Agatha Christie's
'The Unexpected Guest'

Directed by Diane Mashia

Presented in September & October 2011

When Michael Starkwedder drives into a ditch in thick fog on a country road, he walks to the nearest house for help – only to find a woman standing over the body of her dead husband with a gun in her hand. It looks like an open and shut murder case, but it soon becomes clear that the dead man's wife may be covering up for someone – and there are a whole host of people in the house with both motive and opportunity to commit the murder.

As the suspense unfolds we discover that perhaps no one – not even the unexpected guest – is telling the complete truth. Murder, blackmail, insanity, conspiracy, love … “The Unexpected Guest” delivers all of these in the true style of the incomparable Dame Agatha.

Click here for cast information.

Click here to see photos from this production!

An Evening of Thrills and Chills

Directed by Deborah Smola and Diane Mashia

Presented in October 2011

A selection of Halloween inspired, spirited readings including Washington Irving's “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “The Raven” plus other short stories by Edgar Allan Poe, with a visit from “Edgar Allan Poe” himself!

These performances will feature the Rochester premiere of Jason D. Martin's "Group Therapy and the Undead." A psychologist tries to help a gay vampire (who just doesn't seem to fit into the Vampire culture), a Werewolf (with sexual problems) and an ex-prom queen Zombie (who is disillusioned by the current dating scene). A tongue in cheek romp that explores the ups and downs of being one of the “Undead”.

A second work by Jason D. Martin, entitled “Schoolhouse Rock” will also be performed. In this monologue an unconventional grade school teacher lectures her students on the merits of stranger danger and wearing your seatbelt. She also has a “secret” to reveal! Just in time for Back to School!

Also being performed will be “Variations on the Death of Trotsky” by David Ives. This one act play fictionalizes the death of Russian Revolutionary, Leon Trotsky at different moments, though all from the same, historically accurate cause: a wound to the head by a mountain climber's ax!! Trotsky comes to grips with the facts of his impending demise, settling affairs with his wife, pondering the nature of man and humanity.

Click here to see photos from this production!

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

Adapted by Fred Keller
Directed by Lory Love Restivo

Presented in December 2011

The Magi were very wise men who brought wonderfully wise gifts to the Babe in the manger, inventing the art of giving Christmas presents!

This story is about a young couple so in love that they sacrifice for each other the greatest treasures they possess. As the story unfolds you'll meet the funny characters who influence their decision to make these sacrifices and discover that of all who give and receive gifts, these two are the wisest of all.

The production will also include Carolers in “turn-of-the-century” fashion, along with song sheets for audience sing-a-long.

The Ives of March

Six One-Act Comedies by David Ives
Directed by Diane Mashia

March 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:30 PM
March 11 at 2:00 PM

Synopsis of the One-Acts 

During the evening of merriment and mayhem, we first meet Norman and Flora, as they engage in a whirlwind romance spurred on by a wacky translator, in Arabian Nights.

Then, we see how two people meet in a coffee shop and find their way through a conversational minefield, as an off-stage bell interrupts false starts, gaffes, and faux pas on the way to falling in love, in Sure Thing.

The play Words, Words, Words, recalls the philosophical adage that three monkeys typing to infinity will sooner or later produce Hamlet, and in this case, other rare chestnuts.

The Universal Language brings together a woman with a stutter and the creator of “Unamunda,” a wild and comedic language, for a lesson laced with linguistic legerdemain and hilarious verbal pyrotechnics!

Then, we will present poor Mark, a fellow who can’t seem to get what he wants unless he asks for the complete opposite in The Philadelphia.

Finally, we eavesdrop on a lunch hour, 50 stories over the city, as three construction workers share increasingly amazing secrets of their past, in Mere Mortals.

More shows for 2012 will be announced soon!