email us at mastermysteryproductions@hotmail.com to schedule an outside audition.

SYNOPSIS

All aboard! During the Roaring Twenties, a train speeding across the English landscape was
the preferred way to travel for the rich, famous…and infamous. Hampton-upon-Blythe is
just like any other sleepy little English town. With perhaps one exception…In the past few
months, it has had two murders! Add to that the grisly murder of Dr. Rutherford in the
nearby town of Beddington, and Archibald Reeves’ armchair sleuthing senses are certainly
piqued! Reeves fervently believes that these sorts of crimes can be solved quite easily if you
just use your mind. As he often proclaims, the mind is a wonderful tool, and deduction itself
is more powerful than a steam locomotive. Of course, a few uncovered clues and stashed
dead bodies aren’t too bad on the investigation either.

So how does the self-proclaimed mental mastermind try to solve a murder?

Station 1: Book two tickets aboard the 2:30 to Beddington, the scene of the crime;

Station 2: Take your gentleman’s gentleman with you because he’s swell at getting
you out of binds;

Station 3: Question everyone who may have seen or heard anything about the
recently expired doctor;

Station 4: Be completely oblivious to all the dark secrets, hidden character traits,
white collar crimes, and outright lies that are all around you…

Join Reeves and Brewster and a whole train full of suspects as they try to follow the
tracks that lead to a murderer without getting into a bit of a bother themselves. There’ll be
mistaken identities, eavesdropping, shocking twists, and animated antics that will keep you
guessing (and laughing) throughout the whole journey. Right ho! All aboard! Let’s solve a
murder or two! And try not to trip over any bodies that might be in our path…

CAST OF CHARACTERS

ARCHIBALD REEVES – Reeves is a man of leisure due to having family money and is well-mannered with good taste. However, he obsesses over crime and mysteries and has a bit of
an ego problem. As an armchair detective, he “solved” a murder in London recently…after
the police had already arrested the culprit. But it hadn’t been in the papers yet, so how was
Reeves supposed to know, anyway? Reeves has partial success with the ladies, up until he
does something corny, and they move on. If he did something too foolish and someone
witnessed it, how far would he go to keep them quiet?

BREWSTER – Brewster is a constant companion, valet, and voice of reason to Reeves. He has
many interests and skills, including boxing, sewing, cooking, and gambling. The ladies
swoon for Brewster too, but he doesn’t feel the same way. He has a rich past, with many
corners unknown to Reeves. Did something from one of those corners come back that he
had to silence?

SORENSON – Sorenson has had to fend for herself since a very young age and doesn’t let
anything, even the law, get in her way of getting the finer things in life. She has lived a life of crime since being a young orphan. And she’s quite good at it. She trusts her own
judgement and no one else’s. If there is an opportunity to get ahead in life, she will take it.
What if that opportunity required her to kill someone?

BENTLEY – Bentley grew up in an unsavory household and shares Sorenson’s lack of
scruples when it comes to reaching his goals. He thinks he is a mastermind, but he’s nothing
but a toady. He likes good food and material possessions, but mostly good food. He and
Sorenson compete as often as they collaborate. Is he capable of murder just to be the
winner?

NORA LITTLETON – Nora is an outgoing actress with a keen eye and a flair for the dramatic.
She is the type to feel things deeply and also thinks fast on her feet. She sees the world in
many more shades of color than most and gives the benefit of the doubt to anyone even until
it becomes unhealthy. She will happily drop into character and melodrama at the drop of a
hat. Does she think she’s above the law because she can charm her way out?

LILLIANNE HIGHMORE – Lillianne tends to pay attention more to the thoughts inside her own
head or the book in her hands. She reads voraciously and loves good conversation and
adventure, even though she doesn’t have much luck with either. She’s also a runaway
fiancée; Cedric was just too needy. She wants to see the world and find Mr. Really Right
This Time. What is she capable of in order to achieve her dreams?

MRS. HOLLY – Mrs. Holly is kind and warm, but also on her way to being doddering. She is
a wonderful old lady. She either reminds you of your aunt or grandmother, or you wish she
was. She is easily scared, yet she isn’t afraid to say what she is thinking. Does her sweet,
amiable exterior hide a darker interior?

MORTIMER – Mortimer has a tidy life, with a tidy job at the bank and a tidy little flat. But he
never feels like he fits in and keeps to himself in social situations. As a by-the-book banker,
he has never committed a crime…before. Hiding his transgression incites panic in his heart,
and he doesn’t know what to do with himself. How far will he go to cover his tracks?

CONDUCTOR – The conductor of the train to Beddington.

CHIEF CONSTABLE – Chief Constable of the Beddington Police Station.

We’ll need all the help we can get to bring this play to life. There’s twists, turns, and gags galore! Come join us at auditions, and start your theatre journey with the mystery maestros of MMP!

We welcome anyone and everyone who is interested to audition. No theatrical experience is necessary. We are always happy to take and develop new talent all the time. This will be a show where you can really get to play and go wild. If you have questions or concerns, email us at mastermysteryproductions@hotmail.com or message Master Mystery Productions on Facebook.

We will see you at auditions!

–Master Mystery Productions