The Preeceville and Sturgis United Church players performed its spring play in three communities over three days last week: in Stenen on April 27; Sturgis, April 28, and Preeceville, April 29.
Agatha Crusty and The Village Hall Murdersis a comedy murder mystery play written by Derek Webb.
"We have 10 dedicated actors who have taken on the challenge, " said Sheila Ivanochko, director. "This is the first time that this play will ever have been enacted in Canada. We also put a local twist on the English play."
Agatha Crusty (pronounced Croosty) is a crime novelist, according to the website. She's also pretty adept at solving crimes. And when her sister-in-law Alice invites her to spend a few days with her in the village of Chortelby, it's not long before she gets caught up in a series of murders which seem directed at members of the All Saints Village Hall committee.
From Toby, the Vicar, and Eleanor, chair of the committee, to Harry Knott, the caretaker, and identical twins Olivia and Oliver Truscott-Pratt, there are plenty of suspects. And with an investigating officer as incompetent as D.I. Twigg, there are plenty of laughs as the murders begin to pile up.
But, while packed full of wit and very funny scenes, this is also a genuine murder mystery with an ingenious plot which will tax the little grey brain cells of the audience at the same time.
Agatha Crusty and The Village Hall Murdershas already had more than seventy productions, and hundreds of performances, in the UK, Australia and the US. Without exception, audiences have loved it and the cast and crew too, said information from the website.
The cast of characters were: Miles Russell, Britney Vewchar, Elaine Meachem, Juanita Ivanochko, Arlene Lingl, Daniel Metherll, Sydney Kidder, Trina Wardle, Myra Stachiw and Laura Davis.
Sheila Ivanochko was the director. Carla Lewis and Hazel Urbanoski were coordinators. Lewis was also the prompter.
Hazel Urbanoski and cast members were responsible for the set and properties. Darin Newton and crew transported the set's flats. Verna Larson was responsible for posters and publicity; Jeff Davis, sound and lights and Natashia Ling, lights.
Door greeters were: Trudy Scebenski and Brenda Lisoway at Stenen; Wayne and Leanne McDonald, Sturgis, and Joanne Meberg and Shirley Lowe, Preeceville.
Lunch was organized by the United Church women at each location.
