ESU presents 2008 Homecoming Musical: ‘Something’s Afoot’
Special to the Gazette
Friday, October 17, 2008
Emporia State University’s departments of theater and music will open the 2008-2009 theater season with ESU’s 36th annual Homecoming Musical, “Something’s Afoot.”
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, in ESU’s Albert Taylor Hall. A 2 p.m. matinee performance will take place Sunday. All proceeds from the production go to fund theater and music scholarships.
Set in the English Lake district in the spring of 1935, the characters in the musical have been called by mysterious summons to the country estate of Lord Dudley Rancour. Upon arriving, the guests discover that the master of the house has been murdered.
Trapped inside by a freak storm, the guests don’t know who to trust and who might be the killer. Led by the indomitable Mrs. Tweed, played by Tricia Stogsdill, a senior from Pleasanton, the cast must sing and dance their way through booby-traps, accusations and an investigation in search of “whodunit.”
This play is drawn from the works of Agatha Christie. It features book, music and lyrics by James McDonald, David Vos and Robert Gerlach with additional music by Ed Linderman.
In addition to Stogsdill as Mrs. Tweed, the cast features senior Emily Young of Parsons as Lettie, the maid; freshman Kyle Farmer of Tecumseh as the butler; and sophomore Dylan Lewis of Wichita as Flint, the caretaker.
Freshman James Lawson of Salina plays the doctor; junior Chris Lohkamp of Wichita is the old army man; and junior Roy Michael Johnson of McLouth plays Nigel, the spoiled heir. Rounding out the cast are junior Kelsey Fredricks of Mandan, N.D.; senior Jeremiah Devine of Hutchinson; and sophomore Emily Warren of Wichita.
The production is directed by Theresa Mitchell, with musical direction by Penny Speedie. Lindy Bartruff is the choreographer. The production features scenic design by Nancy Pontius, costumes by Susan J. Mai, with lighting design by Ron Fowlkes, sound design by Indy Dambro, and technical direction by Craig Moxon. This production will mark Moxon’s regular season debut as technical director for ESU Theatre. Sue Seeman is the rehearsal pianist. Senior Katie Schultz is the stage manager.