Mysterious spoof

Next weekend Edgeley Community Theater will play host to a spoof on murder mysteries with “Murder at Crooked House,” otherwise known as “18 Nervous Gumshoes.”

“Crooked House,” is the 1949 Agatha Christie crime novel, which was one of the great’s favorite detective works and considered one of the first to have a twist ending.

Next weekend in Edgeley, the action will be a little lighter, said Betty Jean Carow, director.

“The characters in this play are all exaggerated, and we’re poking fun at the classic stage mystery,” Carow said. “The whole thing is a real funny comedy and it has a whole lot of action. We’re really excited about it as it sounded kind of funny and a little difficult.”

The story follows Crooked House, a seedy hotel where the quests pay outrageous rent for shoddy service but in reality are paying blackmail.

In comes detective Hercules Porridge, who discovers a corpse. A cast of eccentric characters follows as the detective works to solve the crime.

Some characters include a Colonel who believes it’s 1880 and he’s in India, one who dresses as a jungle explorer, a butler with a wandering mind, a stage actress always dressed in black and others.

The cast made up of 18 Edgeley residents includes farmers, mechanics, teachers, nurses and other community members.

“Those that couldn’t be there (at rehearsals) were working on their lines in the combine or the truck,” Carow said. “It’s a rural community and everybody has got a lot to do.”

This all-ages show is also a fundraiser for the Edgeley Community Matters organization, which helps local groups in the area.

“’Murder at Crooked House’ appeals to a wide audience,” Carow said. “It’s fast action and light-hearted so you go out of it feeling happy. This one is meant to feel good.”

The show is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at the gym in Edgeley High School. Admission is $10 for high school students and adults and $5 for 12 and under. Admission includes refreshments at intermission. There will also be a bake sale both days.

“In a small town you feed them too,” Carow said.

Tickets will be sold at the door but can be preordered by calling 701-493-2961. Advanced tickets are also on sale at Allied Energy and The Hair Place in Edgeley.

Edgeley is about 35 miles south of Jamestown on U.S. Highway 281.

“It’s worth the drive because it’s a very funny play,” Carow said. “It’s something that’s light and it’s something that most everyone would enjoy.”

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by email at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

Tags: diversions, theater